Devala-smriti (critical study)
by Mukund Lalji Wadekar | 1982 | 67,394 words
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti—an ancient text attributed to sage Devala classified as belonging to the Dharma-Shastra branch of Indian literature which encompasses jurisprudence and religious law. This study deals with the reconstructed text of the Devalasmriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique...
6.4. The concept of Utkranti (departure)
[Full title: (A) Philosophical aspects; (VI) Concept of bondage and liberation (3): Purpose of spiritual activity].
Devala also expaciates the procedure of Yogin's departure from this world, after he has seen the sign of his approaching death (2468-2474). Though the author has explained the Sankhyayoga philosophy, he identifies the ultimate state to be reached by the Yogin with the Brahman. The Yogin obtains nirvana (salvation) & reaches the Highest Brahman, after leaving his mortal body. It is described as the ultimate & infinite state, designated as Sankhya, bereft of connection or contact with birth, death
875 & other calamities. This description is not at all in conformity with the classical Sankhya. But the above description is similar to that of the Sankhya accounts, found in the Carakasamhita 101 (Sarira 1/155/156, V/21 & 33) & the Buddhacarita (XII.65). Even, while expounding the Sankhya doctrine, both the above works describe like Devala, the Brahman to be the ultimate state to be reached by the Yogin. It is also described as nirvana in the caraka. The exposition of Sankhya 102 � doctrines in the Mahabharata (Cf.Santi.275/39) also contains references to the Brahman, not admitted by the classical Sankhya. Thus the exposition of Devala also reflects upon the priority of Devala to the Sankhyakarika. Devala has borrowed the Sankhya & Yoga accounts from the ancient works of those systems, that admitted even the concept of Brahman.