Essay name: Devala-smriti (critical study)
Author:
Mukund Lalji Wadekar
Affiliation: Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda / Department of Sanskrit Pali and Prakrit
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti鈥攁n 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 Devala-smriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala鈥檚 unique viewpoints on social, religious, and philosophical aspects, particularly the Sankhya and Yoga philosophies.
Chapter 9 - The distinctive features of the Devalasmriti
146 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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& half of that of vaisya to the sudra. Thus the hierarchical,
caste-wise distinction is made in respect of prescription of
penance.
(2) Whatever expiation has been ordained for a sinful act
in public, the twentieth part of it, has been prescribed for
performing it in secret, & the thirtieth or sixtieth part thereof
according to his caste.
(3) The expiation, prescribed for committing a sin without
intention, was doubled, when it was perpetrated with intention.
(4) The penance could be efficacious provided, it is prescri-
bed in case of a sin, perpetrated only once, without intention,
but no penance whatsoever is deemed fit to wash away the sin
when it is committed repeatedly with intention. The author however
refers to the view of others, who prescribe an expiation, even
in such cases of intentional commitment of sin.
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(5) The author also points out that when sin is committed
repeatedly, the expiation at the second time, should be double.
It should be three times more, if committed thrice, but there
is no expiation to purify him, if it is perpetrated for four
times.
6) If the penance is not performed at proper time & much
time has elapsed after the commitment of sin, the author
ordains that the penance is to be the double of what is ordinarily
prescribed & punishment by the king is also double. This shows
that expiation was to be undergone within the prescribed limit
