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The document discusses the philosophical implications of Indian scriptures, particularly focusing on the Smṛti texts and their support for societal stability over democratic ideals. It also touches on the Puraṇas, highlighting their cosmological themes and mythological content, which limits their philosophical relevance. Additionally, it addresses the teachings of the R̩g-Veda and the Gr̩hya sūtras regarding household duties, as well as the foreign policy insights from the Mahābhārata and the doctrine of niśkāma karma from the Gītā.

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30 views1 page

Block-1 43

The document discusses the philosophical implications of Indian scriptures, particularly focusing on the Smṛti texts and their support for societal stability over democratic ideals. It also touches on the Puraṇas, highlighting their cosmological themes and mythological content, which limits their philosophical relevance. Additionally, it addresses the teachings of the R̩g-Veda and the Gr̩hya sūtras regarding household duties, as well as the foreign policy insights from the Mahābhārata and the doctrine of niśkāma karma from the Gītā.

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atonement for sins deals precisely with this sort of prohibited switching.

Indian Scriptures
The upshot of this discrimination is that liberty took back seat, but stability
in society was prioritized. This will help us to infer the kind of political
system which Smr̩ ti supported. Surely, Smr̩ ti did not support democratic
system, though during Vedic age democratic system flourished.
2. Purān̩as are eighteen in number. Since they are not relevant philosophically,
it is not even necessary to list them. Many Purān̩as deal with cosmology.
Perhaps this is the only topic common to philosophy and Purān̩as.
Interestingly, one Purān̩a, viz., Vāyu-Purān̩a attempts at geography, music,
etc. Apart from the neglect of evidence, Purān̩as suffer from one more
defect. All Purān̩as combine legends related to gods and demons, life after
death, etc. which disqualify mythology from becoming worthy of serious
philosophical study.
Answers to Check Your Progress II
1. Sāyan̩a, in his R̩ g-Veda Bhās̩ ya, has defined Śiks̩ ā as follows; ‘that which
teaches pronunciation in accordance with swara (vowel) and Varn̩ a (letter)
is called śiks̩ ā. Clarity in speech and ability to listen correctly are the
prerequisite to learn the Vedas. This is the reason why the Vedas are also
called ‘anuśrava (that which follows listening).
2. Gr̩hya sūtras prescribe household duties. The point to be noted is that all
Gr̩ hya sūtras agree on one particular count, i.e., what ought to be done.
But they differ on another count, i.e., how it ought to be done. No Gr̩ hya
sūtra disagrees, for example, with the relevance of, say, marriage. But
they disagree with the manner in which it is to be performed. Secondly, all
four sūtras are complementary to each other. So there is neither choice nor
contradiction. To fulfil his obligation one has to perform all rituals in the
manner prescribed.
Answers to Check Your Progress III
1. When we look at the thoughts of Bhīs̩ ma in Māhābhārata, we come to
know that foreign policy is another aspect of public administration which
has been discussed wildly. Foreign policy involves two forces, enemies and
friends. The role of friends is not much highlighted. But he emphasizes
that the king should know how to deal with the enemy. Prudence is always
the guiding force. Bhīs̩ ma makes it very clear that war is not the solution.
Nor did he mean that the enemy can be spared. Constant vigil, concealing
one’s own weakness and proper judgment only can ensure safety and
security. All these descriptions apply under normal circumstances, whereas
in distress even enemies should enjoy compassion because a humanitarian
treatment may destroy enmity. Ultimately, humane outlook scores over
other considerations.
2. The most important element in the Gīta is the doctrine of niśkāma karma
which consists in discharging obligations in an impersonal manner. This
attitude literally debars yāgas because one performs it with selfish motive.
The Gīta, however, never advocated that karma should be renounced. What
it clearly asserts is that ‘Karma Phala’ should be renounced.
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