the nīti literature. The relation of dharma and nīti will be discussed later.
Our author was more than learned, he was a man with good intentions. There are many passages in the text which appear to us ridiculous and unjust, but we need not condemn the author hastily for that reason, and should bear in mind that lie was bound to respect the tradition. He mixes up his own sentiment quite often with the injunctions, and those sentiments indicate that he was a man kind-hearted,[1] paying more regard to virtue than to forms,[2] lover of moderation, and trying to be fair to other castes.[3]
More than this. We find him a progressive man. Thus there were various antiquated rules which were valid once, but which shock our present ideas of morality and equity. These he either contradicts or treats as restricted in their application,[4] or explains in some novel manner.
- ↑ See his treatment of theft, adultery, and treatment of other castes by the Brahmanas.
- ↑ He says: "Neither the study of the Veda, nor liberality, nor any (self-imposed) restraint, ever bring rewards to a man whose heart is contaminated by sensuality."
- ↑ If one wishes to find out the moderation of our writer we should only compare his views on adultery and rape with those of Vasishtha. Our writer prescribed death only in one extreme case, while Vasishtha prescribes death at almost every imaginable place. Compare also the rules given by our author regarding the disposition of treasure-trove. Perhaps in the advocacy of moderation Buddhism had influence on him, or the age may have become more humane through the teaching of Buddha, and our author might have unconsciously caught the spirit of the age. He condemns for example the slaughter of animals, advises abstinence from meat of any kind. Even in the matter of sacrifices he regards slaughter as unneccessary.
- ↑ A good example is afforded by his treatment of the matter of the Levitical marriage or appointment of the brother-in-law to "raise up seed" to his deceased brother's widow, the Niyoga ix, 64-70.
