History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c93.324

v7.c93.324

An option depending on the will of a person occurs in the Jābālopaniṣad²⁰³³ (4) 'after finishing the period of studenthood one should become a householder, after becoming a householder, one should become a forest hermit and after becoming a forest hermit one may become a wandering ascetic (sannyāsin or parivrāḍ), or following another method one may become a wandering ascetic after finishing studenthood or after becoming an householder or after becoming a forest hermit.' The latter part of this passage gives an option as to āśramas.' This option is referred to by Gautama in the words 'some sages allow an option as to āśramas to him (to brahmacārin).' When Yāj. I. 14 provides that the Upanayana of a brāhmaṇa boy may be performed in the eighth year from conception or from birth there is an option depending on the will of the father.