History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c93.409

History of Dharmaśāstra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c93.409

Language: English

v7.c93.409

This amounts to saying that there is always a presumption that smṛtis are based on Veda, if their prescriptions are not directly in conflict with the Veda. Smṛtis prescribe the observance of Aṣṭakā śrāddhas, the digging of tanks, following and obeying a teacher. These are authoritative because they do not conflict with any Vedic text of opposite import. The Smṛtis do claim that they are based on the Veda. Gautama says so (in XI. 19 in note 2042) and Manu states (II. 7) 'whatever Dharma is proclaimed by Manu for anybody has all been (already) declared in the Veda, since Veda possesses all knowledge'.

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Linked texts (2)

Mānava Dharmaśāstra — Manu & Bhṛgu, Sanskrit
Gautamadharmasūtra — Gautama (dharmasūtrakāra), Sanskrit