Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.329

v2.c4.s7.329

Somewhat different are a series of other cases found in the Upaniṣads, where the Brahma doctrine is ascribed to royal persons. Thus Janaka is said in the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa¹²⁵ to have become a Brahman; Ajātaśatru taught Gārgya Bālāki;¹²⁶ Pravāhaṇa Jaivali instructed Śvetaketu Āruṇeya,¹²⁷ as well as Śilaka Śālāvatya¹²⁸ and Caikitāyana Dālbhya;¹²⁸ and Aśvapati Kaikeya taught Brahmins.¹²⁹ It has been deduced¹³⁰ from such passages that the Brahma doctrine was a product of the Kṣatriyas. This conclusion is, however, entirely doubtful,¹³¹ for kings were naturally willing to be flattered by the ascription to them of philosophic activity, and elsewhere¹³² the opinion of a Rājanya is treated with contempt.