Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.75

c16.75

**Śabda including non-Vedic Revelation.** *Śabda* is explained as *Āptopadeśa* [i, 1, 7], i.e. as a precept of one worthy to be trusted, or a right precept. It refers to both visible and invisible objects. It is noteworthy that the commentator holds that it is possible even for the Mlechchhas or barbarians as well as for Ṛishis and Āryas to be regarded as *āpta* or those whose authority is to be followed. This shows the broad catholicity and toleration of the philosophers who, on grounds of dry and dispassionate reason, could not but accord the same place to non-Vedic as to Vedic revelation, the growth and importance of which are also clearly indicated by the Sūtra and its commentary in question. There were other worlds and systems of thought than the Vedic in ancient India, claiming numerous followers of their own.