Vinaya Texts

SR No.: 007684
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T W Rhys Davids, Hermann Oldenberg
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1881
Total Pages: 2523
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 47 MB

Page 1880

INTRODUCTION.
cxix
Medhâtithi, the son of Bhatta Vîrasvâmin. As its title, bhashya, indicates, it is not a gloss which paraphrases every word of the text. Its aim is to show the general sense of Manu's dicta, to elucidate all really difficult passages, and to settle all doubtful points by a full discussion of the various possible interpretations, and of the opinions advanced by others. In carrying out this plan Medhatithi displays a great amount of learning and not inconsiderable ability. He carefully uses a number of more ancient commentaries on Manu, and shows a full acquaintance with the Sastras requisite for the successful explanation of his text, with Vedic literature, grammar, Mimamsa, the Dharmasutras and other Smritis, Vedanta, and the Mahabharata. At the same time he avoids the common fault of Sanskrit commentators,-an undue copiousness in quotations which bear only remotely on the subject under consideration. Moreover, he frequently enhances the value of his explanations by illustrating Manu's rules by instances taken from every-day life, a point which most Hindu writers on law and on kindred subjects entirely neglect. Finally, he frequently takes up a much more independent position towards his author than the other commentators dare to assume. Thus he does not shrink from declaring that many verses are arthavâdas, without legal force, and that many single words have been inserted merely vrittaparanârtham, 'in order to make up the verse.' His chief weakness, on the other hand, which is not unfrequently observable, and which has drawn on him Kullaka's stricture that he brings forward 'both valuable and valueless' remarks, consists in a disinclination to decide between conflicting interpretations and in his sometimes placing side
1 Medhâtithi quotes the Dharma-sâtras in general, and Gautama, Baudhayana, A pastamba, and Vasishtha, as well as some other lost works, in particular. Among the lost Dharma-stras which he used, is a Katyayaniya-satra, quoted on Mano VIII, 315, which seems to have treated the civil law in detail, and probably is the original of the metrical Katyayana-smriti, from which the digests give so namerous extracts.
• See the concluding verses of Kullaka's commentary. Sir W. Jones' statement that Medhâtithi's work is reckoned prolix and unequal' (Preface to the Translation, p. xvii, St. Grady) is probably based on this remark of Kallaka.
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