Samayasara OR Nature of Self

Author(s): A Chakravarti
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

Page 69

lxviii
SAMAYASARA
men It is because of this Law and in confoimity with it the world order subsists. The Kshatriya order on earth is but an aspect of the sovereignty of Law over all. In this interesting passage we have several instances We are distinctly in a philosophical age when an intrinsic principle of Law or Dharma is recognised as highest to which even the traditional gods are subordinated This reminds us of the corresponding period of the Hellenic civilisation represented by the age of Europides. Just as the conception of Law in Greek thought formed the central doctrine of the later Stoic Philosophers so the conception of Law is to be elaborated by the later Buddhistic school in which it would occupy the central position in the shape of the doctrine of Karma But we quit the age of an intellectual conflict and enter into an age of compromise. The old rivalry and struggle between the two rival communities are in abeyance. There is a spilit of mutual give and take. From the one point of view, the Rajasuya sacrifice associated with the Kshatriyas is the highest and from the another point of view the Vajapeya sacrifice associated with the Brahmins is the highest Kshatriya is taken to be superior because of his strength and Brahmin is equally powerful because of his religious inspiration Thus we have a note of compromise indicating that both the aspects are necessary and important from the point of view of social economy.
In the II adhyaya we are introduced into the scene in Aajatasatru's court. A learned priest by name Gargya Balaki goes to Aajatasatru, King of Benares and offers to expound the doctrine of Btahman. The king was very much plcased and promised to give him a present of a thousand cows for such a speech before him, for it was a general fashion among the philosophers in those days to run to the Court of Janaka of Videha; then Balakı narrates his views about Brahman. He identified Brahman with sun, moon, lightning, ether, air, water, fire and so on. He even suggests the identity of Brahman with the image in the mirror. All these things are rejected by Aajatasatru as inadequate. Is that all? Asked Aajatasatru. Gargya replies “That is all”. Aajatasatru. OH! With that, much is not known. Gargya: Let me know.