Theory of Karman in Indian Thought

Author(s): Koshelya Walli
Publisher: Bharat Manisha

Page 36

[ 22 ] knowledge of the Pañcāgni Vidyā but were devoted to the practice of sacrifices-Istāpūrta and Kāmyakarma. These people on death go to the Moon ( Candra ) along the path of smoke etc. (dhūmramárga ).
As regards the Vaikhānasas who lived in the forests, it is said that they were not house-holders in the proper sense of the term but were Vānaprasthas. Over and above these there were Parivrājakas also. The Vaikhānasas and the Parivrājakas were worshippers and followed the path of Sraddhā, tapas, etc.
The knowers of the Pañcãgni loré, followed the bright path · of ascent after death. As regards the Brahmacárins who are described as Naisthikas and having succeeded in the act of the sublimation of the vital energy (Ordhvaretas ), they are said to depart from the life by what is usually described as uttaramárga, the northern path.
This northern path is called by Samkara the path of Aryamā, These people will go together with the forefathers by the same path. The Upakurvāņa Brahmacārins are required to have a full knowledge of the Vedas. When the acquisition of knowledge is complete they are at liberty to take any course and follow the rules and regulations guiding their path.
What leads to Urtara-mārga ? The Purāņas and Smstis are in favour of the view that the so called Uttara-mărga is reserved only for those people who have succeeded in sublimating their sex-energy. So far as the Pañcāgni Vidyā is concerned Šankarā. cārya holds that it is meant for the house-holder. This shows that all house-holders were not in possession of Pañcāgni Vidyā. In such cases the house-holders will be compelled to travel by Dakşiņa mārga. It is also held that over and above these who have a knowledge of the Pañcāgni Vidyā, those who have a direct - knowledge of the Saguna Brahma also get the advantage of departure from the life of the right path ( Uttaramárga ).
From the above it is clear that house-holders may have the know.edge of the Saguna Brahma Vidyā or of the Pancagni