The Need for Manu Samhita

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> > Our acaryas do not accept Manu Samhita as an authoritative source for

> > instructions on the behavior of devotees.

>

> references?

 

It would seem that the burden of proof would be with those who want to say

it is an authoritative source, by supplying a quote from the acaryas.

However, the book "Brahmana O Vaisnava" written by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta

Saraswati Thakur is most valuable in this connection. In the English

Translation by Vrajaraj Press, pages 176 to 181 are chock full of important

quotes from the Thakur. The danger for initiated vaisnavas of accepting and

following non-vaisnava smritis is repeatedly smashed throughout these 6

pages. It is too much to type in here, so I'll just give the section

headers:

 

1. Both karmis and jnanis are materialist, whereas the devotees are

spiritualists.

 

2. The smriti regulations of the transcendental devotees are not the same as

those of the materialist like the karmis and jnanis.

 

3. The vaisnavas accept the injunctions of Harita smriti and those supported

by the Puranas.

 

4. Sri Hari Bhakti Vilas, 28 principles and other smritis.

 

5. Although the principle ingredients of smritis are the same,

considerations differ due to desires for either serving Krishna or material

enjoyment.

 

6. By following the smarta system one cannot become a vaisnava.

 

7. Instructions for the present vaisnava societies.

 

8. The two types of smritis such as vaisnava and non-vaisnava. The

consideration on non-vaisnava smritis.

 

9. The opinion of Smarta Raghunandana and Sri Hari Bhakti Vilas

 

10. The prominence of non-vaisnava smritis is due to aversion to the Lord.

 

11. Initiated vaisnavas should study the vaisnava smritis.

 

12. Even many Gaudiya Vaisnavas do not respect Sri Hari Bhakti Vilas.

 

13. The antiquity of Sri Gopal Bhatta Goswami's Sat Kriya Sar Dipika and its

propagation by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur.

 

14. Instructions to the devotees of Sri Gaura and their followers to chant

the holy names of the Lord while remaining in pure varnasrama.

 

15. If the godlessness of the smartas is neglected then the practice of

vaisnava smritis will be introduced.

 

And these are just the section headers!!!! Please take especial note of

number 5 as it is most relevant to the other discussions going on in this

forum. I strongly recommend anyone interested in instituting varnasrama in

ISKCON should kindly read this important book, cover to cover.

 

Your servant, Bhaktarupa Das