Guest guest Posted November 13, 2000 Report Share Posted November 13, 2000 > > > (3) Manu-samhita and other dharma-sastras go into extensive detail > > > regarding the theory and practice of varnasrama-dharma. > Srimad-Bhagavatam > > > may give principles but does not give such extensive details about the > > > practice of varnashrama-dharma. If you disagree, then where (for > > > example), in Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, are there any specific details > > > on how to perform a marriage? :-) > > > > There are descriptions in other vaisnava smriti. > > Any references here? I'd be genuinely interested to see. Very likely > that the relevant vaisnava smriti will also refer to other puranasa and > dharmasastras, as does Hari-Bhakti-Vilasa. Sat-kriya-sara-dipika has a full description of the marriage rituals. It is quite natural that vaisnava smritis will refer to karmakandiya smritis, as there are many external similarities between them and in general they were composed later and were developed as an alternative for those with backgrounds in general karmi society who had taken to the practice of bhakti. Both are bonafide, only their applicability varies. > > > In Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 7, Chapter 14, > > > titled "Ideal Family Life", the word "marriage" is to be found only > > > once in either the text or the purports (so much for details :-). > > > > > Of course, we may say that principles are enough, and details, after > all, > > > are details, so we can do as we like as long as it is (somehow) based > > > on principles. But then why speculate? If detailed information is > > > there from an authoritative source, why should we speculate and not > > > accept authority? > > > > Our acaryas do not accept Manu Samhita as an authoritative source for > > instructions on the behavior of devotees. They may accept it as a useful > > source of information for preaching, but not for the conduct of our > personal > > lives. > > Are you sure? I've already offered references to the contrary. At this > point, I have to ask you what you'll accept as evidence that Manu-samhita > does have relevance? If you could provide a reference where any of our Gaudiya acaryas speak about following Manu-samhita as being directly favorable for the development of bhakti in initiated practitioners I would be very impressed. Your servant, Bhaktarupa Das Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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