258 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
will go to heaven, where he will enjoy the results of his sacrifices. The Text dealing with Self-knowledge serve merely to enlighten the agent and so are subordinate to sacrificial acts. The fruits, however, which the Vedanta texts declare with regard to Self-knowledge, are merely praise, even as texts declare such results by way of praise, with respect to other matters. In short, Jaimini holds that by the knowledge that his Self will outlive the body, the agent becomes qualified for sacrificial actions, even as other things become fit in sacrifices through purificatory ceremonies.
- Because we find (from the scriptures such) conduct (of men of realization).
“Janaka, emperor of Videha performed a sacrifice in which gifts were freely distributed” (Brih. 3.1.1.); “I am going to perform a sacrifice, Sirs” (Chh. 5.11.5.). Now both Janaka and Asvapati were knowers of the Self. If by this knowledge of the Self they had attained Liberation, there was no need for them to perform sacrifices. But the two texts quoted show that they did perform sacrifices. This proves that it is through sacrificial acts alone that one attains Liberation, and not through the knowledge of the Self, as the Vedantians hold.
- That (viz, that knowledge of the Self stands in a subordinate relation to sacrificial acts) the scriptures directly declare,
“That alone which is performed with knowledge, faith and meditation becomes more powerful” (Chh. 1.1.10); This text clearly shows that knowledge is a part of the sacrificial act.
- Because the two (knowledge and work) go together (with the departing soul to produce the results).
“It is followed by knowledge, work, and past experience” (Brih. 4.4.2.). This text shows that knowledge and work go together with the soul and produce the effect which it is destined to enjoy. Knowledge independently is not able to produce any such effect.”
- Because (the scriptures) enjoin (work) for such (as know the purport of the Vedas).
“The scriptures enjoin work only for those who have a knowledge of the Vedas, which includes the knowledge of the Self. Hence knowledge does not independently produce any result.”
- And on account of prescribed rules.
“Performing works here let a man wish to live a hundred years” (Is. 2.); “Agnihotra is a sacrifice lasting up to old age and death; for through old age one is freed from it or through death” (Sat. Br. 12.4.1.1.). From such prescribed rules also we find that Knowledge stands in a subordinate relation or work.