z:\ ambedkar\vol 04\vol4 05.indd MK SJ DK YS 23 9 2013/YS 8 11 2013 266
266 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
VI. 90 “As all rivers, both great and small, find a resting-place in the ocean, even so men of all orders find protection with householders.”
Granting the truth of this statement the question still remains why did Manu insist upon marriage as a condition precedent to Vanaprastha or Sannyas? The only answer is that he wanted to discourage persons, from becoming Sannyasi. Why did Manu dislike the order of Vanaprastha or Sannyasi? The answer is that the religion ofBuddhawas largely supported and propagated by Sannyasis called Bhikshus. It was easy for unmarried persons to become Bhikshus. Manu was anxious to stop this. Hence the condition of marriage.
EXCURSUS
COMPARATIVE CODE FOR VANAPRASTHA AND SANNYASI
I. Connection with the household on entry into the order
Vanaprastha Sannyasi
VI. 3 “Abandoning all food raised by cultivation and all his belongings he may depart into the forest, either committing his wife to his sons, or accompanied by her.”
VI. 38 “Having performed the Ishti, sacred to the Lord of creatures (Pragapati) where (he gives) all his property as the sacrificial fee, having reposited the sacred fires in himself, a Brahmana may depart from his house (as an ascetic).”
II. Rules Regarding Dwelling
Vanaprastha Sannyasi
VI. 4 “Taking with him the sacred fire and the implements required for domestic (sacrifices) he may go forth from the village into the forest and reside there, duly controlling his senses.”
VI. 41 “Departing from his house fully provided with the means of purification (Pavitra), let him wander about absolutely silent, and caring nothing for enjoyments that may be offered (to him).”
VI. 42 “ Let him always wander alone, without any companion, in order to attain (final liberation) fully understanding that the solitary man who neither forsakes nor is forsaken, gains his end.”