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March 16, 2024

Discriminatory segments in Manu Smriti

 

Discriminatory segments in Manu Smriti


There are some segments that appear to be discriminatory in nature in Manu smriti. There can be two reasons why such texts
appear in Manu smriti.

Manu Smriti

● Such texts could have been added later. Many of the scriptures such as purAnas (except Srimad Bhagavatha purANa) and smritis have texts that have been adulterated with interpolations and deletions.

● purANas and smritis have multiple levels of meanings. In many cases, the literal meaning is not the correct understanding. There other inner meanings which will give the right interpretations.

So, when you find statements in Manu smriti that are against the spirit of the vedas, srimad Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatham, we have to interpret these portions with the help of the Acharyas in a manner that that is consistent with the rest of the scriptures. This concept is called “Samanvaya”. Only a master that is well versed with the whole compendium of vedas, upanishads, Gita, Brahmasutras, etc., can do interpretation of the texts correctly.

One example of this kind of interpretation was done by Sri Pejwara swamiji of Udupi. He said that when a passage of manu smriti says that ChandAlas should be discriminated against, the meaning of Chandala is a morally depraved person. The passage is saying the person who has shown immoral behavior can be discriminated against as a form of punishment. This interpretation is consistent with highest level ethics presented in Srimad Bhgavatham.

We respectfully request the peeTadhipathis to interpret the manu smriti and other smritis to be relevant for the current day and age. Manu smriti and other smritis are relevant for a particular time and place. They can be periodically updated/interpreted according the current needs. Not everybody can do these changes. This update needs to be done by a respected AchArya who has done a deep study of the scriptures and who has reached the highest levels of SAdhana.

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