Mr. CoLEBROOKE Oil the Philosophy of the Hindus. 451 



Besides the evidence of precept from an extant revelation or recorded 

 hearing (sruti) of it, another source of evidence is founded on the recol- 

 lections (sinriti) of ancient sages. They possess authority as grounded on 

 the veda, being composed by holy personages conversant with its contents. 

 Nor was it superfluous to compose anew what was there to be found; 

 for a compilation, exhibiting in a succinct form that which is scattered 

 through the veda, has its use. Nor are the prayers which the smriti directs 

 unauthorized, for they are presumed to have been taken from passages of 

 revelation not now forthcoming. Those recollections have come down by 

 unbroken tradition to this day, admitted by the virtuous of the three tribes, 

 and known under the title of Dharma-sdstra, comprising the institutes of 

 law, civil and religious. Nor is error to be presumed which had not, until 

 now, been detected. An express text of the veda, as the Minumsd main- 

 tains,* must then be concluded to have been actually seen by the venerable 

 author of a recorded recollection (smriti). 



But if contradiction appear, if it can be shown that an extant passage of 

 the veda is inconsistent with one of the smriti, it invalidates that presump- 

 tion. An actual text, present to the sense, prevails before a presumptive 

 one.t 



Or though no contrary passage of the veda be actually found, yet if 

 cupidity, or other exceptionable motive may be assigned, revelation is 

 not to be presumed in the instance, the recollection being thus im- 

 peached.t 



The Sdcyas (or Bauddhas) and Jainas (or Ai-hatas), as Cumarila acknow- 

 ledges, are considered to be Cshatriyas. It is not to be concluded, he says, 

 that their recollections were founded upon a veda which is now lost. There 

 can be no inference of a foundation in revelation, for unauthentic recollec- 

 tions of persons who deny its authenticity. Even when they do concur 

 with it, as recommending charitable gifts and enjoining veracity, chastity, 

 and innocence, the books of the Sdcyas are of no authority for the virtues 

 which they inculcate. Duties are not taken from them : the association 

 would suggest a surmise of vice,§ tainting what else is virtuous. The 

 entire veda, which is directed to be studied, is the foundation of duty ; 

 and those only, who are conversant with it, are capable of competent recoU 

 lections. 



• Mm. I. 3, 1. t /S. 1. 3. 2. J lb. 1. 3. 3. § 16. 1. 3. 4. 



