brahmana in many details[1]. The cause of these discrepancies remains doubtful for the present[2]. As regards the Atharva-veda, Âpastamba gives, besides the reference mentioned above and a second to the Âṅgirasa-pavitra[3], an abstract of a long passage from Atharva-veda XV, 10–13, regarding the treatment of a Vrâtya, i.e. a learned mendicant Brâhmana, who really deserves the title of an atithi, or guest[4]. It is true that Âpastamba, in the passage referred to, does not say that his rule is based on the Atharva-veda. He merely says that a Brâhmana is his authority. But it seems, nevertheless, certain that by the expression a Brâhmana, the Brâhmana-like fifteenth book of the Atharva-veda is meant, as the sentences to be addressed by the host to his guest agree literally with those which the Atharva-veda prescribes for the reception of a Vrâtya. Haradatta too, in his commentary, expresses the same opinion. Actual quotations from the Atharva-veda are not frequent in Vedic literature, and the fact that Âpastamba's Dharma-sûtra contains one, is, therefore, of some interest.
Besides these Vedic texts[5], Âpastamba mentions, also, the Aṅgas or auxiliary works, and enumerates six classes, viz. treatises on the ritual of the sacrifices, on grammar, astronomy, etymology, recitation of the Veda, and metrics[6]. The number is the same as that which is considered the correct one in our days[7].
As the Dharma-sûtra names no less than nine teachers in connection with various topics of the sacred law, and frequently appeals to the opinion of some (eke), it follows that a great many such auxiliary treatises must have existed in Âpastamba's time. The Âkâryas mentioned are Eka, Kanva, Kânva, Kunika, Kutsa, Kautsa, Push
- ↑ Compare on this point Professor Eggeling's remarks in Sacred Books of the East, vol. xii, p. xxxix seqq.
- ↑ See the passage from the Karanavyûhabhâshya given below, ver. 10.
- ↑ Âp. Dh. I, 2, 2, 2.
- ↑ Âp. Dh. II, 3, 7, 12–17.
- ↑ Some more are quoted in the Srauta-sûtra, see Professor Garbe in the Gurupûgâkaumudi, p. 33 seqq.
- ↑ Âp. Dh. II, 4, 8, 10.
- ↑ See also Max Müller, Hist. Anc. Sansk. Lit., p. 111.
