today about Cārvāka/Lokāyata philosophy is from secondary sources – most of
which are quoted by opponents of the philosophy in order to refute or even
ridicule its arguments. Not surprisingly, there was a tendency in these works
to caricature the philosophical stance of these ancient Indian materialists.
Yet, these being the only sources on which we have to base to reconstruct the philosophy, they – despite
being outright caricatures – are indispensable for anybody who wants to study
Cārvāka/Lokāyata philosophy.
Krsna Misra’s 11th century allegorical drama,
Prabodhacandrodya, is one such source. We reproduce those sections of the drama
in which the character Cārvāka makes an appearance.
The earliest English translation of this work is Prabodhacandrodaya or Rise of the Moon of Intellect: A Spiritual Drama of J. Taylor. The present extract we publish here, however, is from the
translation done by Dr Sita K Nambiar and published by Motilal Banarasidass in
1971. Dr Nambiar writes in the Preface to her translation that her “translation is based on the fairly reliable Sanskrit text published by Panduranga Javaji, Nirnayasagar Press, Bombay, 1935. But at certain places the text is defective and as a result it defied attempts for the correct translation. But such occasions are few and far between. In general I have kept close to the original and tried to preserve the spirit of the text without violating the English expression”.
Dr Sita K Nambiar was the Principal of Daulat Ram College of Delhi
University. She was a scholar of the Deutsche Akademische Austausch Dienst and
received her Ph.D from Bonn University in 1960.
reproduce a part of the critical introduction written by Dr Nambiar for hertranslation. We are also planning to upload the translation of J. Taylor as soon as it becomes available to us.
with his attendants)
Grand Delusion (महामोह ):
(Smiling).
The fools are without any check on them.
“(The view) that there is a
soul separate from the body, which on reaching the other world enjoys rewards,
is (like) the hope to get tasty fruits from the big flower of a tree in the
sky.” (16)
This world is deceived by the
ignorant who accept the existence of what is the mere creation of their own
imagination. For –
Them any talkative believers (āstikās)
who jabber in vain that a thing which does not exist, exists, condemn the
truth-speaking non-believers (nāstikās). Oh, consider from the point of
reality. When the body is destroyed, has
any one seen a soul separate from it which acquired consciousness as result of
transformation (due to certain combination). (17)
They deceive not only the world but
also themselves. For –
If the bodies are alike in their
different parts, the mouth, etc., how can there be a hierarchy of castes? We do no accept any difference between a
woman and wealth belonging (to us or) to somebody else. Only those who are devoid of manliness
consider whether an act should be done or not, whether it entails harm, whether
to approach women at one’s pleasure and seize the wealth of others. (18).
(After thinking, proudly). By
all means materialism alone is the science, in whose view, the only means of
knowledge is perception. The elements are earth, water, fire, and air. Wealth
and pleasure are the sole aims of man.
The elements move through original impulse. There is no other world. Emancipation is death. This science was composed by Vācaspati who
followed our view and has given it to the Materialist. This science is popularized
in the world by him through his disciples and their disciples.
his disciples)
Materialist (चार्वाक) :
statecraft. The science of Agriculture
and trade is included in this. The three
Vedas are incoherent talk of cheats.
There is no difference just because they postulate heaven.
destruction of the sacrificial matter through the action of the officiating
priest, the trees burnt by the forest fire will bear ample fruit? (19).
to heaven, why does not the sacrifice immolate his own father? (20)
produces gratification to being who are dead, then oil may rear the flame of an
extinguished light. (21).
and drink then why do these ascetics renounce the worldly pleasure and afflict
themselves with severe tortures caused by parāka (a sacrificial sword) sāntapana
(a kind of rigid penance) and taking food once in three days (as an
expiatory act)?
fools who are deceived by the Vedas composed by cheats are contented with the
sweetmeats of hopes. See,
pressing the shoulders with one’s arms and which is pleasing because of the
prominent breasts compressed and where is begging, fasting, penance, exposure
to the burning heat of the sun which
emaciate the body of these fools (22).
is to be given up because it is mingled with miseries.
This is the expression of foolishness of these human animals.
in men from contact with sensible objects is to be relinquished as they are
accompanied by pain. What man seeking
his true interest would fling away the berries of paddy, rich with finest white
grains, because they are covered with husks and dust? (23).
gratified by words which are authoritative (Looking with joy). Oh! It is
my dear friend Materialist.
This is king Delusion. (Going near). May the king be victorious! I, Materialist salute you.
everything (ordered by you) and wishes to (worship at) your feet. For –
having accomplished it by destroying the enemies he is now happy and delighted
and with his great joy in countenance feels blessed and prostrates himself at
the lotus feet of the Lord. (24).
shown by the Vedas and act according to their own wish. It is the glory of my Lord neither mine nor
Kali’s for this achievement. (25).
Vedas, what to speak of tranquility and self-restraint. In other places too the three Vedas are there
just as the means of livelihood. The Acārya
(Brhaspati) has said:
three sticks tied together, and smearing oneself with ashes are the means of livelihood of those who are devoid of intelligence and manliness. (26).
birth of Knowledge or Spiritual Awakening even in a dream”
That great holy place is rendered useless.
There is something more to be reported.
to Visnu. Though her popularity is
lessened by Kali, we cannot even look at those who are blessed by her. Therefore, my Lord, you have to be on your
guard against her.
difficult to destroy here whose great power is well known and who is my natural
enemy. Well. (to himself). Sometimes drastic action has to be
taken. (Loudly) Then my dear, do not have any doubts. Where can she appear when Concupiscence and
Anger are her enemies?
remain unguarded even where the enemy is weak.
inflict a mortal would like a small thorn that afflicts the foot. (27).
Concupiscence, Anger, Greed, Arrogance, Spite and other that they should be on
guard and kill the Yogini – Devotion to Visnu.
(Exit)
There near the ocean there is a temple of God call Purusottama. I have
been sent to the king by my masters, Arrogance, Deceit and Conceit. (Looking) This is Varanasi. This is the place of the king. I shall enter (Entering). Here the master is talking something
with Materialist. I shall go near him (Going near) Victory to my Lord. Look at this letter which needs attention.
Materialist go. Be alert while doing
whatever is required.
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