The Upanishads, Part II

Introduction to Vasiṣṭha: Discusses the Vasiṣṭha Dharmasāstra as a Dharma-sūtra connected with a lost Vedic school, its relation to the Ṛgveda tradition, textual authority, quotations from Vedic and Dharma literature, manuscript history, and scholarly problems concerning authenticity and interpolation. Introduction to Baudhāyana: Presents Baudhāyana as a teacher of the Black Yajurveda tradition, explains the structure of his Kalpa-sūtra corpus, the position of the Dharma-sūtra, textual additions, regional affiliation, manuscript groups, and commentary tradition. Vasiṣṭha Dharmasāstra: Covers general rules; four castes; lawful occupations; study of the Veda; definitions; purification; origin of castes; impurity; women; rule of conduct; studentship; householdership; hermit and ascetic life; guests; śrāddhas; sacrifices; initiation; snātaka duties; inheritance; mixed castes; duties of a king; penances; secret penances; and gifts. Baudhāyana Dharmasāstra: Covers sources of law; regional customs; studentship; snātaka rules; purification; lawful livelihood; impurity; inheritance; forbidden food; sacrifices; caste regulations; kingship; criminal law; witnesses; marriage; Vedic study; penances; women; householdership; twilight devotions; tarpana; mahāyajñas; four orders; śrāddhas; ascetic practices; secret penances; rites for success; and adoption.