『ジャーバーラ・ウパニシャッド』における遊行の有資格者

抄録

As Olivelle (1992, 83–85) indicated, regarding the person qualified for saṃnyāsa in the Saṃnyāsa Upaniṣads, śūdras and other lower-class persons or women are not allowed to renounce, and as for the three upper classes, even though kṣatriyas and vaiśyas are not excluded from saṃnyāsa, brāhmaṇas are primarily considered to be the persons entitled to renunciation.

In this paper, I examine the contents in the 5th chapter of the Jābāla-Upaniṣad, which is included in the older group of the Saṃnyāsa Upaniṣads; investigate whether there are any conditions for qualification if brāhmaṇas are eligible to renounce, and whether it is possible for unqualified persons to resort to saṃnyāsa; and finally identify the characteristics of the qualified persons.

As a result, it is considered that brāhmaṇas are qualified for saṃnyāsa. The life of wandering ascetics may be practiced in this world. Saṃnyāsa may also be fulfilled after death in accordance with brāhmaṇas’ resolve. On the other hand, it is possible for unqualified persons like kṣatriyas to resort to saṃnyāsa. The act that they abandon their bodies as they determine to renounce may ensure them qualification for saṃnyāsa and after death become saṃnyāsins. In addition, the result also shows that others’ approval is not required before saṃnyāsa, which suggests that to enter saṃnyāsa is left to the discretion of the persons who intend to renounce.