A Note on Śramaṇa in Vedic Texts

Abstract

The recent publication of a book by Christopher Beckwith provides an opportunity to reconsider the use and meaning of the term śramaṇa in vedic texts. In this note some of Beckwith’s claims will be examined and refuted. This note will also expound on a model for understanding the verb √śram and its derivatives, placing the term śramaṇa in its semantic context. Such a model may contribute to the explanation of certain facts better than alternative theories.