परामर्शं जैमिनिरचोदना च, अपवदति हि ॥ १८ ॥
parāmarśaṃ jaiminiracodanā ca, apavadati hi || 18 ||
parāmarśaṃ—Mere reference; jaiminiḥ—Jaimini; acodanā—there is no injunction; ca—and; apavadati hi—because (the scripture) condemns (it).
18. Jaimini (thinks that in the texts referred to in the last Sutra there is) a mere reference (to Sannyasa), and not injunction, because (other texts) condemn (Sannyasa).
In the text quoted in the last Sutra (Chh. 2. 23. 1) Jaimini says that as there is no word showing that Sannyasa is enjoined on man, it is a mere reference and not an injunction. The Brihadaranyaka text quoted in the last Sutra says that some person do like that. Sruti here makes a mere statement of fact. It does not enjoin Sannyasa. Moreover, the text here praises steadfastness in Brahman. “But only one who is firmly established in Brahman attains immortality.” Sacrifice, study, charity, austertiy, studentship, and lifelong celibacy result in the attainment of the virtuous world. But immortality is gained only by him who is firmly established in Brahman. That is what the text says. Further, there are other texts which condemn Sannyasa. “Having brought to your teacher the wealth that he likes, do not cut off the line of progeny” (Taitt. 1. 11); “To him who is without a son (this) world does not belong” (Taitt. Br. 7. 18. 12) and so on.