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CHAPTERII.
1.Learnthatsacredlawwhichisfollowedbymenlearned(intheVeda)andassentedtointheirheartsby
thevirtuous,whoareeverexemptfromhatredandinordinateaffection.
2.Toactsolelyfromadesireforrewardsisnotlaudable,yetanexemptionfromthatdesireisnot(tobe
found)inthis(world):foron(that)desireisgroundedthestudyoftheVedaandtheperformanceofthe
actions,prescribedbytheVeda.
3.Thedesire(forrewards),indeed,hasitsrootintheconceptionthatanactcanyieldthem,andin
consequenceof(that)conceptionsacrificesareperformedvowsandthelawsprescribingrestraintsare
allstatedtobekeptthroughtheideathattheywillbearfruit.
4.Notasingleacthere(below)appearsevertobedonebyamanfreefromdesireforwhatever(man)
does,itis(theresultof)theimpulseofdesire.
5.Hewhopersistsindischargingthese(prescribedduties)intherightmanner,reachesthedeathlessstate
andeveninthis(life)obtains(thefulfilmentof)allthedesiresthathemayhaveconceived.
6.ThewholeVedaisthe(first)sourceofthesacredlaw,nextthetraditionandthevirtuousconductof
thosewhoknowthe(Vedafurther),alsothecustomsofholymen,and(finally)selfsatisfaction.
7.Whateverlawhasbeenordainedforany(person)byManu,thathasbeenfullydeclaredintheVeda:
forthat(sagewas)omniscient.
8.Butalearnedmanafterfullyscrutinisingallthiswiththeeyeofknowledge,should,inaccordance
withtheauthorityoftherevealedtexts,beintenton(theperformanceof)hisduties.
9.Forthatmanwhoobeysthelawprescribedintherevealedtextsandinthesacredtradition,gainsfame
inthis(world)andafterdeathunsurpassablebliss.
10.ButbySruti(revelation)ismeanttheVeda,andbySmriti(tradition)theInstitutesofthesacredlaw:
thosetwomustnotbecalledintoquestioninanymatter,sincefromthosetwothesacredlawshoneforth.
11.Everytwicebornman,who,relyingontheInstitutesofdialectics,treatswithcontemptthosetwo
sources(ofthelaw),mustbecastoutbythevirtuous,asanatheistandascorneroftheVeda.
12.TheVeda,thesacredtradition,thecustomsofvirtuousmen,andone'sownpleasure,theydeclareto
bevisiblythefourfoldmeansofdefiningthesacredlaw.
13.Theknowledgeofthesacredlawisprescribedforthosewhoarenotgiventotheacquisitionof
wealthandtothegratificationoftheirdesirestothosewhoseektheknowledgeofthesacredlawthe
supremeauthorityistherevelation(Sruti).
14.Butwhentwosacredtexts(Sruti)areconflicting,bothareheldtobelawforbotharepronouncedby
thewise(tobe)validlaw.
15.(Thus)the(Agnihotra)sacrificemaybe(optionally)performed,atanytimeafterthesunhasrisen,
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beforehehasrisen,orwhenneithersunnorstarsarevisiblethat(isdeclared)byVedictexts.
16.Knowthatheforwhom(theperformanceof)theceremoniesbeginningwiththeriteofimpregnation
(Garbhadhana)andendingwiththefuneralrite(Antyeshti)isprescribed,whilesacredformulasarebeing
recited,isentitled(tostudy)theseInstitutes,butnoothermanwhatsoever.
17.Thatland,createdbythegods,whichliesbetweenthetwodivineriversSarasvatiandDrishadvati,
the(sages)callBrahmavarta.
18.Thecustomhandeddowninregularsuccession(sincetimeimmemorial)amongthe(fourchief)
castes(varna)andthemixed(races)ofthatcountry,iscalledtheconductofvirtuousmen.
19.TheplainoftheKurus,the(countryofthe)Matsyas,Pankalas,andSurasenakas,these(form),
indeed,thecountryoftheBrahmarshis(Brahmanicalsages,whichranks)immediatelyafter
Brahmavarta.
20.FromaBrahmana,borninthatcountry,letallmenonearthlearntheirseveralusages.
21.That(country)which(lies)betweentheHimavatandtheVindhya(mountains)totheeastofPrayaga
andtothewestofVinasana(theplacewheretheriverSarasvatidisappears)iscalledMadhyadesa(the
centralregion).
22.But(thetract)betweenthosetwomountains(justmentioned),which(extends)asfarastheeastern
andthewesternoceans,thewisecallAryavarta(thecountryoftheAryans).
23.Thatlandwheretheblackantelopenaturallyroams,onemustknowtobefitfortheperformanceof
sacrifices(thetract)differentfromthat(is)thecountryoftheMlekkhas(barbarians).
24.Lettwicebornmenseektodwellinthose(abovementionedcountries)butaSudra,distressedfor
subsistence,mayresideanywhere.
25.Thushastheoriginofthesacredlawbeensuccinctlydescribedtoyouandtheoriginofthisuniverse
learn(now)thedutiesofthecastes(varna).
26.Withholyrites,prescribedbytheVeda,musttheceremonyonconceptionandothersacramentsbe
performedfortwicebornmen,whichsanctifythebodyandpurify(fromsin)inthis(life)andafterdeath.
27.Byburntoblationsduring(themother's)pregnancy,bytheGatakarman(theceremonyafterbirth),
theKauda(tonsure),andtheMaungibandhana(thetyingofthesacredgirdleofMungagrass)isthetaint,
derivedfrombothparents,removedfromtwicebornmen.
28.BythestudyoftheVeda,byvows,byburntoblations,by(therecitationof)sacredtexts,bythe
(acquisitionofthe)threefoldsacredscience,byoffering(tothegods,Rishis,andmanes),by(the
procreationof)sons,bythegreatsacrifices,andby(Srauta)ritesthis(human)bodyismadefitfor(union
with)Brahman.
29.Beforethenavelstringiscut,theGatakarman(birthrite)mustbeperformedforamale(child)and
whilesacredformulasarebeingrecited,hemustbefedwithgold,honey,andbutter.
30.Butlet(thefatherperformor)causetobeperformedtheNamadheya(theriteofnamingthechild),
onthetenthortwelfth(dayafterbirth),oronaluckylunarday,inaluckymuhurta,underanauspicious
constellation.
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31.Let(thefirstpartof)aBrahmana'sname(denotesomething)auspicious,aKshatriya'sbeconnected
withpower,andaVaisya'swithwealth,butaSudra's(expresssomething)contemptible.
32.(Thesecondpartof)aBrahmana's(name)shallbe(aword)implyinghappiness,ofaKshatriya's(a
word)implyingprotection,ofaVaisya's(aterm)expressiveofthriving,andofaSudra's(anexpression)
denotingservice.
33.Thenamesofwomenshouldbeeasytopronounce,notimplyanythingdreadful,possessaplain
meaning,bepleasingandauspicious,endinlongvowels,andcontainawordofbenediction.
34.InthefourthmonththeNishkramana(thefirstleavingofthehouse)ofthechildshouldbeperformed,
inthesixthmonththeAnnaprasana(firstfeedingwithrice),andoptionally(anyother)auspicious
ceremonyrequiredby(thecustomof)thefamily.
35.Accordingtotheteachingoftherevealedtexts,theKudakarman(tonsure)mustbeperformed,forthe
sakeofspiritualmerit,byalltwicebornmeninthefirstorthirdyear.
36.Intheeighthyearafterconception,oneshouldperformtheinitiation(upanayana)ofaBrahmana,in
theeleventhafterconception(that)ofaKshatriya,butinthetwelfththatofaVaisya.
37.(Theinitiation)ofaBrahmanawhodesiresproficiencyinsacredlearningshouldtakeplaceinthe
fifth(yearafterconception),(that)ofaKshatriyawhowishestobecomepowerfulinthesixth,(andthat)
ofaVaisyawholongsfor(successinhis)businessintheeighth.
38.The(timeforthe)Savitri(initiation)ofaBrahmanadoesnotpassuntilthecompletionofthe
sixteenthyear(afterconception),ofaKshatriyauntilthecompletionofthetwentysecond,andofa
Vaisyauntilthecompletionofthetwentyfourth.
39.Afterthose(periodsmenof)thesethree(castes)whohavenotreceivedthesacramentattheproper
time,becomeVratyas(outcasts),excludedfromtheSavitri(initiation)anddespisedbytheAryans.
40.Withsuchmen,iftheyhavenotbeenpurifiedaccordingtotherule,letnoBrahmanaever,evenin
timesofdistress,formaconnexioneitherthroughtheVedaorbymarriage.
41.Letstudents,accordingtotheorder(oftheircastes),wear(asupperdresses)theskinsofblack
antelopes,spotteddeer,andhegoats,and(lowergarments)madeofhemp,flaxorwool.
42.ThegirdleofaBrahmanashallconsistofaofatriplecordofMungagrass,smoothandsoft(that)of
aKshatriya,ofabowstring,madeofMurvafibres(that)ofaVaisya,ofhempenthreads.
43.IfMungagrass(andsoforth)benotprocurable,(thegirdles)maybemadeofKusa,Asmantaka,and
Balbaga(fibres),withasinglethreefoldknot,orwiththreeorfive(knotsaccordingtothecustomofthe
family).
44.ThesacrificialstringofaBrahmanashallbemadeofcotton,(shallbe)twistedtotheright,(and
consist)ofthreethreads,thatofaKshatriyaofhempenthreads,(and)thatofaVaisyaofwoollenthreads.
45.ABrahmanashall(carry),accordingtothesacredlaw,astaffofBilvaorPalasaaKshatriya,ofVata
orKhadira(and)aVaisya,ofPiluorUdumbara.
46.ThestaffofaBrahmanashallbemadeofsuchlengthastoreachtheendofhishairthatofa
Kshatriya,toreachhisforehead
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(and)thatofaVaisya,toreach(thetipofhis)nose.
47.Letallthestavesbestraight,withoutablemish,handsometolookat,notlikelytoterrifymen,with
theirbarkperfect,unhurtbyfire.
48.Havingtakenastaffaccordingtohischoice,havingworshippedthesunandwalkedroundthefire,
turninghisrighthandtowardsit,(thestudent)shouldbegalmsaccordingtotheprescribedrule.
49.AninitiatedBrahmanashouldbeg,beginning(hisrequestwiththeword)lady(bhavati)aKshatriya,
placing(theword)ladyinthemiddle,butaVaisya,placingitattheend(oftheformula).
50.Lethimfirstbegfoodofhismother,orofhissister,orofhisownmaternalaunt,orof(someother)
femalewhowillnotdisgracehim(byarefusal).
51.Havingcollectedasmuchfoodasisrequired(fromseveralpersons),andhavingannouncedit
withoutguiletohisteacher,lethimeat,turninghisfacetowardstheeast,andhavingpurifiedhimselfby
sippingwater.
52.(Hismealwillprocure)longlife,ifheeatsfacingtheeastfame,ifheturnstothesouthprosperity,if
heturnstothewesttruthfulness,ifhefacestheeast.
53.Letatwicebornmanalwayseathisfoodwithconcentratedmind,afterperforminganablutionand
afterhehaseaten,lethimdulycleansehimselfwithwaterandsprinklethecavities(ofhishead).
54.Lethimalwaysworshiphisfood,andeatitwithoutcontemptwhenheseesit,lethimrejoice,showa
pleasedface,andpraythathemayalwaysobtainit.
55.Food,thatisalwaysworshipped,givesstrengthandmanlyvigourbuteatenirreverently,itdestroys
themboth.
56.Lethimnotgivetoanymanwhatheleaves,andbewareofeatingbetween(thetwomealtimes)let
himnotovereathimself,norgoanywherewithouthavingpurifiedhimself(afterhismeal).
57.Excessiveeatingisprejudicialtohealth,tofame,andto(blissin)heavenitprevents(theacquisition
of)spiritualmerit,andisodiousamongmenoneought,forthesereasons,toavoiditcarefully.
58.LetaBrahmanaalwayssipwateroutofthepartofthehand(tirtha)sacredtoBrahman,oroutofthat
sacredtoKa(Pragapati),oroutof(that)sacredtothegods,neveroutofthatsacredtothemanes.
59.Theycall(thepart)attherootofthethumbthetirthasacredtoBrahman,thatattherootofthe(little)
finger(thetirtha)sacredtoKa(Pragapati),(that)atthetips(ofthefingers,thetirtha)sacredtothegods,
andthatbelow(betweentheindexandthethumb,thetirtha)sacredtothemanes.
60.Lethimfirstsipwaterthricenexttwicewipehismouthand,lastly,touchwithwaterthecavities(of
thehead),(theseatof)thesoulandthehead.
61.Hewhoknowsthesacredlawandseekspurityshallalwaysperformtheriteofsippingwithwater
neitherhotnorfrothy,withthe(prescribed)tirtha,inalonelyplace,andturningtotheeastortothe
north.
62.ABrahmanaispurifiedbywaterthatreacheshisheart,aKshatriyabywaterreachinghisthroat,a
Vaisyabywatertakenintohismouth,(and)aSudrabywatertouchedwiththeextremity(ofhislips).
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63.Atwicebornmaniscalledupavitinwhenhisrightarmisraised(andthesacrificialstringorthe
dress,passedunderit,restsontheleftshoulder)(whenhis)left(arm)israised(andthestring,orthe
dress,passedunderit,restsontherightshoulder,heiscalled)prakinavitinandnivitinwhenithangs
down(straight)fromtheneck.
64.Hisgirdle,theskin(whichservesashisuppergarment),hisstaff,hissacrificialthread,(and)his
waterpothemustthrowintowater,whentheyhavebeendamaged,andtakeothers,recitingsacred
formulas.
65.(Theceremonycalled)Kesanta(clippingthehair)isordainedforaBrahmanainthesixteenthyear
(fromconception)foraKshatriya,inthetwentysecondandforaVaisya,two(years)laterthanthat.
66.Thiswholeseries(ofceremonies)mustbeperformedforfemales(also),inordertosanctifythebody,
atthepropertimeandintheproperorder,butwithout(therecitationof)sacredtexts.
67.ThenuptialceremonyisstatedtobetheVedicsacramentforwomen(andtobeequaltothe
initiation),servingthehusband(equivalentto)theresidencein(thehouseofthe)teacher,andthe
householdduties(thesame)asthe(daily)worshipofthesacredfire.
68.Thushasbeendescribedtherulefortheinitiationofthetwiceborn,whichindicatesa(new)birth,
andsanctifieslearn(now)towhatdutiestheymustafterwardsapplythemselves.
69.Havingperformedthe(riteof)initiation,theteachermustfirstinstructthe(pupil)in(therulesof)
personalpurification,ofconduct,ofthefireworship,andofthetwilightdevotions.
70.But(astudent)whoisabouttobegintheStudy(oftheVeda),shallreceiveinstruction,afterhehas
sippedwaterinaccordancewiththeInstitutes(ofthesacredlaw),hasmadetheBrahmangali,(hasput
on)acleandress,andhasbroughthisorgansunderduecontrol.
71.Atthebeginningandattheendof(alessoninthe)Vedahemustalwaysclaspboththefeetofhis
teacher,(and)hemuststudy,joininghishandsthatiscalledtheBrahmangali(joiningthepalmsforthe
sakeoftheVeda).
72.Withcrossedhandshemustclasp(thefeet)oftheteacher,andtouchtheleft(foot)withhisleft
(hand),theright(foot)withhisright(hand).
73.Buttohimwhoisabouttobeginstudying,theteacheralwaysunwearied,mustsay:Ho,recite!He
shallleaveoff(whentheteachersays):Letastoppagetakeplace!
74.LethimalwayspronouncethesyllableOmatthebeginningandattheendof(alessonin)theVeda
(for)unlessthesyllableOmprecede(thelesson)willslipaway(fromhim),andunlessitfollowitwill
fadeaway.
75.Seatedon(bladesofKusagrass)withtheirpointstotheeast,purifiedbyPavitras(bladesofKusa
grass),andsanctifiedbythreesuppressionsofthebreath(Pranayama),heisworthy(topronounce)the
syllableOm.
76.Pragapati(thelordofcreatures)milkedout(asitwere)fromthethreeVedasthesoundsA,U,andM,
and(theVyahritis)Bhuh,Bhuvah,Svah.
77.MoreoverfromthethreeVedasPragapati,whodwellsinthehighestheaven(Parameshthin),milked
out(asitwere)thatRikverse,sacredtoSavitri(Savitri),whichbeginswiththewordtad,onefootfrom
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each.
78.ABrahmana,learnedintheVeda,whorecitesduringbothtwilightsthatsyllableandthat(verse),
precededbytheVyahritis,gainsthe(whole)meritwhich(therecitationof)theVedasconfers.
79.Atwicebornmanwho(daily)repeatsthosethreeonethousandtimesoutside(thevillage),willbe
freedafteramonthevenfromgreatguilt,asasnakefromitsslough.
80.TheBrahmana,theKshatriya,andtheVaisyawhoneglect(therecitationof)thatRikverseandthe
timely(performanceofthe)rites(prescribedfor)them,willbeblamedamongvirtuousmen.
81.KnowthatthethreeimperishableMahavyahritis,precededbythesyllableOm,and(followed)bythe
threefootedSavitriaretheportaloftheVedaandthegateleading(tounionwith)Brahman.
82.Hewhodailyrecitesthat(verse),untired,duringthreeyears,willenter(afterdeath)thehighest
Brahman,moveasfreeasair,andassumeanetherealform.
83.Themonosyllable(Om)isthehighestBrahman,(three)suppressionsofthebreatharethebest(form
of)austerity,butnothingsurpassestheSavitritruthfulnessisbetterthansilence.
84.AllritesordainedintheVeda,burntoblationsand(other)sacrifices,passawaybutknowthatthe
syllable(Om)isimperishable,and(itis)Brahman,(and)theLordofcreatures(Pragapati).
85.Anoffering,consistingofmutteredprayers,istentimesmoreefficaciousthanasacrificeperformed
accordingtotherules(oftheVeda)a(prayer)whichisinaudible(toothers)surpassesitahundred
times,andthemental(recitationofsacredtexts)athousandtimes.
86.ThefourPakayagnasandthosesacrificeswhichareenjoinedbytherules(oftheVeda)areall
togethernotequalinvaluetoasixteenthpartofthesacrificeconsistingofmutteredprayers.
87.But,undoubtedly,aBrahmanareachesthehighestgoalbymutteringprayersonly(whether)he
performother(rites)orneglectthem,hewhobefriends(allcreatures)isdeclared(tobe)a(true)
Brahmana.
88.Awisemanshouldstrivetorestrainhisorganswhichrunwildamongalluringsensualobjects,likea
charioteerhishorses.
89.Thoseelevenorganswhichformersageshavenamed,Iwillproperly(and)preciselyenumeratein
dueorder,
90.(Viz.)theear,theskin,theeyes,thetongue,andthenoseasthefifth,theanus,theorganof
generation,handsandfeet,andthe(organof)speech,namedasthetenth.
91.Fiveofthem,theearandtherestaccordingtotheirorder,theycallorgansofsense,andfiveofthem,
theanusandtherest,organsofaction.
92.Knowthattheinternalorgan(manas)istheeleventh,whichbyitsqualitybelongstoboth(sets)
whenthathasbeensubdued,boththosesetsoffivehavebeenconquered.
93.Throughtheattachmentofhisorgans(tosensualpleasure)amandoubtlesslywillincurguiltbutif
hekeepthemundercompletecontrol,hewillobtainsuccess(ingainingallhisaims).
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94.Desireisneverextinguishedbytheenjoymentofdesiredobjectsitonlygrowsstrongerlikeafire
(fed)withclarifiedbutter.
95.Ifonemanshouldobtainallthose(sensualenjoyments)andanothershouldrenouncethemall,the
renunciationofallpleasureisfarbetterthantheattainmentofthem.
96.Those(organs)whicharestronglyattachedtosensualpleasures,cannotsoeffectuallyberestrained
byabstinence(fromenjoyments)asbyaconstant(pursuitoftrue)knowledge.
97.Neither(thestudyof)theVedas,norliberality,norsacrifices,norany(selfimposed)restraint,nor
austerities,everprocuretheattainment(ofrewards)toamanwhoseheartiscontaminated(by
sensuality).
98.Thatmanmaybeconsideredtohave(really)subduedhisorgans,whoonhearingandtouchingand
seeing,ontastingandsmelling(anything)neitherrejoicesnorrepines.
99.Butwhenoneamongalltheorgansslipsaway(fromcontrol),thereby(man's)wisdomslipsaway
fromhim,evenasthewater(flows)throughtheone(open)footofa(watercarrier's)skin.
100.Ifhekeepsallthe(ten)organsaswellasthemindinsubjection,hemaygainallhisaims,without
reducinghisbodyby(thepractice)ofYoga.
101.Lethimstandduringthemorningtwilight,mutteringtheSavitriuntilthesunappears,but(lethim
reciteit),seated,intheeveninguntiltheconstellationscanbeseendistinctly.
102.Hewhostandsduringthemorningtwilightmuttering(theSavitri),removestheguiltcontracted
duringthe(previous)nightbuthewho(recitesit),seated,intheevening,destroysthesinhecommitted
duringtheday.
103.Buthewhodoesnot(worship)standinginthemorning,norsittingintheevening,shallbe
excluded,justlikeaSudra,fromallthedutiesandrightsofanAryan.
104.Hewho(desiresto)performtheceremony(ofthe)daily(recitation),mayevenrecitetheSavitri
nearwater,retiringintotheforest,controllinghisorgansandconcentratinghismind.
105.Bothwhen(onestudies)thesupplementarytreatisesoftheVeda,andwhen(onerecites)thedaily
portionoftheVeda,noregardneedbepaidtoforbiddendays,likewisewhen(onerepeats)thesacred
textsrequiredforaburntoblation.
106.Therearenoforbiddendaysforthedailyrecitation,sincethatisdeclaredtobeaBrahmasattra(an
everlastingsacrificeofferedtoBrahman)atthattheVedatakestheplaceoftheburntoblations,anditis
meritorious(even),when(naturalphenomena,requiring)acessationoftheVedastudy,taketheplaceof
theexclamationVashat.
107.Forhimwho,beingpureandcontrollinghisorgans,duringayeardailyrecitestheVedaaccording
totherule,that(dailyrecitation)willevercausesweetandsourmilk,clarifiedbutterandhoneytoflow.
108.LetanAryanwhohasbeeninitiated,(daily)offerfuelinthesacredfire,begfood,sleeponthe
groundanddowhatisbeneficialtothisteacher,until(heperformstheceremonyof)Samavartana(on
returninghome).
109.Accordingtothesacredlawthe(following)ten(persons,viz.)theteacher'sson,onewhodesiresto
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doservice,onewhoimpartsknowledge,onewhoisintentonfulfillingthelaw,onewhoispure,aperson
connectedbymarriageorfriendship,onewhopossesses(mental)ability,onewhomakespresentsof
money,onewhoishonest,andarelative,maybeinstructed(intheVeda).
110.Unlessonebeasked,onemustnotexplain(anything)toanybody,nor(mustoneanswer)aperson
whoasksimproperlyletawiseman,thoughheknows(theanswer),behaveamongmenas(ifhewere)
anidiot.
111.Ofthetwopersons,himwhoillegallyexplains(anything),andhimwhoillegallyasks(aquestion),
one(orboth)willdieorincur(theother's)enmity.
112.Wheremeritandwealtharenot(obtainedbyteaching)nor(atleast)dueobedience,insuch(soil)
sacredknowledgemustnotbesown,justasgoodseed(must)not(bethrown)onbarrenland.
113.EvenintimesofdiredistressateacheroftheVedashouldratherdiewithhisknowledgethansowit
inbarrensoil.
114.SacredLearningapproachedaBrahmanaandsaidtohim:'Iamthytreasure,preserveme,deliver
menottoascornerso(preserved)Ishallbecomesupremelystrong.'
115.'Butdeliverme,astothekeeperofthytreasure,toaBrahmanawhomthoushaltknowtobepure,of
subduedsenses,chasteandattentive.'
116.ButhewhoacquireswithoutpermissiontheVedafromonewhorecitesit,incurstheguiltof
stealingtheVeda,andshallsinkintohell.
117.(Astudent)shallfirstreverentiallysalutethat(teacher)fromwhomhereceives(knowledge),
referringtoworldlyaffairs,totheVeda,ortotheBrahman.
118.ABrahmanawhocompletelygovernshimself,thoughheknowtheSavitrionly,isbetterthanhe
whoknowsthethreeVedas,(but)doesnotcontrolhimself,eatsall(sortsof)food,andsellsall(sortsof
goods).
119.Onemustnotsitdownonacouchorseatwhichasuperioroccupiesandhewhooccupiesacouch
orseatshallrisetomeeta(superior),and(afterwards)salutehim.
120.Forthevitalairsofayoungmanmountupwardstoleavehisbodywhenanelderapproachesbutby
risingtomeethimandsalutingherecoversthem.
121.Hewhohabituallysalutesandconstantlypaysreverencetotheagedobtainsanincreaseoffour
(things),(viz.)lengthoflife,knowledge,fame,(and)strength.
122.Afterthe(wordof)salutation,aBrahmanawhogreetsaneldermustpronouncehisname,saying,'I
amN.N.'
123.Tothose(persons)who,whenanameispronounced,donotunderstand(themeaningof)the
salutation,awisemanshouldsay,'ItisI'and(heshouldaddress)inthesamemannerallwomen.
124.Insalutingheshouldpronounceafterhisnamethewordbhohforthesageshavedeclaredthatthe
natureofbhohisthesameasthatof(allproper)names.
125.ABrahmanashouldthusbesalutedinreturn,'May'stthoubelonglived,Ogentleone!'andthe
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vowel'a'mustbeaddedattheendofthename(ofthepersonaddressed),thesyllableprecedingitbeing
drawnouttothelengthofthreemoras.
126.ABrahmanawhodoesnotknowtheformofreturningasalutation,mustnotbesalutedbyalearned
manasaSudra,evensoishe.
127.LethimaskaBrahmana,onmeetinghim,after(hishealth,withtheword)kusala,aKshatriya(with
theword)anamaya,aVaisya(withtheword)kshema,andaSudra(withtheword)anarogya.
128.Hewhohasbeeninitiated(toperformaSrautasacrifice)mustnotbeaddressedbyhisname,even
thoughhebeayoungermanhewhoknowsthesacredlawmustuseinspeakingtosuch(amanthe
particle)bhohand(thepronoun)bhavat(yourworship).
129.Buttoafemalewhoisthewifeofanotherman,andnotabloodrelation,hemustsay,'Lady'
(bhavati)or'Belovedsister!'
130.Tohismaternalandpaternaluncles,fathersinlaw,officiatingpriests,(andother)venerable
persons,hemustsay,'IamN.N.,'andrise(tomeetthem),eventhoughtheybeyounger(thanhimself).
131.Amaternalaunt,thewifeofamaternaluncle,amotherinlaw,andapaternalauntmustbe
honouredlikethewifeofone'steachertheyareequaltothewifeofone'steacher.
132.(Thefeetofthe)wifeofone'sbrother,ifshebeofthesamecaste(varna),mustbeclaspedevery
daybut(thefeetof)wivesof(other)paternalandmaternalrelativesneedonlybeembracedonone's
returnfromajourney.
133.Towardsasisterofone'sfatherandofone'smother,andtowardsone'sowneldersister,onemust
behaveastowardsone'smother(but)themotherismorevenerablethanthey.
134.Fellowcitizensarecalledfriends(andequalsthoughonebe)tenyears(olderthantheother),men
practising(thesame)fineart(thoughonebe)fiveyears(olderthantheother),Srotriyas(though)three
years(intervenebetweentheirages),butbloodrelationsonly(ifthe)differenceofagebeverysmall.
135.KnowthataBrahmanaoftenyearsandKshatriyaofahundredyearsstandtoeachotherinthe
relationoffatherandsonbutbetweenthosetwotheBrahmanaisthefather.
136.Wealth,kindred,age,(thedueperformanceof)rites,and,fifthly,sacredlearningaretitlesto
respectbuteachlaternamed(cause)ismoreweighty(thantheprecedingones).
137.Whatevermanofthethree(highest)castespossessesmostofthosefive,bothinnumberanddegree,
thatmanisworthyofhonouramongthemand(sois)alsoaSudrawhohasenteredthetenth(decadeof
hislife).
138.Waymustbemadeforamaninacarriage,foronewhoisaboveninetyyearsold,foronediseased,
forthecarrierofaburden,forawoman,foraSnataka,fortheking,andforabridegroom.
139.Amongallthose,iftheymeet(atonetime),aSnatakaandthekingmustbe(most)honouredandif
thekingandaSnataka(meet),thelatterreceivesrespectfromtheking.
140.TheycallthatBrahmanawhoinitiatesapupilandteacheshimtheVedatogetherwiththeKalpaand
theRahasyas,theteacher(akarya,ofthelatter).
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141.ButhewhoforhislivelihoodteachesaportiononlyoftheVeda,oralsotheAngasoftheVeda,is
calledthesubteacher(upadhyaya).
142.ThatBrahmana,whoperformsinaccordancewiththerules(oftheVeda)therites,theGarbhadhana
(conceptionrite),andsoforth,andgivesfood(tothechild),iscalledtheGuru(thevenerableone).
143.Hewho,being(duly)chosen(forthepurpose),performstheAgnyadheya,thePakayagnas,(and)the
(Srauta)sacrifices,suchastheAgnishtoma(foranotherman),iscalled(his)officiatingpriest.
144.That(man)whotruthfullyfillsbothhisearswiththeVeda,(thepupil)shallconsiderashisfather
andmotherhemustneveroffendhim.
145.Theteacher(akarya)istentimesmorevenerablethanasubteacher(upadhyaya),thefathera
hundredtimesmorethantheteacher,butthemotherathousandtimesmorethanthefather.
146.Ofhimwhogivesnaturalbirthandhimwhogives(theknowledgeof)theVeda,thegiverofthe
VedaisthemorevenerablefatherforthebirthforthesakeoftheVeda(ensures)eternal(rewards)both
inthis(life)andafterdeath.
147.Lethimconsiderthat(hereceived)a(mereanimal)existence,whenhisparentsbegathimthrough
mutualaffection,andwhenhewasbornfromthewomb(ofhismother).
148.ButthatbirthwhichateacheracquaintedwiththewholeVeda,inaccordancewiththelaw,procures
forhimthroughtheSavitri,isreal,exemptfromageanddeath.
149.(Thepupil)mustknowthatthatmanalsowhobenefitshimby(instructionin)theVeda,beitlittle
ormuch,iscalledinthese(Institutes)hisGuru,inconsequenceofthatbenefit(conferredbyinstruction
in)theVeda.
150.ThatBrahmanawhoisthegiverofthebirthforthesakeoftheVedaandtheteacherofthe
prescribeddutiesbecomesbylawthefatherofanagedman,eventhoughhehimselfbeachild.
151.YoungKavi,thesonofAngiras,taughthis(relativeswhowereoldenoughtobe)fathers,and,ashe
excelledthemin(sacred)knowledge,hecalledthem'Littlesons.'
152.They,movedwithresentment,askedthegodsconcerningthatmatter,andthegods,having
assembled,answered,'Thechildhasaddressedyouproperly.'
153.'For(aman)destituteof(sacred)knowledgeisindeedachild,andhewhoteacheshimtheVedais
hisfatherfor(thesages)havealwayssaid"child"toanignorantman,and"father"toateacherofthe
Veda.'
154.Neitherthroughyears,northroughwhite(hairs),northroughwealth,northrough(powerful)
kinsmen(comesgreatness).Thesageshavemadethislaw,'HewhohaslearnttheVedatogetherwiththe
Angas(Anukana)is(considered)greatbyus.'
155.TheseniorityofBrahmanasisfrom(sacred)knowledge,thatofKshatriyasfromvalour,thatof
Vaisyasfromwealthingrain(andothergoods),butthatofSudrasalonefromage.
156.Amanisnottherefore(considered)venerablebecausehisheadisgrayhimwho,thoughyoung,has
learnedtheVeda,thegodsconsidertobevenerable.
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157.Asanelephantmadeofwood,asanantelopemadeofleather,suchisanunlearnedBrahmanathose
threehavenothingbutthenames(oftheirkind).
158.Asaeunuchisunproductivewithwomen,asacowwithacowisunprolific,andasagiftmadetoan
ignorantmanyieldsnoreward,evensoisaBrahmanauseless,who(does)not(know)theRikas.
159.Createdbeingsmustbeinstructedin(whatconcerns)theirwelfarewithoutgivingthempain,and
sweetandgentlespeechmustbeusedby(ateacher)whodesires(toabideby)thesacredlaw.
160.He,forsooth,whosespeechandthoughtsarepureandeverperfectlyguarded,gainsthewhole
rewardwhichisconferredbytheVedanta.
161.Lethimnot,eventhoughinpain,(speakwords)cutting(others)tothequicklethimnotinjure
othersinthoughtordeedlethimnotutterspeecheswhichmake(others)afraidofhim,sincethatwill
preventhimfromgainingheaven.
162.ABrahmanashouldalwaysfearhomageasifitwerepoisonandconstantlydesire(tosuffer)scorn
as(hewouldlongfor)nectar.
163.Forhewhoisscorned(neverthelessmay)sleepwithaneasymind,awakewithaneasymind,and
withaneasymindwalkhereamongmenbutthescornerutterlyperishes.
164.Atwicebornmanwhohasbeensanctifiedbythe(employmentof)themeans,(describedabove)in
dueorder,shallgraduallyandcumulativelyperformthevariousausteritiesprescribedfor(thosewho)
studytheVeda.
165.AnAryanmuststudythewholeVedatogetherwiththeRahasyas,performingatthesametime
variouskindsofausteritiesandthevowsprescribedbytherules(oftheVeda).
166.LetaBrahmanawhodesirestoperformausterities,constantlyrepeattheVedaforthestudyofthe
Vedaisdeclared(tobe)inthisworldthehighestausterityforaBrahmana.
167.Verily,thattwicebornmanperformsthehighestausterityuptotheextremitiesofhisnails,who,
thoughwearingagarland,dailyrecitestheVedainprivatetotheutmostofhisability.
168.Atwicebornmanwho,nothavingstudiedtheVeda,applieshimselftoother(andworldlystudy),
soonfalls,evenwhileliving,totheconditionofaSudraandhisdescendants(afterhim).
169.AccordingtotheinjunctionoftherevealedtextsthefirstbirthofanAryanisfrom(hisnatural)
mother,thesecond(happens)onthetyingofthegirdleofMungagrass,andthethirdontheinitiationto
(theperformanceof)a(Srauta)sacrifice.
170.Amongthose(three)thebirthwhichissymbolisedbytheinvestiturewiththegirdleofMungagrass,
ishisbirthforthesakeoftheVedatheydeclarethatinthat(birth)theSivitri(verse)ishismotherand
theteacherhisfather.
171.Theycalltheteacher(thepupil's)fatherbecausehegivestheVedafornobodycanperforma
(sacred)ritebeforetheinvestiturewiththegirdleofMungagrass.
172.(Hewhohasnotbeeninitiated)shouldnotpronounce(any)Vedictextexcepting(thoserequired
for)theperformanceoffuneralrites,sinceheisonalevelwithaSudrabeforehisbirthfromtheVeda.
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173.The(student)whohasbeeninitiatedmustbeinstructedintheperformanceofthevows,and
graduallylearntheVeda,observingtheprescribedrules.
174.Whateverdressofskin,sacredthread,girdle,staff,andlowergarmentareprescribedfora(student
attheinitiation),thelike(mustagainbeused)atthe(performanceofthe)vows.
175.Butastudentwhoresideswithhisteachermustobservethefollowingrestrictiverules,duly
controllingallhisorgans,inordertoincreasehisspiritualmerit.
176.Everyday,havingbathed,andbeingpurified,hemustofferlibationsofwatertothegods,sagesand
manes,worship(theimagesof)thegods,andplacefuelon(thesacredfire).
177.Lethimabstainfromhoney,meat,perfumes,garlands,substances(usedfor)flavouring(food),
women,allsubstancesturnedacid,andfromdoinginjurytolivingcreatures.
178.Fromanointing(hisbody),applyingcollyriumtohiseyes,fromtheuseofshoesandofanumbrella
(orparasol),from(sensual)desire,anger,covetousness,dancing,singing,andplaying(musical
instruments),
179.Fromgambling,idledisputes,backbiting,andlying,fromlookingatandtouchingwomen,andfrom
hurtingothers.
180.Lethimalwayssleepalone,lethimneverwastehismanhoodforhewhovoluntarilywasteshis
manhood,breakshisvow.
181.Atwicebornstudent,whohasinvoluntarilywastedhismanlystrengthduringsleep,mustbathe,
worshipthesun,andafterwardsthricemuttertheRikverse(whichbegins),'Againletmystrengthreturn
tome.'
182.Lethimfetchapotfullofwater,flowers,cowdung,earth,andKusagrass,asmuchasmaybe
required(byhisteacher),anddailygotobegfood.
183.Astudent,beingpure,shalldailybringfoodfromthehousesofmenwhoarenotdeficientin(the
knowledgeof)theVedaandin(performing)sacrifices,andwhoarefamousfor(followingtheirlawful)
occupations.
184.Lethimnotbegfromtherelativesofhisteacher,norfromhisownorhismother'sbloodrelations
butiftherearenohousesbelongingtostrangers,lethimgotooneofthosenamedabove,takingthelast
namedfirst
185.Or,ifthereareno(virtuousmenofthekind)mentionedabove,hemaygotoeach(houseinthe)
village,beingpureandremainingsilentbutlethimavoidAbhisastas(thoseaccusedofmortalsin).
186.Havingbroughtsacredfuelfromadistance,lethimplaceitanywherebutontheground,andlet
him,unwearied,makewithitburntoblationstothesacredfire,botheveningandmorning.
187.Hewho,withoutbeingsick,neglectsduringseven(successive)daystogooutbegging,andtooffer
fuelinthesacredfire,shallperformthepenanceofanAvakirnin(onewhohasbrokenhisvow).
188.Hewhoperformsthevow(ofstudentship)shallconstantlysubsistonalms,(but)noteatthefoodof
one(persononly)thesubsistenceofastudentonbeggedfoodisdeclaredtobeequal(inmerit)to
fasting.
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189.Athispleasurehemayeat,wheninvited,thefoodofonemanat(arite)inhonourofthegods,
observing(howevertheconditionsonhisvow,orata(funeralmeal)inhonorofthemanes,behaving
(however)likeahermit.
190.ThisdutyisprescribedbythewiseforaBrahmanaonlybutnosuchdutyisordainedfora
KshatriyaandaVaisya.
191.Bothwhenorderedbyhisteacher,andwithouta(special)command,(astudent)shallalwaysexert
himselfinstudying(theVeda),andindoingwhatisserviceabletohisteacher.
192.Controllinghisbody,hisspeech,hisorgans(ofsense),andhismind,lethimstandwithjoined
hands,lookingatthefaceofhisteacher.
193.Lethimalwayskeephisrightarmuncovered,behavedecentlyandkeephisbodywellcovered,and
whenheisaddressed(withthewords),'Beseated,'heshallsitdown,facinghisteacher.
194.Inthepresenceofhisteacherlethimalwayseatless,wearalessvaluabledressandornaments(than
theformer),andlethimriseearlier(fromhisbed),andgotorestlater.
195.Lethimnotanswerorconversewith(histeacher),recliningonabed,norsitting,noreating,nor
standing,norwithanavertedface.
196.Lethimdo(that),standingup,if(histeacher)isseated,advancingtowardshimwhenhestands,
goingtomeethimifheadvances,andrunningafterhimwhenheruns
197.Going(round)toface(theteacher),ifhisfaceisaverted,approachinghimifhestandsatadistance,
butbendingtowardshimifheliesonabed,andifhestandsinalowerplace.
198.Whenhisteacherisnigh,lethisbedorseatbelowbutwithinsightofhisteacherheshallnotsit
carelesslyatease.
199.Lethimnotpronouncethemerenameofhisteacher(withoutaddinganhonorifictitle)behindhis
backeven,andlethimnotmimichisgait,speech,anddeportment.
200.Wherever(people)justlycensureorfalselydefamehisteacher,therehemustcoverhisearsor
departthencetoanotherplace.
201.Bycensuring(histeacher),thoughjustly,hewillbecome(inhisnextbirth)anass,byfalsely
defaminghim,adoghewholivesonhisteacher'ssubstance,willbecomeaworm,andhewhois
envious(ofhismerit),a(larger)insect.
202.Hemustnotservethe(teacherbytheinterventionofanother)whilehehimselfstandsaloof,nor
whenhe(himself)isangry,norwhenawomanisnearifheisseatedinacarriageorona(raised)seat,
hemustdescendandafterwardssalutehis(teacher).
203.Lethimnotsitwithhisteacher,totheleewardortothewindward(ofhim)norlethimsayanything
whichhisteachercannothear.
204.Hemaysitwithhisteacherinacarriagedrawnbyoxen,horses,orcamels,onaterrace,onabedof
grassorleaves,onamat,onarock,onawoodenbench,orinaboat.
205.Ifhisteacher'steacherisnear,lethimbehave(towardshim)astowardshisownteacherbutlethim,
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unlesshehasreceivedpermissionfromhisteacher,notsalutevenerablepersonsofhisown(family).
206.Thisislikewise(ordainedas)hisconstantbehaviourtowards(other)instructorsinscience,towards
hisrelatives(towhomhonourisdue),towardsallwhomayrestrainhimfromsin,ormaygivehim
salutaryadvice.
207.Towardshisbetterslethimalwaysbehaveastowardshisteacher,likewisetowardssonsofhis
teacher,bornbywivesofequalcaste,andtowardstheteacher'srelativesbothonthesideofthefather
andofthemother.
208.Thesonoftheteacherwhoimpartsinstruction(inhisfather'sstead),whetheryoungerorofequal
age,orastudentof(thescienceof)sacrifices(orofotherAngas),deservesthesamehonourasthe
teacher.
209.(Astudent)mustnotshampoothelimbsofhisteacher'sson,norassisthiminbathing,noreatthe
fragmentsofhisfood,norwashhisfeet.
210.Thewivesoftheteacher,whobelongtothesamecaste,mustbetreatedasrespectfullyasthe
teacherbutthosewhobelongtoadifferentcaste,mustbehonouredbyrisingandsalutation.
211.Lethimnotperformforawifeofhisteacher(theofficesof)anointingher,assistingherinthebath,
shampooingherlimbs,orarrangingherhair.
212.(Apupil)whoisfulltwentyyearsold,andknowswhatisbecomingandunbecoming,shallnot
saluteayoungwifeofhisteacher(byclasping)herfeet.
213.Itisthenatureofwomentoseducemeninthis(world)forthatreasonthewiseareneverunguarded
in(thecompanyof)females.
214.Forwomenareabletoleadastrayin(this)worldnotonlyafool,butevenalearnedman,and(to
make)himaslaveofdesireandanger.
215.Oneshouldnotsitinalonelyplacewithone'smother,sister,ordaughterforthesensesare
powerful,andmasterevenalearnedman.
216.Butathispleasureayoungstudentmayprostratehimselfonthegroundbeforetheyoungwifeofa
teacher,inaccordancewiththerule,andsay,'I,N.N.,(worshipthee,Olady).'
217.Onreturningfromajourneyhemustclaspthefeetofhisteacher'swifeanddailysaluteher(inthe
mannerjustmentioned),rememberingthedutyofthevirtuous.
218.Asthemanwhodigswithaspade(intotheground)obtainswater,evensoanobedient(pupil)
obtainstheknowledgewhichlies(hidden)inhisteacher.
219.A(student)mayeithershavehishead,orwearhishairinbraids,orbraidonelockonthecrownof
hisheadthesunmustneversetorrisewhilehe(liesasleep)inthevillage.
220.Ifthesunshouldriseorsetwhileheissleeping,beit(thatheoffended)intentionallyor
unintentionally,heshallfastduringthe(next)day,muttering(theSavitri).
221.Forhewholies(sleeping),whilethesunsetsorrises,anddoesnotperform(that)penance,istainted
bygreatguilt.
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222.Purifiedbysippingwater,heshalldailyworshipduringbothtwilightswithaconcentratedmindina
pureplace,mutteringtheprescribedtextaccordingtotherule.
223.Ifawomanoramanoflowcasteperformanything(leadingto)happiness,lethimdiligently
practiseit,aswellas(anyotherpermittedact)inwhichhisheartfindspleasure.
224.(Somedeclarethat)thechiefgoodconsistsin(theacquisitionof)spiritualmeritandwealth,(others
placeit)in(thegratificationof)desireand(theacquisitionof)wealth,(others)in(theacquisitionof)
spiritualmeritalone,and(otherssaythattheacquisitionof)wealthaloneisthechiefgoodhere(below)
butthe(correct)decisionisthatitconsistsoftheaggregateof(those)three.
225.Theteacher,thefather,themother,andanelderbrothermustnotbetreatedwithdisrespect,
especiallybyaBrahmana,thoughonebegrievouslyoffended(bythem).
226.TheteacheristheimageofBrahman,thefathertheimageofPragipati(thelordofcreatedbeings),
themothertheimageoftheearth,andan(elder)fullbrothertheimageofoneself.
227.Thattrouble(andpain)whichtheparentsundergoonthebirthof(their)children,cannotbe
compensatedeveninahundredyears.
228.Lethimalwaysdowhatisagreeabletothose(two)andalways(whatmayplease)histeacherwhen
thosethreearepleased,heobtainsall(thoserewardswhich)austerities(yield).
229.Obediencetowardsthosethreeisdeclaredtobethebest(formof)austeritylethimnotperform
othermeritoriousactswithouttheirpermission.
230.Fortheyaredeclaredtobethethreeworlds,theythethree(principal)orders,theythethreeVedas,
andtheythethreesacredfires.
231.Thefather,forsooth,isstatedtobetheGarhapatyafire,themothertheDakshinagni,buttheteacher
theAhavaniyafirethistriadoffiresismostvenerable.
232.Hewhoneglectsnotthosethree,(evenafterhehasbecome)ahouseholder,willconquerthethree
worldsand,radiantinbodylikeagod,hewillenjoyblissinheaven.
233.Byhonouringhismotherhegainsthis(nether)world,byhonouringhisfatherthemiddlesphere,but
byobediencetohisteachertheworldofBrahman.
234.Alldutieshavebeenfulfilledbyhimwhohonoursthosethreebuttohimwhohonoursthemnot,all
ritesremainfruitless.
235.Aslongasthosethreelive,solonglethimnot(independently)performanyother(meritoriousacts)
lethimalwaysservethem,rejoicing(todowhatis)agreeableandbeneficial(tothem).
236.Heshallinformthemofeverythingthatwiththeirconsenthemayperforminthought,word,ordeed
forthesakeofthenextworld.
237.By(honouring)thesethreeallthatoughttobedonebyman,isaccomplishedthatisclearlythe
highestduty,everyother(act)isasubordinateduty.
238.Hewhopossessesfaithmayreceivepurelearningevenfromamanoflowercaste,thehighestlaw
evenfromthelowest,andanexcellentwifeevenfromabasefamily.
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239.Evenfrompoisonnectarmaybetaken,evenfromachildgoodadvice,evenfromafoe(alessonin)
goodconduct,andevenfromanimpure(substance)gold.
240.Excellentwives,learning,(theknowledgeof)thelaw,(therulesof)purity,goodadvice,andvarious
artsmaybeacquiredfromanybody.
241.Itisprescribedthatintimesofdistress(astudent)maylearn(theVeda)fromonewhoisnota
Brahmanaandthatheshallwalkbehindandserve(sucha)teacher,aslongastheinstructionlasts.
242.Hewhodesiresincomparablebliss(inheaven)shallnotdwellduringhiswholelifein(thehouseof)
anonBrahmanicalteacher,norwithaBrahmanawhodoesnotknowthewholeVedaandtheAngas.
243.Butif(astudent)desirestopasshiswholelifeintheteacher'shouse,hemustdiligentlyservehim,
untilheisfreedfromthisbody.
244.ABrahmanawhoserveshisteachertillthedissolutionofhisbody,reachesforthwiththeeternal
mansionofBrahman.
245.Hewhoknowsthesacredlawmustnotpresentanygifttohisteacherbefore(theSamavartana)but
when,withthepermissionofhisteacher,heisabouttotakethe(final)bath,lethimprocure(apresent)
forthevenerablemanaccordingtohisability,
246.(Viz.)afield,gold,acow,ahorse,aparasolandshoes,aseat,grain,(even)vegetables,(andthus)
givepleasuretohisteacher.
247.(Aperpetualstudent)must,ifhisteacherdies,servehisson(providedhebe)endowedwithgood
qualities,orhiswidow,orhisSapinda,inthesamemannerastheteacher.
248.Shouldnoneofthesebealive,hemustservethesacredfire,standing(byday)andsitting(during
thenight),andthusfinishhislife.
249.ABrahmanawhothuspasseshislifeasastudentwithoutbreakinghisvow,reaches(afterdeath)the
highestabodeandwillnotbebornagaininthisworld.

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