The Gautama Sutras, Chapters 1 To 14

12/29/2014
TheGautamaSutras,Chapters1to14
Home
Hinduism
HinduismTexts
Buddhism
BuddhismTexts
Jainism
JainTexts
Yoga
SpiritualismTexts
Spiritualism
Zoroastrianism
SikhismTexts
Sikhism
ZoroastrianTexts
Selfhelp
TaoismTexts
Reference
ConfuciusTexts
Scriptures
OtherTexts
Someofthelinksonthispagemaynotworkifyouhavedisabledjavascriptoruseoutdatedbrowsers.Largetextsmaytaketimetodownload.Pleasebepatient.
FeaturedArticle
Editorial
DharmaShastrasIndexPage
GautamaSutras
TranslatethePage
Contents
SelectLanguage
Audio
Books
ChapterI
ChapterVIII
Horoscope
ChapterII
ChapterIX
ChapterIII
ChapterX
IndiaNews
ChapterIV
ChapterXI
USNews
ChapterV
ChapterXII
ChapterVI
ChapterXIII
ChapterVII
ChapterXIV
SearchHinduwebsite
Search
HinduismNews
Quotations
MentalHealth
Recommend this
FollowUs
Video
TodayinHistory
MessageBoard
OnlineStore
CHAPTERI
1.THEVedaisthesourceofthesacredlaw,1
2.Andthetraditionandpracticeofthosewhoknowthe(Veda).
OurFeeds
RecentArticlesFeed
AudioFeed
VideoFeed
HinduismEssaysFeed
OurForumFeed
OurBooksStoreFeed
Aboutthissite
Hinduwebsite.com
providesoriginaland
scholarlyinformation
aboutHinduismand
relatedreligions,
societyandculture.We
promotetoleranceand
thehighestideals
reflectedinthese
cultures.Wehavebeen
servingtheworld
communitysince1999.
3.Transgressionofthelawandviolenceateobserved(inthecase)
of (those) great (men) but both are without force (as precedents)
onaccountoftheweaknessofthemenoflaterages.3
4. If (authorities) of equal force are conflicting, (either may be
followedat)pleasure.
5. The initiation of a Brhmana (shall ordinarily take place) in his
eighthyear
6. (It may also be performed) in the ninth or fifth (years) for the
fulfilmentof(someparticular)wish.6
7.Thenumberofyears(istobecalculated)fromconception.7
8.That(initiation)isthesecondbirth.8
9. The (person) from whom he receives that (Sacrament is called)
thekrya(teacher).9
10. And (the same title is also bestowed) in consequence of the
teachingoftheVeda.10
11.(Theinitiation)ofaKshatriya(shallordinarilytakeplace)inthe
eleventh (year after conception), and that of a Vaisya in the
twelfth.11
12.UptothesixteenthyearthetimefortheSvitrofaBrhmana
hasnotpassed,12
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/sacredscripts/hinduism/dharma/gautama1.asp#initiation
1/31
12/29/2014
13. Nor (for the initiation) of a Kshatriya up to the twentieth

(year).13
14.(Andthelimitforthat)ofaVaisya(extends)twoyearsbeyond
(thelatterterm).
15.Thegirdles(wornbystudents)shallbestringsofMugagrass,a
bowstring, or a (wool) thread, according to the order (of the
castes).15
16. (Their upper garments shall be) skins of blackbucks, spotted
deer,(or)hegoats.16
17. Hempen or linen cloth, the (inner) bark (of trees), and woollen
blankets (may be worn as low garments by students) of all
(castes),17
18.Andundyedcottoncloth.
19.Some(declarethatit)even(maybedyed)red.19
20.(Inthatcasethegarment)ofaBrhmana(shallbedyedwitha
reddye)producedfromatree,
21. (Andthose of students)oftheother two(castesshallbe)dyed
withmadderorturmeric.
22.Thestaff(carriedbyastudent)oftheBrhmana(casteshallbe)
madeofBilivaorPalsawood.22
23.StavesmadeofAsvatthaorPluwood(arefit)for(studentsof)
theremaining(twocastes).
24. Or (a staff cut from a tree) that is fit to be used at a sacrifice
(maybecarriedbystudents)ofall(castes).24
25. (The staves must be) unblemished, bent (at the top) like a
sacrificialpost,andcoveredbytheirbark.25
26. They shall reach the crown of the head, the forehead, (or) the
tipofthenose(accordingtothecasteofthewearer).26
27.(Itis)optional(forstudents)toshave(theirheads),towearthe
hairtiedinabraid,(or)tokeep(merely)alockonthecrownofthe
headtiedinabraid(shavingtheotherportionsofthehead).27
28.Ifhebecomesimpurewhileholdingthingsinhishands,heshall
(purify himself) by sipping water without laying (them on the
ground).28
29. (As regards) the purification of things, (objects) madeofmetal
mustbescoured,thosemadeofclayshouldbethoroughlyheatedby
fire, those made of wood must be planed, and (cloth) made of
threadshouldbewashed.29
30. (Objects made of) stone, jewels, shells, (or) motherofpearl
(mustbetreated)likethosemadeofmetal.30
31.(Objectsmadeof)boneandmud(mustbetreated)likewood.31
2/31
12/29/2014
32.Andscattering(earthtakenfromapurespotisanothermethod
ofpurifyingdefiled)earth.32
33. Ropes, chips (of bamboo), and leather (must be treated) like
garments.33
34. Or (objects) that have been defiled very much may be thrown
away.34
35. Turning his face to the east or to the north, he shall purify
himselffrompersonaldefilement.35
36.Seatedinapureplace,placinghisrightarmbetweenhisknees,
arranginghisdress(orhis 36sacrificialcord)inthemannerrequired
for a sacrifice to the gods, he shall, after washing his hands up to
the wrist, three or four times, silently, sip water that reaches his
heart twice wipe (his lips) sprinkle his feet and (his head) touch
thecavitiesinthehead(severally)with(certainfingersofhis)right
hand (and finally) place (all the fingers) on the crown of his head
and(onthenavel).
37. After sleeping, dining, and sneezing (he shall) again (sip water
thoughhemayhavedonesobefore).37
38.(Remnantsoffood)adheringtotheteeth(donotmaketheeater
impure as little) as his teeth, except if he touches them with his
tongue.38
39.Some(declare,thatsuchremnantsdonotdefile)beforetheyfall
(fromtheirplace).39
40.Iftheydobecomedetached,heshouldknowthatheispurified
bymerelyswallowingthem,as(inthecaseof)saliva.40
41. Drops (of saliva) failing from the mouth do not cause impurity,
exceptiftheyfallonalimbofthebody.41
42. Purification (from defilement) by unclean substances (has been
effected)whenthestainsandthe(bad)smellhavebeenremoved.42
43. That (should be done) by first (using) water and (afterwards)
earth,43
44.Whenurine,fces,orsemenfallona(limb)andwhen(alimb)
isstained(byfood)duringmeals(watershouldbesipped).44
45. And in case the Veda ordains (a particular manner of
purification,itmustbeperformedaccordingtotheprecept).45
46. Taking hold with (his right) hand of the left 46 hand (of his
teacher), but leaving the thumb free, (the pupil) shall address his
teacher,(saying):'VenerableSir,recite!'
47.Heshallfixhiseyesandhismindonthe(teacher).47
48.HeshalltouchwithKusagrassthe(seatofthe)vitalairs.48
49. He shall thrice restrain his breath for (the space of) fifteen
3/31
12/29/2014
moments49
50. And he shall seat himself on (blades of Kusa grass) the tops of
whichareturnedtowardtheeast.50
51.ThefiveVyhritismust(each)beprecededby(thesyllable)Om
andendwithSatya.51
52. (Every) morning the feet of the teacher must be embraced(by
thepupil),52
53. And both at the beginning and at the end of a lesson in the
Veda.
54. After having received permission, the pupil 54 shall sit down to
the right (of his teacher), turning his face towards the east or
towardsthenorth,
55.AndtheSvitrmustberecited55
56. (All these acts must be performed) at the beginning of the
instructionintheVeda.56
57.ThesyllableOm(mustprecedetherecitationof)other(partsof
theVeda)also,57
58. If (any one) passes between (the teacher and the pupil) the
worship(oftheteachermustbeperformed)oncemore.58
59. If a dog, an ichneumon, a snake, a frog, (or) a cat (pass
betweentheteacherandthepupil)athreedays'fastandajourney
(arenecessary).59
60. (In case the same event happens) with other (animals, the
pupil)mustthricerestrainhisbreathandeatclarifiedbutter,60
61. And (the same expiation must be performed), if (unwittingly) a
lessonintheVedahasbeengivenonthesiteofaburialground.61
CHAPTERII.
1. Before initiation (a child) may follow its inclinations in behaviour,

speech, and eating. (It shall) not partake of offerings. (It shall remain)
chaste.Itmayvoidurineandfcesaccordingtoitsconvenience.1
2.Noruleof(purificationby)sippingwaterisprescribedforit.But(the
stainsofimpuresubstances)shallberemovedbywiping,bywashing,or
bysprinklingwater.2
3.(Otherpersons)cannotbedefiledbythetouchofsuch(achild).
4.Butonemustnotemploya(child)toperformoblationsin the fire or
Baliofferings4
5. Nor must one make it recite Vedic texts, except in pronouncing
Svadh.5
6. The restrictive rules, (which will be enumerated hereafter, must be
4/31
12/29/2014
obeyed)afterinitiation,
7. And (for a student the duty of) chastity, which has been prescribed
(aboveforachildislikewiseobligatory),7
8.(Also)tooffer(daily)sacredfuelinthefire,andtobeg,tospeakthe
truth,(and)tobathe(daily).8
9.Some(declare,thattheduty)tobathe(exists)after(theperformance
of)theGodna(only).9
10. And the morning and evening devotions (Sandhy must be
performed)outside(thevillage).10
11. Silent he shall stand during the former, and sit during the latter,
from (the time when one) light (is still visible) until (the other) light
(appears).11
12.Heshallnotlookatthesun.12
13. He shall avoid honey, meat, perfumes, garlands, sleep in the day
time, ointments, collyrium, a carriage, shoes, a parasol, love, anger,
covetousness,perplexity,garrulity,playingmusicalinstruments,bathing
(for pleasure), cleaning the teeth, elation, dancing, singing, calumny,
(and)terror,13
14.(And)inthepresenceofhisGurus,coveringhisthroat,crossinghis
legs,leaning(againstawallorthelike,and)stretchingouthisfeet,14
15. (As well as) spitting, laughing, yawning, cracking the joints of the
fingers,15
16. To gaze at and to touch women, if there is danger of a breach of
chastity,16
17. Gambling, low service, to take things not offered, toinjureanimate
beings,17
18.Topronouncethenamesoftheteacher,ofthe(teacher's)sonsand
wives,andofapersonwhohasperformedtheDkshanyeshtiofaSoma
sacrifice,18
19.Tomakebitterspeeches.19
20.ABrhmana(shall)always(abstainfrom)spirituousliquor.20
21.(Astudent)shalloccupyaseatandacouchlower(thanthoseofhis
teacher),shallrisebefore(him)andretiretorestafter(him).21
22.Heshallkeephistongue,hisarms,andhisstomachinsubjection.22
23.(Ifitisabsolutelynecessarytopronounce),23
histeacher'snameandfamilyname,heoughttoindicateitby(using)a
synonymousterm.
24. (He must speak) in the same (respectful) manner of a man who is
(generally)reveredandofhisbetters.
25. (If the teacher speaks to him), he shall answer after having risen
5/31
12/29/2014
fromhiscouchorseat(incasehewaslyingdownorsitting).25
26. At the command (of his teacher) he shall approach, though the
(teacher)maynotbevisible.26
27. And if he sees his teacher standing or sitting in a lower place or to
theleewardortothewindward,heshallrise(andchangehisposition).27
28.If(histeacher)iswalking,heshallwalkafterhim,informinghimof
thework(whichheisgoingtodoand)telling(himwhathehasdone).28
29. He shall study after having been called (by the teacher, and not
requestthelattertobeginthelesson).29
30.Heshallbeintenton(doing)whatispleasingandserviceable(tothe
teacher).30
31.And(heshallbehave)towards(theteacher's)wivesandsonsjustas
(towardstheteacher),31
32.Butnoteattheirleavings,attendthemwhilebathing,assistthemat
theirtoilet,washtheirfeet,shampoothemnorembracetheirfeet.
33.Onreturningfromajourneyheshallembracethefeetofthewivesof
histeacher.
34.Somedeclare,that(apupil)whohasattainedhismajorityisnot(to
actthus)towardsyoung(wivesofhisteacher).34
35.Almsmaybeacceptedfrommen,ofallcastes,exceptingAbhisastas
andoutcasts.35
36.(Inbegging)theword'Lady'mustbepronouncedinthebeginning,in
themiddle,orattheend(oftherequest),accordingtotheorderofthe
castes.36
37.(Hemaybeginthehouses)oftheteacher,ofbloodrelations,(or)of
Gurus,andinhisown,ifheobtainsno(alms)elsewhere.37
38.Amongtheseheshallavoideachprecedingone(morecarefullythan
thosenamedlater).38
39.Havingannouncedtotheteacher(whathehasreceived)andhaving
receivedhispermission,the(student)mayeat(thecollectedfood).39
40.If(theteacher)isnotpresent,(heshallseekthepermissiontoeat)
from his (teacher's) wives or sons, from fellowstudents or virtuous
(strangers).40
41.Havingplacedwaterbyhisside,(heshalleat)insilence,contented,
(and)withoutgreed.41
42.(Asarule)apupilshallnotbepunishedcorporally.42
43. If no (other course) is possible, (he may be corrected) with a thin
ropeorathincane.43
44.If(theteacher)strikeshimwithanyother(instrument),heshallbe
punishedbytheking.
6/31
12/29/2014
45. He shall remain a student for twelve years in order (to study) one
(recensionoftheVeda),45
46.Or,if(hestudies)all(theVedas)twelveyearsforeach,
47.Orduring(aslongaperiodasherequiresfor)learning(them).
48.Oncompletionoftheinstructiontheteachermustbeofferedafee.48
49.After(thepupil)haspaid(that)andhasbeendismissed,hemay,at
hispleasure,bathe(asiscustomaryoncompletionofthestudentship).49
50.TheteacherischiefamongallGurus.50
51.Some(say)thatthemother(holdsthatplace).
CHAPTERIII.
1. Some (declare, that) he (who has studied the Veda) may make his
choice(which)amongtheorders(heisgoingtoenter).1
2. (Thefour orders are, thatof)the student,(thatof)thehouseholder,
(that of) the ascetic (bhikshu), (and that of) the hermit in the woods
(vaikhnasa).2
3. The householder is the source of these, because the others do not
produceoffspring.3
4. Among them a (professed) student (must follow the rules) given (in
theprecedingchapters).4
5.Heshallremainobedienttohisteacheruntil(his)end.5
6.In(thetime)remainingafter(hehasattendedto)thebusinessofhis
Guru,heshallrecite(theVeda).6
7.IftheGurudies,heshallservehisson,
8.(Or)ifthereisno(sonoftheteacher),anolderfellowstudent,orthe
fire.
9.Hewholivesthus,gainstheheavenofBrahman,and(ofhimitissaid
that)hehassubduedhisorgans(ofsenseandaction).
10. And these (restrictions imposed on students Must also be observed
by men) of other (orders, provided they are) not opposed (to their
particularduties).10
11.Anasceticshallnotpossess(any)store.11
12.(Hemustbe)chaste,
13.Hemustnotchangehisresidenceduringtherainyseason.13
14.Heshallenteravillage(only)inordertobeg.
15. He shall beg late (after people have finished their meals), without
returning(twice),15
16.Abandoning(all)desire(forsweetfood).
7/31
12/29/2014
17.Heshallrestrainhisspeech,hiseyes,(and)hisactions.
18.Heshallwearaclothtocoverhisnakedness.
19. Some (declare, that he shall wear) an old rag, afterhavingwashed
it.19
20. He shall not take parts of plants and trees, except such as have
becomedetached(spontaneously).20
21. Out of season he shall not dwell a second night in (the same)
village.21
22.Hemayeithershaveorwearalockonthecrownofthehead.
23.Heshallavoidthedestructionofseeds.23
24. (He shall be) indifferent towards (all) creatures, (whether they do
him)aninjuryorakindness.
25. He shall not undertake (anything for his temporal or spiritual
welfare).
26. A hermit (shall live) in the forest subsisting on roots and fruits,
practisingausterities.26
27.Kindlingthefireaccordingtothe(ruleofthe)Srmanaka(Stra,he
shallofferoblationsinthemorningandevening).27
28.Heshalleatwildgrowing(vegetablesonly).
29.Heshallworshipgods,manes,men,goblins,andRishis.29
30. He shall receive hospitably (men of) all (castes) except those (with
whomintercourseis)forbidden.
31.Hemayevenusethefleshofanimalskilledbycarnivorousbeasts.31
32.Heshallnotsteponploughed(land),
33.Andheshallnotenteravillage.
34. He shall wear (his hair in) braids, and dress in (garments made of)
barkandskins.34
35. He shall not eat anything that has been hoarded for more than a
year.35
36. But the venerable teacher (prescribes) one order only, because the
orderofhouseholdersisexplicitlyprescribed(intheVedas).36
CHAPTERIV.
1. A householder shall take a wife (of) equal (caste), who has not
belongedtoanothermanandisyounger(thanhimself).1
2. A marriage (may be contracted) between persons who have not the
samePravaras,2
3.(And)whoarenotrelatedwithinsixdegreesonthefather'sside,3
8/31
12/29/2014
4.Oronthesideofthebegetter,4
5.(Nor)withinfourdegreesonthemothersside.5
6. (If the father) gives (his daughter) dressed (in two garments) and
decked with ornaments to a person possessing (sacred) learning, of
virtuousconduct,whohasrelativesanda(good)disposition,(thatisa)
Brhma(wedding).6
7.AtthePrgpatya(wedding)themarriageformulais,'Fulfilyethelaw
conjointly.'7
8.Atthersha(weddingthebridegroom)shallpresentacowandabull
tohimwhohas(authorityover)themaiden.8
9.(Ifthebride)isgiven,deckedwithornaments.toapriestatthealtar,
thatisaDaivawedding.9
10.Thespontaneousunionwithawilling(maideniscalled)aGndharva
wedding.10
11. If those who have (authority over) a female are propitiated by
money,(thatis)ansurawedding.11
12.(Ifthebride)istakenbyforce,(thatis)aRkshasawedding.12
13.If(aman)embracesafemaledeprivedofconsciousness,(thatis)a
Paiskawedding.13
14.Thefirstfour(rites)arelawful14
15.Somesay,(thefirst)six.15
16. (Children) born in the regular order of wives of the next, second or
third lower castes (become) Savarnas, Ambashthas, Ugras, Nishdas,
DaushyantasorPrasavas.16
17. (Children born) in the inverted order (of wives of higher castes
become) Stas, Mgadhas, yogavas, Kshattris, Vaidehakas or
Kandlas.17
18. Some declare, that a woman of the Brhmana caste has born
successively to (husbands of) the (four) castes, sons (who are)
Brhmanas,Stas,MgadhasorKandlas18
19. (And that) awomanofthe Kshatriyacaste(hasborn)tothesame,
Mrdhvasiktas,Kshatriyas,Dhvaras,Pulkasas
20.Further,awomanoftheVaisyacastetothesame,Bhrigyakanthas,
Mhishyas,Vaisyas,andVaidehas
21.(And)awomanoftheSdracastetothesame,Prasavas,Yavanas,
Karanas,andSdras.
22. In the seventh (generation men obtain) a change of caste, either
beingraisedtoahigheroneorbeingdegradedtoalowerone.22
23. The venerable teacher declares (that this happens) in the fifth
(generation).23
9/31
12/29/2014
24.And(thesameruleapplies)tothoseborn(fromparentsofdifferent
classes that are) intermediate between (two of the castes originally)
created(byBrahman).24
25. But those born in the inverse order (from fathers of a lower and
mothersofahighercastestand)outside(thepaleof)thesacredlaw,25
26. As well as (those born in the regular order) from a female of the
Sdracaste.26
27.ButhewhomaSdra(begets)onafemaleofunequalcasteshallbe
treatedlikeanoutcast.27
28.Thelast(named,theKandla),isthefoulest.28
29.Virtuoussons(bornofwivesofequalcaste)andweddedaccordingto
approvedritessanctify(theirfather'sfamily).
30. (A son born of a wife married) according to the rsha rite (saves)
threeancestors(fromhell),30
31.(Asonbornofawifemarried)accordingtotheDaivariteten,31
32.(Asonbornofawifemarried)accordingtothePrgpatyarite,also
ten.32
33.(But)thesonofawifemarriedaccordingtotheBrhmarite(saves)
tenancestors,tendescendants,andhimself.33
CHAPTERV.
1.(Ahouseholder)shallapproach(hiswife)intheproperseason,1
2.Or(hemaydoso)atanytimeexceptontheforbidden(days).2
3.Heshallworshipgods,manes,men,goblins,(and)Rishis.3
4.Everydayheshallreciteprivately(aportionoftheVeda),4
5.Andthe(daily)libationofwatertothemanes(isobligatoryonhim).5
6.Other(ritesthanthesehemayperform)according,tohisability.6
7.The(sacred)fire(mustbekindled)onhismarriageoronthedivision
ofthefamilyestate.7
8. The domestic (ceremonies must be performed) with (the aid of) that
(fire).8
9.(Also)thesacrificestothegods,manes,(and)men? and the private
recitation(and)theBaliofferings.9
10. The oblations (which are thrown) into the (sacred) fire (at the
Vaisvadevasacrificeareoffered)toAgni,toDhanvantari,toallthegods,
toPragpati,(andtoAgni)Svishtakrit10
11. And (Baliofferings must be given) to the deities presiding over the
(eight)pointsofthehorizon,intheirrespectiveplaces,11
10/31
12/29/2014
12.Atthedoors(ofthehouse)totheMaruts,12
13.Tothedeitiesofthedwellinginside(thehouse),13
14.ToBrahmaninthecentre(ofthehouse),14
15.TotheWatersnearthewaterpot,
16.TotheEtherintheair,16
17.AndtotheBeingswalkingaboutatnightintheevening.17
18.Agiftoffoodshallbeprecededbyalibationofwaterand(itshallbe
presented) after (the recipient) has been made to say, 'May welfare
attendthee,'18
19. And the same (rule applies) to all gifts presented for the sake of
spiritualmerit.
20.Therewardofagift(offered)toapersonwhoisnotaBrhmanais
equal(tothevalueofthegift),those(ofpresentsgiven)toaBrhmana
twofold, to a Srotriya thousandfold, to one who knows the whole Veda
(vedapraga)endless.20
21. Presents of money (must be given) outside the Vedi to persons
begging for their Gurus, (or) in order to defray the expenses of their
wedding, (or 21 to procure) medicine for the sick, to those who are
withoutmeansofsubsistence,tothosewhoaregoingtoofferasacrifice,
to those engaged in study, to travellers, (and) to those who have
performedtheVisvagitsacrifice.
22.Preparedfood(mustbegiven)tootherbeggars.22
23.Foranunlawfulpurposeheshallnotgive(anything),thoughhemay
havepromisedit.23
24.Anuntruthspokenbypeopleundertheinfluenceofanger,excessive
fear,pain(or)greed,byinfants,veryoldmen,personslabouringunder
a delusion, those being under the influence of drink (or) by mad men
doesnotcause(thespeaker)tofall.24
25.Before(ahouseholdereats)heshallfeedhisguests,theinfants,the
sickpeople,thepregnantwomen,thefemalesunder his protection, the
veryagedmen,andthoseoflowcondition(whomaybeinhishouse).25
26. But (when) his teacher, parents (or intimate) friends (visit his
house), he shall proceed to the preparation of the dinner after asking
them(fororders).26
27.Whenanofficiatingpriest,histeacher,hisfatherinlaw,paternalor
maternal uncles visit (him), a Madhuparka (or honeymixture must be
offeredtothem).27
28. (If they have been once honoured in this manner, the ceremony
needbe)repeated(only)afterayear.
29. (But) on (the occasion of) a sacrifice and of the wedding (a
Madhuparkamustbeoffered,though)lessthanayear(haspassedsince
thelastvisitofthepersonsthushonoured).
11/31
12/29/2014
30.Andtoaking)whoisaSrotriya(aMadhuparkamust be offered as
oftenashecomes),30
31.(Buttoaking)whoisnotaSrotriyaaseatandwater.31
32. But for a Srotriya he shall cause to be prepared a footbath, an
Arghya,andfoodofasuperiorquality.32
33. Or his usual food distinguished by a (particularly careful)
preparation.33
34. To a (Brhmana) who is not learned in the Vedas, (but) of good
conduct,foodofamiddling(quality)shallbegiven,34
35.Toonewhoisthereverse(ofvirtuous)grass,water,andearth,
36.(Or)atleastawelcome.36
37. Honour (must be shown to a guest, and the host must) not dine
better(thanhisguest).37
38. A couch, a seat, (and) a lodging (of the) same (quality as the host
usesmustbegiven)to(aguest)ofequalconditionandtoone'sbetters
they must be accompanied (on departure) and respectfully attended to
(duringtheirstay).38
39. (The host shall show similar) though less (attention) to (a guest)
whoisinferior(tohimself).39
40. He is called a guest who, belonging to a different village (and)
intendingtostayforonenightonly,arriveswhenthesun'sbeamspass
overthetrees.40
41.According(tohiscasteaguest)mustbeaskedabouthiswellbeing
(kusala),abouthisbeingfreefromhurt(anmaya),orabouthishealth
(rogya).41
42.Thelast(formulamustalsobeusedinaddressingaSdra.
43. A man of a lower caste (is) not (to be considered) a guest by a
Brhmana, except if he has approached on (the occasion of) a
sacrifice.43
44.ButaKshatriyamustbefedaftertheBrhmana(guests).
45. (Men of) other (castes he shall feed) with his servants for mercy's
sake.
CHAPTERVI.
1.(Tosalute)everydayonmeeting(by)anembraceofthefeet,1
2.And(particularly)onreturnfromajourney,
3.(Isprescribedinthecase)ofparents,oftheirbloodrelations,ofelder
(brothers),ofpersonsvenerable3
onaccount,oftheirlearning,andoftheGurusofthelatter.
12/31
12/29/2014
4. On meeting (several persons, to whom such a salutation is due),

together,themostvenerable(mustbesalutedfirst).4
5. On meeting persons who understand (the rule of returning salutes)
one shall salute (them) pronouncing one's name, and (saving) 'I N. N.
(ho!salutethee).'5
6.Some(declarethat)thereisnorestrictiveruleforsalutationsbetween
manandwife.6
7. (The feet of) other female (relations) than the mother, a paternal
uncle'swifeand(elder)sisters(need)not(beembraced,norneedthey
besaluted)exceptonreturnfromajourney.7
8.Thefeetofwivesofbrothersandofthemotherinlaw(need)notbe
embraced(onanyoccasion).
9. But (on the arrival of an) officiating priest, a fatherinlaw, paternal
andmaternaluncleswhoareyounger(thanoneself),onemustrisethey
neednotbesaluted(asprescribedabove,Stra5).9
10. In like manner (any) other aged fellowcitizen, even a Sdra of
eightyyearsandmore,(mustbehonoured)byoneyoungenoughtobe
hisson,10
11.(And)anrya,though(hebe)younger,byaSdra11
12. And he shall avoid (to pronounce) the name of that (person who is
worthyofasalutation).12
13. And an officialwho (is)not(ableto)recite(theVedashallavoidto
pronouncethename)oftheking.
14. A contemporary who is born on the same day (shall be addressed
withtheterms)bhohorbhavan(yourhonour),14
15.(Likewise)afellowcitizenwhoistenyearsolder(thanoneself),15
16.(Also)anartistwhoisfiveyears(older),16
17. And a Srotriya belonging to one's own Vedic school who is three
yearsolder,17
18.(Further),Brhmanasdestituteoflearningandthosewhofollowthe
occupationsofKshatriyasorVaisyas,18
19. And (a contemporary) who has performed the Dkshanyeshti of a
Somasacrificebeforehebuys(theSoma).
20. Wealth, relations, occupation, birth, learning, and age must be
honoured (but) each later named 20 [paragraph continues] (quality) is
moreimportant(thantheprecedingones).
21. But sacred learning is more important than all (other good
qualities),21
22.Becausethatistherootofthesacredlaw,
23.AndbecausetheVeda(expresslydeclaresit).23
13/31
12/29/2014
24.Waymustbemadeforamanseatedinacarriage,foronewhoisin
his tenth (decade), for one requiring consideration, for a woman, for a
Sntaka,andforaking.24
25.Butaking(mustmakeway)foraSrotriya.25
CHAPTERVII.
1.Therulefor(timesof)distress(is)thataBrhmanamaystudyunder
ateacherwhoisnotaBrhmana.1
2.(Astudentisbound)towalkbehindandtoobey(hisnonBrahmanical
teacher).2
3. (But), when (the course of study) has been finished, the Brhmana
(pupilismore)venerable(thanhisteacher).3
4.(Intimesofdistressitispermissible)tooffer4
sacrifices for (men of) all (castes), to teach (them), and to accept
(presentsfromthem).
5.Eachpreceding(modeoflivingis)preferable(tothosenamedlater).5
6.Onfailureofthe(occupationslawfulforaBrhmana)hemayliveby
theoccupationsofaKshatriya.6
7.Onfailureofthose,hemaylivebytheoccupationsofaVaisya.7
8.(Goods)thatmaynotbesoldbya(Brhmanaare),
9. Perfumes, substances (used for) flavouring (food), prepared food,
sesamum,hempenandlinencloth,skins,9
10.Garmentsdyedredorwashed,10
11.Milkandpreparationsfromit,11
12.Roots,fruits,flowers,medicines,honey,flesh,grass,water,poison,
13.Noranimalsforslaughter,
14.Nor,underanycircumstances,humanbeings,heifers,femalecalves,
cowsbigwithyoung.14
15. Some (declare, that the traffic in) land, rice, barley, goats, sheep,
horses,bulls,milchcows,anddraughtoxen(is)likewise(forbidden).15
16.But(itispermissible)tobarter,16
17.Onekindofsubstancesusedforflavouringothers,
18.Andanimals(foranimals).
19.Saltandpreparedfood(must)not(bebartered),19
20.Norsesamum.
21. But for present use an equal (quantity of) uncooked (food may be
exchanged)forcooked(food).
14/31
12/29/2014
22. But if no (other course is) possible (a Brhmana) may support

himselfinanywayexceptby(followingtheoccupations)ofaSdra.22
23.Some(permit)eventhisincasehislifeisindanger.
24. But to mix with that (caste) and forbidden food must be avoided
(evenintimesofdistress).24
25.Ifhislifeisthreatened,evenaBrhmanamayusearms.25
26. (In times of distress) a Kshatriya (may follow) the occupations of a
Vaisya.26
CHAPTERVIII.
1. A king and a Brhmana, deeply versed in the Vedas, these two,

upholdthemoralorderintheworld.1
2. On them depends the existence of the fourfold human race, of
internally conscious beings, of those which move on feet and on wings,
andofthosewhichcreep,2
3. (As well as) the protection of offspring, the prevention of the
confusion(ofthecastesand)thesacredlaw.3
4.Heis(called)deeplyversedintheVedas,4
5.Whoisacquaintedwiththe(waysofthe)world,theVedas(andtheir)
Agas(auxiliarysciences),
6. Who is skilled in disputations (and), in (reciting) legends and the
Purna,
7.Wholookstothese(alone),andlivesaccordingtothese,
8.Whohasbeensanctifiedbythefortysacraments(samskra),8
9.Whoisconstantlyengagedinthethreeoccupations(prescribedforall
twicebornmen),9
10.Orinthesix(occupationsprescribedspeciallyforaBrhmana),10
11. (And) who is well versed in the duties of 11 daily life settled by the
agreement(ofthosewhoknowthelaw).
12.(SuchaBrhmana)mustbeallowedbythekingimmunityfrom(the
following)six(kindsofopprobrioustreatment):12
13.(I.e.)hemustnotbesubjectedtocorporalpunishment,hemustnot
beimprisoned,hemustnotbefined,hemustnotbeexiled,hemustnot
bereviled,norbeexcluded.
14. The Garbhdhna (or ceremony to cause conception), the
Pumsavana (or ceremony to cause the birth of a male child), the
Smantonnayana (or arranging the parting of the pregnant wife's hair),
theGtakarman(orceremonyonthebirthofthechild),theceremonyof
namingthechild,thefirstfeeding,theKaula(ortonsureof the head of
thechild),theinitiation,14
15/31
12/29/2014
15.Thefourvows(undertaken)forthestudyoftheVeda,15
16.Thebath(oncompletionofthestudentship), 16thetakingofahelp
mateforthefulfilmentofthereligiousduties,theperformanceofthefive
sacrificestogods,manes,men,goblins,andBrahman,
17.And(theperformance)ofthefollowing(sacrifices):
18.ThesevenkindsofPkayagas(orsmallsacrifices),viz.theAshtak,
the Prvana Sthlpka, offered on the new and full moon days), the
funeral oblations, the Srvan, the grahyan, the Kaitr, and the
svayug18
19.ThesevenkindsofHaviryagas,viz.theAgnydheya,theAgnihotra,
the Darsapaurnamsas, the grayana, the Kturmsyas, the
Nirdhapasubandha,andtheSautrman19
20. The seven kinds of Somasacrifices, viz. the Agnishtoma, the
Atyagnishtoma, the Ukthya, the Shodasin, the Atirtra, and the
Aptoryma
21.Thesearethefortysacraments.
22.Now(follow)theeightgoodqualitiesofthesoul,22
23.(Viz.)compassiononallcreatures,forbearance,freedomfromanger,
purity, quietism, auspiciousness, freedom from avarice, and freedom
fromcovetousness.23
24. He who is sanctified by these forty sacraments, but whose soul is
destituteoftheeightgoodqualities,willnotbeunitedwithBrahman,nor
doeshereachhisheaven.
25. But he, forsooth, who is sanctified by a few only of these forty
sacraments, and whose soul is endowed with the eight excellent
qualities,willbeunitedwithBrahman,andwilldwellinhisheaven.
CHAPTERIX.
1. Such (a man) shall bathe, after (having fulfilled) the, law (regarding
studentship), take unto him a wife, and, fulfilling the duties of a
householder which have been declared above, in addition obey the
followingordinances1
2. (He shall be) always pure (and) sweetsmelling (and) bathe
frequently.2
3. If he possesses wealth, he shall not be dressed in old or dirty
clothes3
4. Nor shall he wear dyed or sumptuous garments, nor such as have
beenworn(before)byothers,
5.Noragarlandandshoes(thathavebeenwornbyothers).5
6. (He may wear a castoff garment) which has been washed, if he is
unable(toaffordanewone).6
16/31
12/29/2014
7.Heshallnotallowhisbeardtogrowwithouta(sufficient)reason.7
8.Heshallnotcarrywaterandfireatthesametime.8
9.Heshallnotdrinkoutofhisjoinedhands.9
10. He shall not sip water standing, nor (shall he sip) water drawn up
(fromawell),10
11.Nor(water)thatisofferedbyaSdraoranimpureman,orthathas
beentakenupwithonehand.11
12. Facing or within sight of wind, fire, Brhmanas, the sun, water,
(imagesofthe)gods,andcowsheshallnotejecturineorfcesorother
impurities.12
13.Heshallnotstretchouthisfeettowardsthosedivinebeings.13
14. He shall not remove urine or fces with leaves, clods of earth, or
stones.14
15.Heshallnotstanduponashes,hair,nail(parings),husks(ofgrain),
potsherds,orimpuresubstances.15
16.Heshallnotconversewithbarbarians,impureorwickedmen.16
17. If he has conversed (with such persons), he shall meditate on
virtuous(men),
18.OrhemayspeakwithaBrhmana.18
19.Heshallcall(acowthatis)notamilchcowacowthatwillbecomea
milchcow.19
20.(Anevent)thatisnotlucky(heshallcall)lucky.
21. (In speaking of) a skull (he shall use the word) bhagla instead of
kapla,
22. (And in speaking of) a rainbow, manidhanus (the jewelled bow)
insteadofindradhanus,(Indra'sbow).22
23.Lethimnotannounceittoothers,ifacowsuckles(hercalf),23
24.Norlethimpreventher(fromdoingit).24
25.Afterconjugalintercourseheshallatoncecleanhimself25
26.LethimnotrecitethedailyportionoftheVeda(lying)onthatcouch
(onwhichhelieswithhiswife).26
27.Andwhenhehasstudiedduringthethirdwatchofthenight,heshall
notagainretiretorest.27
28.Lethimnothaveintercoursewithhiswifewhensheisill,
29.Norduringhercourses29
30.Norlethimembraceher(duringthatperiod),
31.Noranunmarriedfemale.
17/31
12/29/2014
32.Heshallavoidtoblowthefirewithhismouth,tocontendwithwords,
to show himself covered with perfumed ointments or wearing garlands,
to scratch himself with any impure (implement), to take his meals with
his wife, to look at (a woman) who is anointing herself, to enter (his
village) by a backgate, to wash one foot with the other, to eat food
deposited on a chair, to cross a river swimming, to ascend trees and
dangerous (places), or to descend therefrom, and to imperil his life (in
anyothermanner).32
33.Lethimnotascendaship(of)doubtful(solidity).33
34.Heshallprotecthimselfbyall(possible)means.
35.Inthedaytimeheshallnotwrapuphisheadwhilewalkingabout35
36.Butatnightheshallcoverit,
37.Andwhilevoidingurineandfces.
38.(Lethim)not(easenature)without(first)coveringtheground(with
grassorthelike),38
39.Norclosetohisdwelling,39
40. Nor on ashes, on cowdung, in a ploughed field, in the shade (of a
tree),onaroad,inbeautiful(spots).40
41. Let him eject both urine and fces, facing the north in the day
time,41
42.Andinthetwilight,
43.Butatnight,facingthesouth.43
44.Lethimavoidtouseaseat,clogs,astickforcleaningtheteeth(and
otherimplements)madeofPalsawood.44
45. With shoes on (his feet), he shall not eat, sit down, salute, or
worship(thegods).45
46.Lethimnotpassidly(anypartoftheday,beit)morning,midday,or
evening(but)accordingtohisability(heshallmakeeachuseful)bythe
acquisitionofspiritualmeritorofwealth,andbytakinghispleasure.46
47.Butamongthose(threeaimsofhumanlife)heshallchieflyattendto
theacquisitionofspiritualmerit.47
48.Lethimnotlookatanakedwomanweddedtoanotherman.48
49.Lethimnotdrawaseattowardshimselfwithhisfoot.
50.Heshallkeephisorgan,hisstomach,hishands,hisfeet,histongue,
andhiseyesunderduerestraint.50
51.Lethimavoidtocut,tobreak,toscratch,andtocrush(anything),or
tomake(hisjoints)crack,withouta(sufficient)reason.51
52.Lethimnotstepoverarope(towhich)acalf(istied).52
53.Lethimnotbeastayathome.
18/31
12/29/2014
54. Let him not go to (perform) a sacrifice without being chosen (to
officiateaspriest).
55.Butathispleasure(hemaygo)toseeit.
56.Lethimnoteatfood(thathehasplaced)inhislap,56
57.Norwhathasbeenbroughtatnightbyaservant.57
58.Heshallnoteat(substances)fromwhichthefathasbeenextracted,
Such as milk from which the cream has separated, butter, oilcake,
buttermilk,andthelike.58
59. But he shall take his meals in the morning and in the evening,
blessinghisfood,notgrumblingatit.59
60.Heshallneversleepnakedatnight60
61.Norshallhebathe(naked)61
62.Andheshallperformwhatever(else)aged(Brhmanas),ofsubdued
senses, who have been properly obedient (to their teachers), who are
free from deceit, covetousness, and error, and who know the Vedas,
declare(toberight).62
63.Inordertoacquirewealthandforthesakeofsecurityhemaygoto
aruling(king),63
64.(But)tonoother(being)exceptthegods,hisGurus,andrighteous
(Brhmanas).
65.Heshallseektodwellinaplacewherefirewood,water,fodder,Kusa
grass, (materials for making) garlands and roads exist in abundance,
which is chiefly inhabited by ryans, which is rich in industrious (men),
andwhichisgovernedbyarighteous(ruler).65
66. He shall pass excellent (beings and things), 66 auspicious (objects),
temples of the gods, crossroads, and the like with his right turned
towardsthem.
67.Therulefortimesofdistress(is,that)heshallmentallyperformall
(thatisrequiredbytheruleof)conduct.67
68.Heshallalwaysspeakthetruth.68
69.Heshallconducthimself(asbecomes)anryan.
70.Heshallinstructvirtuous(menonly).70
71.Heshallfollowtherulesofpurificationtaught(intheSstras).71
72.Heshalltakepleasureinthe(studyofthe)Veda.72
73.Heshallneverhurt(anybeing),heshallbegentle,(yet)firm,ever
restrainhissenses,andbeliberal.73
74. A Sntaka who conducts himself in this manner will liberate his
parents, his ancestors, and descendants from evil, and never fall from
Brahman'sheaven.74
19/31
12/29/2014
CHAPTERX.
1.(Thelawfuloccupationscommon)to(all)twicebornmenarestudying
the(Veda),offeringsacrifices(fortheirownsake),andgiving(alms).1
2. Teaching, performing sacrifices for others, and receiving alms (are)
theadditional(occupations)ofaBrhmana.2
3.Buttheformer(three)areobligatory(onhim).3
4.InstructionintheVeda(maybegiven)withouttheabovementioned
(vows and ceremonies) in case a teacher, blood relations, friends or
Gurus (receive it), and in case (the Veda) is exchanged for money or
learning.4
5. Agriculture and trade (are) also (lawful for a Brhmana) provided he
doesnotdotheworkhimself,5
6.Likewiselendingmoneyatinterest.
7.Toprotectallcreatedbeingsistheadditional(occupation)ofaking,7
8.Andtoinflictlawfulpunishments.
9.Heshallsupport(those)Srotriyas,(whoare)Brhmanas,9
10.Andpeopleunabletowork,(eveniftheyare)notBrhmanas,
11.Andthosewhoarefreefromtaxes,11
12.And(needy)temporarystudents.12
13. And (to take) measures for ensuring victory (is another duty of a
king),13
14.Especiallywhendanger(fromfoesthreatensthekingdom)
15. And (to learn) the management of chariots and the use of the bow
(isafurtherdutyoftheking),
16.Aswellastostandfirminbattleandnottoturnback.16
17.Nosin(iscommitted)byinjuringorslaying(foes)inbattle,17
18. Excepting those who have lost their horses, charioteers, or arms,
those who join their hands (in supplication), those who flee with flying
hair,thosewhositdownwithavertedfaces,thosewhohaveclimbed(in
flight) on eminences or trees, messengers, and those who declare
themselvestobecowsorBrhmanas.
19. If another Kshatriya is supported by (the king), he shall follow the
sameoccupationsashis(master).
20.Thevictorshallreceivethebootygainedinbattle.20
21.Butchariotsandanimalsusedforriding(belong)totheking,
22.Andapreferentialshare,exceptwhenthebootyhasbeengainedin
20/31
12/29/2014
singlecombat.22
23.Butthekingshallequitablydivide(all)other(spoils).
24.Cultivators(must)paytothekingatax24(amountingto)onetenth,
oneeighth,oronesixth(oftheproduce).
25. Some declare, that (there is a tax) also on cattle and gold, (viz.)
onefiftieth(ofthestock).25
26. In the case of merchandise onetwentieth (must be paid by the
seller)asduty,26
27. (And) of roots, fruits, flowers, medicinal herbs, honey,meat,grass,
andfirewoodonesixtieth.27
28.Foritistheduty(oftheking)toprotectthe(taxpayers).28
29.Butto(thecollectionof)these(taxes)heshallalwayspayparticular
attention.29
30.Heshallliveonthesurplus.30
31.Eachartisanshallmonthlydoone(day's)work(fortheking).31
32. Hereby (the taxes payable by) those who 32 support themselves by
personallabourhavebeenexplained,
33.And(thosepayableby)ownersofshipsandcarts.
34.Heforhimmustfeedthese(personswhiletheywork).
35. The merchants shall (each) give (every month one) article of
merchandiseforlessthanthemarketvalue.
36. Those who find lost (property) the owner of which is not (known),
shallannounceittotheking.36
37.Thekingshallcauseittobeproclaimed(bythepubliccrier),and(if
theownerdoesnotappear)holditinhiscustodyforayear.
38. Afterwards onefourth (of the value goes) to the finder (and) the
remaindertotheking.
39.A(manbecomes)ownerbyinheritance,purchase,partition,seizure,
orfinding.39
40.AcceptanceisforaBrhmanaanadditional(modeofacquisition)
41.ConquestforaKshatriya
42.Gain(bylabour)foraVaisyaorSdra.
43.Treasuretroveisthepropertyoftheking,43
44. Excepting (such as is found) by a Brhmana who livesaccordingto
(thelaw).44
45. Some declare, that a finder of a nonBrhmanical caste even, who
announces(hisfindtotheking),shallobtainonesixth(ofthevalue).
21/31
12/29/2014
46.Havingrecoveredpropertystolenbythieves,heshallreturnittothe
owner46
47. Or (if the stolen property is not recovered) he shall pay (its value)
outofhistreasury.47
48. The property of infants must be protected until they attain their
majorityorcompletetheirstudentship.48
49. The additional (occupations) of a Vaisya are, agriculture, trade,
tendingcattle,andlendingmoneyatinterest.49
50. The Sdra (belongs to) the fourth caste, which has one birth
(only).50
51.Forhimalso(areprescribed)truthfulness,meekness,andpurity.51
52. Some (declare), that instead of sipping water, he shall wash his
handsandfeet.
53.(Heshallalsooffer)thefuneraloblations,53
54.Maintainthosedependinguponhim,
55.Livewithhiswife(only),55
56.Andservethehigher(castes).56
57.Fromthemheshallseektoobtainhislivelihood.57
58. (He shall use their) castoff shoes, umbrellas, garments, and mats
(forsittingon),58
59.(And)eattheremnantsoftheirfood
60.And(hemay)liveby(practising)mechanicalarts60
61. And the rya under whose protection he places himself, must
supporthimevenifhe(becomes)unabletowork.
62. And a man of higher caste (who is his master and has fallen into
distressmustbemaintained)byhim.
63.Hishoardshallservethispurpose.
64. If permission has been given to him, he may use the exclamation
namah(adoration)ashisMantra.
65.Some(declare),thathehimselfmayofferthePkayagas.65
66.Andallmenmustservethosewhobelongtohighercastes.
67.Ifryansandnonryansinterchangetheiroccupationsandconduct
(theonetakingthatoftheother,thereis)equality(betweenthem).67
CHAPTERXI.
1.Thekingismasterofall,withtheexceptionofBrhmanas.1
2.(Heshallbe)holyinactsandspeech,2
22/31
12/29/2014
3.Fullyinstructedinthethreefold(sacredscience)andinlogic,3
4. Pure, of subdued senses, surrounded by companions 4 possessing
excellentqualitiesandbythemeans(forupholdinghisrule).
5.Heshallbeimpartialtowardshissubjects5
6.Andheshalldo(whatis)goodforthem.6
7.All,exceptingBrhmanas,shallworshiphimwhoisseatedonahigher
seat,(whiletheythemselvessitona)lower(one).7
8.The(Brhmanas),also,shallhonourhim.8
9.Heshallprotectthecastesandordersinaccordancewithjustice9
10.Andthosewholeave(thepathof)duty,heshallleadback(toit).10
11.Foritisdeclared(intheVeda)thatheobtainsashareofthespiritual
merit(gainedbyhissubjects).11
12.Andheshallselectashisdomesticpriest(purohita)aBrhmanawho
is learned (in the Vedas), of noble family, eloquent, handsome, of (a
suitable) age, and of a virtuous disposition, who lives righteously and
whoisaustere.12
13.Withhisassistanceheshallfulfilhisreligiousduties.13
14. For it is declared (in the Veda): 'Kshatriyas, who are assisted by
Brhmanas,prosperanddonotfallintodistress.'14
15.Heshall,also,takeheedofthatwhichastrologersandinterpretersof
omenstell(him).
16. For some (declare), that the acquisition of wealth and security
dependalsouponthat.
17. He shall perform in the fire of the hall the rites ensuring prosperity
which are connected with expiations (snti), festivals, a prosperous
march,longlife,andauspiciousnessaswellasthosethatareintended
to cause enmity, to subdue (enemies), to destroy (them) by
incantations,andtocausetheirmisfortune.17
18. Officiating priests (shall perform) the other (sacrifices) according to
theprecepts(oftheVeda).18
19. His administration of justice (shall be regulated by) the Veda, the
InstitutesoftheSacredLaw,theAgas,andthePurna.19
20.Thelawsofcountries,castes,andfamilies,whicharenotopposedto
the(sacred)records,(have)alsoauthority.20
21. Cultivators, traders, herdsmen, moneylenders, and artisans (have
authoritytolaydownrules)fortheirrespectiveclasses.
22.Havinglearnedthe(stateof)affairsfromthosewho (in each class)
haveauthority(tospeakheshallgive)thelegaldecision.22
23.Reasoningisameansforarrivingatthetruth.23
23/31
12/29/2014
24.Comingtoaconclusionthroughthat,heshalldecideproperly.
25. If (the evidence) is conflicting, he shall learn (the truth) from
(Brhmanas)whoarewellversedin25thethreefoldsacredlore,andgive
hisdecision(accordingly).
26.For,(ifheacts)thus,blessingswillattendhim(inthisworldandthe
next).26
27. It has been declared in the Veda: 'Brhmanas, united with
Kshatriyas,upholdgods,manes,andmen.
28.Theydeclare,that(theword)danda(ruleorpunishment)isderived
from(theverb)damayati(herestrains)thereforeheshallrestrainthose
whodonotrestrainthemselves.
29.(Menof)the(several)castesandorderswhoalwaysliveaccordingto
theirdutyenjoyafterdeaththerewardsoftheirworks,andbyvirtueof
a remnant of their (merit) they are born again in excellent countries,
castes, and families, (endowed) with beauty, long life, learning in the
Vedas,(virtuous)conduct,wealth,happiness,andwisdom.29
30. Those who act in a contrary manner perish, being born again in
various(evilconditions).30
31. The advice of the spiritual teacher and the punishment (inflicted by
theking)guardthem.31
32.Thereforeakingandaspiritualteachermustnotbereviled.32
CHAPTERXII.
1.ASdrawhointentionallyrevilestwicebornmenbycriminalabuse,or
criminally assaults them with blows, shall be deprived of the limb with
whichheoffends.1
2.Ifhehascriminalintercoursewithanryanwoman,hisorganshallbe
cutoff,andallhispropertybeconfiscated.2
3. If (the woman had) a protector, he shall be executed after (having
undergonethepunishmentsprescribedabove).3
4. Now if he listens intentionally to (a recitation of) the Veda, his ears
shallbefilledwith(molten)tinorlac.
5.Ifherecites(Vedictexts),histongueshallbecutout.
6.Ifheremembersthem,hisbodyshallbesplitintwain.
7.Ifheassumesapositionequal(tothatoftwicebornmen)insitting,
inlyingdown,inconversationorontheroad,heshallundergo(corporal)
punishment.7
8.AKshatriya(shallbefined)onehundred(Krshpanas)ifheabusesa
Brhmana,8
9.Incaseofanassault,twiceasmuch.
10.AVaisya(whoabusesaBrhmana,shallpay)oneandahalf(times
24/31
12/29/2014
asmuchasaKshatriya).10
11. But a Brhmana (who abuses) a Kshatriya (shall pay) fifty
(Krshpanas),11
12.Onehalfofthat(amountifheabuses)aVaisya,12
13.(Andifheabuses)aSdra,nothing.13
14.AKshatriyaandaVaisya(whoabuseoneanothershallpaythesame
fines)asaBrhmanaandaKshatriya.14
15. (The value of) property which a Sdra unrighteously acquires by
theft,mustberepaideightfold.15
16.Foreachoftheothercastes(thefinesmustbe)doubled.16
17. If a learned man offends, the punishment shall be very much
increased.17
18. If fruits, green corn, and vegetables are appropriated in small
amounts,(thefineis)fiveKrishnalas(ofcopper).18
19.Ifdamageisdonebycattle,theresponsibilityfallsontheowner.
20. But if (the cattle) were attended by a herdsman, (it falls) on the
latter.20
21.(Ifthedamagewasdone)inanunenclosedfieldneartheroad,(the
responsibilityfalls)ontheherdsmanandontheownerofthefield.
22.FiveMshas(arethefinetobepaid)for(damagedoneby)acow,22
23.Sixforacameloradonkey,
24.Tenforahorseorabuffalo,
25.Twoforeachgoatorsheep.
26.Ifallisdestroyed,(thevalueof)thewholecrop(mustbepaidanda
fineinaddition).
27. If (a man) always neglects the prescribed (duties) and does that
which is forbidden, his property beyond (the amount required for)
raimentandfoodshallbetakenfromhim(untilheamends).27
28. He may take, as his own, grass for a cow, and fuel for his fire, as
well as the flowers of creepers and trees and their fruit, if they be
unenclosed.28
29. The legal interest for money lent (is at the rate of) five Mshas a
monthfortwenty(Krshpanas).29
30. Some (declare, that this rate should not be paid) longer than a
year.30
31.If(theloan)remainsoutstandingforalongtime,the principal may
bedoubled(afterwhichinterestceases).31
32. A loan secured by a pledge that is used (by the creditor) bears no
25/31
12/29/2014
interest32
33. Nor money tendered, nor (a debt due by a debtor) who is forcibly
prevented(frompaying).33
34. (Special forms of interest are) compound interest, periodical
interest,34
35.Stipulatedinterest,corporalinterest,dailyinterest,andtheuseofa
pledge.35
36. The interest on products of animals, on wool, on the produce of a
field, and on beasts of burden (shall) not (increase) more than the
fivefold(valueoftheobjectlent).36
37. The property of (a person who is) neither an idiot nor a minor,
havingbeenusedbystrangersbeforehiseyesfortenyears,(belongs)to
himwhousesit,37
38.(But)not(ifitisused)bySrotriyas,ascetics,orroyalofficials.38
39.Animals,land,andfemalesarenotlost(totheowner)by(another's)
possession.39
40.Theheirsshallpaythedebts(ofadeceasedperson).40
41.Moneyduebyasurety,acommercialdebt,afee(duetotheparents
ofthebride),debtscontractedforspirituousliquororingambling,anda
fineshallnotinvolvethesons(ofthedebtor).41
42.An(open)deposit,asealeddeposit,anobjectlentforuse,anobject
bought (but not paid), and a pledge, being lost without the fault of the
holder,(shallnotinvolve)anyblamelessperson.42
43.Amanwhohasstolen(gold)shallapproachtheking,withflyinghair,
holdingaclubinhishand,andproclaimhisdeed.43
44.Whetherhebeslainorbepardoned,heispurified(ofhisguilt).
45.Ifthekingdoesnotstrike,theguiltfallsonhim.45
46. Corporal punishment (must) not (be resorted to in the case) of a
Brhmana.46
47.Preventing(arepetitionof)thedeed,publiclyproclaiminghiscrime,
banishment, and branding (are the punishments to which a Brhmana,
maybesubjected).47
48. That (king) who does not do his duty (by inflicting punishment)
becomesliabletoperformapenance.48
49. (A man who) knowingly (becomes) the servant (of a thief shall be
treated)likeathief,49
50. Likewise he who (knowingly) receives (goods) from (a thief or) an
unrighteousman.
51.Theawardofthepunishment(mustberegulated)byaconsideration
(ofthestatus)ofthecriminal,ofhis(bodily)strength,of(thenatureof)
26/31
12/29/2014
thecrime,andwhethertheoffencehasbeenrepeated.51
52. Or a pardon (may be given) in accordance with the opinion of an
assemblageofpersonslearnedintheVedas.
CHAPTERXIII.
1. In disputed cases the truth shall be established by means of

witnesses.1
2. The (latter) shall be many, faultless as regards the performance of
theirduties,worthytobetrustedbytheking,andfreefromaffectionfor,
orhatredagainsteither(party).2
3.(Theymaybe)Sdraseven.3
4.ButaBrhmanamustnotbeforced(togiveevidence)atthewordof
anonBrhmana,exceptifheismentioned(intheplaint).4
5.(Witnesses)shallnotspeaksinglyorwithoutbeingasked,5
6.Andif,(beingasked,)theydonotanswer,theyareguiltyofacrime.6
7.Heavenistheirreward,iftheyspeakthe 7truthinthecontrarycase
hell(willbetheirportion).
8.(Persons)notmentioned(intheplaint),mustalsogiveevidence.
9.Noobjection(canberaisedagainstwitnesses)inacaseof(criminal)
hurt,9
10.Noriftheyhavespokeninadvertently.10
11. If the sacred law or the rules (referring to worldly matters) are
violated,.theguilt(falls)onthewitnesses,theassessors,theking,and
ontheoffender.11
12.Some(declare,thatthewitnesses)shallbechargedonoathtospeak
thetruth.12
13. In the case of others than Brhmanas that (oath shall be sworn) in
thepresenceofthegods,oftheking,andofBrhmanas.
14.Byfalseevidenceconcerningsmallcattleawitnesskillsten,14
15. (By false evidence) regarding cows, horses, men, or land, in each
succeedingcasetentimesasmany(asintheonementionedbefore),}
16.Or(byfalseevidence)regardinglandthewhole(humanrace).
17.Hell(isthepunishment)foratheftofland.
18.(Byfalseevidence)concerningwater(heincurs)thesame(guilt)as
(foranuntruth)aboutland,
19.Likewise(byfalseevidence)regarding(criminal)intercourse.
20.(Byfalseevidence)regardinghoneyorclarifiedbutter(heincurs)the
same(guilt)as(byanuntruth)aboutsmallcattle,
27/31
12/29/2014
21. (By false evidence) about clothes, gold, grain, and the Veda, the
sameas(byanuntruth)aboutkine,
22.(Andbyfalseevidence)regardingacarriage(ora beast of burden)
thesameas(byanuntruth)abouthorses.
23. A witness must be reprimanded and punished for speaking an
untruth.23
24. No guilt is incurred by giving false evidence, in case the life (of a
man)dependsthereon.24
25.But(this.ruledoes)not(holdgood)ifthelifeofaverywicked(man
dependsontheevidenceofawitness).
26.Theking,orthejudge,oraBrhmanalearnedintheSstras(shall
examinethewitnesses).26
27.(Thelitigant)shallhumblygotoseekthejudge.27
28. If (the defendant) is unable to answer (the plaint) at once, (the
judge)maywaitforayear.28
29. But (in an action) concerning kine, draught oxen, women, or the
procreation(ofoffspring),thedefendant(shallanswer)immediately,29
30.Likewiseinacasethatwillsufferbydelay.
31. To speak the truth before the judge is more important than all
(other)duties.
CHAPTERXIV.
1. The Sapindas become impure by the death (of a relative) during ten
(days and) nights, except those who officiate as priests, who have
performed the Dkshanyeshti (or initiatory ceremony of a Srauta
sacrifice),andthosewhoarestudents.1
2.(Theimpurity)ofaKshatriyalastsforeleven(daysand)nights,2
3,(That)ofaVaisyatwelve(daysand)nights,
4.(Or),accordingtosome,halfamonth,
5.(Andthat)ofaSdraawholemonth.5
6. If during (a period of impurity) another (death) happens, the
(relatives) shall be pure after (the lapse of) the remainder of that (first
period).6
7. (But) if one night (only of the period of impurity) remains (and
anotherdeathhappens,theyshallbecomepure)after(thelapseof)two
(daysandnights).
8.(Iftheseconddeathhappens)onthemorning(afterthecompletionof
the period of impurity, they shall be purified) after three (days and
nights).
9. (The relatives) of those who are slain for the sake of cows and
28/31
12/29/2014
Brhmanas(becomepure)immediatelyaftertheburial,9
10.And(thoseofmendestroyed)bytheangeroftheking,10
11.(Further,thoseofmenkilled)inbattle,
12.Likewise(those)ofmenwhovoluntarily(die)bystarvingthemselves
todeath,byweapons,fire,poison,orwater,byhangingthemselves,or
byjumping(fromaprecipice).12
13. Sapindarelationship ceases with the fifth or the seventh
(ancestor).13
14. (The rules regarding impurity caused by the 14 death of a relative
apply)tothebirth(ofachild)also.
15.(In)that(casetheimpurityfalls)ontheparents,
16.Oron,themother(alone).
17. (The impurity) for a miscarriage (lasts for a number of days and)
nightsequalto(thenumberof)monthsfromconception,17
18.Orthreedays.
19. And if he hears (of the death of a Sapinda) after (the lapse of) ten
(days and nights, the impurity lasts for) one night together with the
precedingandfollowingdays,
20. Likewise when a relative who is not a Sapinda, a relative by
marriage,orafellowstudent(hasdied).20
21.ForamanwhostudiesthesamerecensionoftheVeda(theimpurity
lasts)oneday,21
22.LikewiseforaSrotriyawhodwellsinthesamehouse.22
23. On touching (i.e. on carrying out) a corpse from an interested
motive,theimpuritylastsfortendays.23
24. (The duration of the impurity) of a Vaisya and of a Sdra (in the
samecase)hasbeendeclared(byStras35).
25.Or(itshalllastforthesetwo)asmanynightsas there are seasons
(intheyear)25
26. And (the same rule may be made applicable) to the two higher
(castes).
27.Or(theimpuritylasts)threedays.
28.Andiftheteacher,hissonorwife,apersonforwhom(aBrhmana)
sacrifices or a pupil (has been carried out, the duration of the impurity
is)thesame.28
29.Andifamanoflowercastecarries,out(thecorpseof)oneofhigher
caste, or a man of higher caste (carries out the body of) one of lower
caste, (the duration of) the impurity in these (cases) is determined by
(thecasteof)thedeadman.
29/31
12/29/2014
30. On touching an outcast, a Kandla, a woman impure on account of

herconfinement,awomaninhercourses,oracorpse,andontouching
persons who have touched them, he shall purify himself by bathing
dressedinhisclothes,30
31.Likewiseifhehasfollowedacorpse(thatwasbeingcarriedout),31
32.And(ifhehascomeintocontact)withadog.32
33. Some (declare), that (the limb) which (a dog) may touch (must be
washed).
34.TheSapindasshalloffer(libationsof)waterfor(adeceasedrelative)
whoseKaulakarman(ortonsure)hasbeenperformed,34
35.Aswellasforthewivesanddaughtersofsuch(aperson).
36.Some(declare,thatitmustbedoneinthecase)ofmarriedfemale
relatives(also).36
37.(Duringtheperiodofimpurity)all(themourners)shallsleepandsit
onthegroundandremainchaste.37
38.Theyshallnotclean(themselves)
39. Nor shall they eat meat until (the funeral oblation) has been
offered.39
40. On the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth (days after the death)
water(mixedwithsesamum)mustbeoffered.
41.Andthegarments(wornduringthatceremony)mustbechanged,
42.Butonthelast(daytheymustbegiven)tomenofthelowestcastes.
43. The parents (shall offer water for a son who dies) after he has
teethed.
44. If infants, (relatives) who live in a distant country, those who have
renounced domestic life, and those who are not Sapindas, (die), the
purificationisinstantaneous.44
45.Kings(remainalwayspure),lesttheirbusinessbeimpeded,45
46.AndaBrhmana,lesthisdailystudyoftheVedabeinterrupted.46
SuggestedFurtherReading
TheHinduDharmashastras,subjectindex
TheApastambaSutrasPrasnaI
IntroductiontotheBaudhayanaDharmashastra
TheBaudhayanaDharmaShastra
TheBaudhayanaDharmaShastraPart2
TheBaudhayanadharmaShastra,Part3
TheGautamaSutrasChapters15to28
30/31
12/29/2014
ManusmritithelawsofManu
TheVashishtaDharmashastra,introduction
TheVashishtaDharmashastra,Part1
Source:TheSacredLawsoftheryastranslatedbyGeorgBhlerPartI:pastambaandGuatama(Sacred
Books of the East, Volume 2.) [1879]. The text has been reproduced and reformatted from Sacred
texts.com by Jayaram V for Hinduwebsite.com. While we have made every effort to reproduce the text
correctly, we do not guarantee or accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions or inaccuracies in
thereproductionofthistext.
Monday,December29,2014
20002014Hinduwebsite.com.AllRightsarereserved.Nopartofthiswebsitecanbecopiedorreproducedinanymanner.Hinduwebsite.com
presentsoriginalarticlesonvarioussubjects.Theyareforyourpersonalandspiritualgrowthnotforcopyingandpostingonyourwebsite.Wedonot
acceptdonations.Werelysolelyuponourcontenttoserveyou.Ifyouwanttopromoteourwebsitepleasewriteanintroductionandpostalinkto it
onyourblogorwebsite.However,pleasedonotcopyinformationfromthewebsiteandthentellusthatyouweretryingtogiveuspublicity.We like
publicity, but not in this manner. Please protect Dharma by following its values, which include nonstealing. Your use of the website is subject to
theseTermsofUse.
AboutUs
PrivacyPolicy
ContactUs
Termsofuse
HelpUs
31/31

The Gautama Sutras, Chapters 1 To 14

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Gautama Sutras, Chapters 1 To 14

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

12/29/2014

13. Nor (for the initiation) of a Kshatriya up to the twentieth

1. Before initiation (a child) may follow its inclinations in behaviour,

4. On meeting (several persons, to whom such a salutation is due),

22. But if no (other course is) possible (a Brhmana) may support

1. A king and a Brhmana, deeply versed in the Vedas, these two,

1. In disputed cases the truth shall be established by means of

30. On touching an outcast, a Kandla, a woman impure on account of

You might also like