Verse 3.179

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation by Ganganath Jha:

वेदविद्चापि विप्रोऽस्य लोभात् कृत्वा प्रतिग्रहम् ।
विनाशं व्रजति क्षिप्रमामपात्रमिवाम्भसि ॥ १७९ ॥

vedavidcāpi vipro'sya lobhāt kṛtvā pratigraham |
vināśaṃ vrajati kṣipramāmapātramivāmbhasi || 179 ||

If a Brāhmaṇa, though learned in the Veda, should, through covetousness, accept a gift from him,—he quickly perishes; just like the unbaked vessel in water.—(170)

 

Medhātithi’s commentary (manubhāṣya):

In connection with the present subject, the author points out the impropriety of receiving gifts from one who officiates at sacrifices performed by Śūdras.

‘Though learned in the Veda;’—if he accepts the gift of something belonging to one who officiates at sacrifices performed by Śūdras,

‘Through covetousness’—is a mere reiterative reference.

He also perishes quickly—i.e., he is deprived of what he desires,—in the shape of wealth, children, cattle, body, and the like.

When such is the fate of one learned in the Veda—what is to be said of one who is ignorant of the Veda?

The author will point out later on that there is not much harm in the learned man’s receiving gifts.

‘Āma’—unbaked—‘pātra’—vessels, such as saucer, and the like.

‘In water’—i.e., when thrown into water.—(179)

 

Comparative notes by various authors

Atri-Smṛti (2, 5).—‘One shall not be addicted to sinful acts, on the strength of the Veda; for an intentional sin is not destroyed by the Veda.’

Atri-Saṃhitā (145).—‘By accepting gifts they perish, as fire perishes by water.’