Verse 7.135

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

श्रुतवृत्ते विदित्वाऽस्य वृत्तिं धर्म्यां प्रकल्पयेत् ।
संरक्षेत् सर्वतश्चैनं पिता पुत्रमिवौरसम् ॥ १३५ ॥

śrutavṛtte viditvā'sya vṛttiṃ dharmyāṃ prakalpayet |
saṃrakṣet sarvataścainaṃ pitā putramivaurasam || 135 ||

Having ascertained his learning and character, he shall provide for him a fair living; and he shall protect him against all things, even as the father protects his lawful son.—(135)

 

Medhātithi’s commentary (manubhāṣya):

‘Fair living’— so that his household duties do not Buffer.

Having provided a living ‘he shall protect him against all things’—from thieves and others, as alio against hie own extravagance.—(135)

 

Explanatory notes by Ganganath Jha

This verse is quoted in Vīramitrodaya (Rājanīti, p. 141) as indicating that it is incumbent on the king to see that no learned Brāhmaṇa in his kingdom suffers from hunger;—and in Parāśaramādhava (Ācāra, p. 408).

 

Comparative notes by various authors

Yājñavalkya (3.44).—‘Having found out all about his conduct, race, character, learning, knowledge, austerities and family,—the king shall ordain livelihood for him.’

Dakṣa (Aparārka, p. 939).—‘Father, mother, teacher, wife, the poor, one seeking shelter, guest, fire, relations—maternal and paternal, the emaciated, one who has no supporter,—these are persons that should bo fed by every rich person; gifts should be made to the learned, otherwise one would go to hell.’

Gautama (10.9-12).—‘He shall support Vedic scholars and Brāhmaṇas;—and non-Brāhmaṇas who are unable to work;—and those who arc free from taxes, and the ordinary Religious Students.’

Yama (Vīramitrodaya-Rājanīti, p. 142).—‘The Brāhmaṇas keep intact the unbreakable, imperishable, indestructible ancient treasure (of the Veda); the king shall therefore honour them and thereby become unconquerable, like the King of the Gods.’