Chapter 153 - Duties of a Student (brahmacarya-āśrama-dharma)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Puṣkara said:

1-6. Listen! I shall describe the righteous (way of living for those in (different) stages (of life), which yields enjoyment and emancipation. The mensus flow for women lasts for sixteen nights. Among these the first three are censured. One who desires for a male child should cohabit on even (nights). When the conception is explicitly known, the rite favouring conception is prescribed. The rite to be performed with the intention to get a male child is done even before the embryo (in the womb) begins to move. The (rite of) parting of the hair (should be done) in the sixth or eighth (month). The asterism relating to the name should be such that it confers a child (good) and is auspicious. (The rite known as) the jātakama (performed soon after the birth of a child) should be done by wise men before the separation of the umbilical cord. The rite of naming the child should be done after the period of pollution is over. The name of the child of a brahmin is said to end with (the word) śarmā, of the warrior class to end with (the word) vamā, of the tradesmen and śūdra with (the words) gupta and dāsa respectively. (After the birth of a child) the child should be brought to the father (of the child by the other) with (the words) “This is your son”.

7-10. The tonsure ceremony (is laid down) according to one’s family (custom). Upanayana (the rite of investiture of sacred thread) should be done in the eighth year from that of the conception or in the eighth year of the child for a brahmin. (The same is to be done) in the eleventh year from that of pregnancy for the warrior class and in the twelfth year from that of pregnancy for a tradesman. It should never be done after the sixteenth year (for any one). The mauñjya (the girdle to be worn after the above rite) is known to be (made) of muñja (grass) or bark. The hides of deer, tiger or goat (should be worn) by those in the student life. The sticks are said to be from the parṇa (palāśa), pippala (fig) and bilva tree. They should be (long enough to reach) upto the hair, forehead and face respectively (for the three classes). All the sticks should be having the barks and should not be having bends or be burnt ones.

11-12. The sacred thread (should be made of) cotton, silk or wool respectively (for the three classes). The three classes are indicated by the (repetition of the word) bhavati (address to the housewife) at the beginning, middle or end while begging food. One should seek food first at such a place where one would be certain about getting food. The above rites are performed without (the repetition of) mantra in the case of female children. But the marriage (should be done) with (the repetition of) mantra.

13. After investiture of the sacred thread, the preceptor should instruct his pupil first with cleanliness and then with codes of conduct, the worship of fire and the worship of twilight.

14. Eating facing the eastern direction is conducive to (one’s) longevity, the southern direction brings fame. Eating facing the western direction gives wealth. Eating facing the northern direction gets rightful living.

15. Offering to fire should be made in the morning and in the evening. (One should) not (offer) impure things or with separated hands. One should abstain from (drinking) intoxicants, (eating) flesh, singing and dancing with men.

16. (One should also eschew) violence, spreading scandal about others and especially speaking unpleasant words. (The student), whose stick (and other things) get damaged, should throw them in water and have another.

17. (He) should learn the scripture (from the preceptor), pay fees to the preceptor and perform the bathing (ceremony marking the completion of one’s study). But the naiṣṭika brahmacārī (one who has taken a vow of life-long abstinence) should remain with the preceptor till his (own) death.