Chapter 162 - The Code of Laws (dharmaśāstra)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Puṣkara said:

1-2. I shall describe concisely the code of laws [i.e., dharmaśāstra] as narrated by Manu, Viṣṇu, Yājñavalkya, Hārīta, Atri, Yama, Aṅgiras, Vasiṣṭha, Dakṣa, Saṃvarta, Śātātapa, Parāśara, Āpastamba, Uśanas, Vyāsa, Kātyāyana, Bṛhaspati, Gautama, Śaṅkha and Likhita. You listen to that which would yield you enjoyment and emancipation. The path of action adhering to the Vedas is of two kinds—taking active part in worldly life (pravṛtta) and abstaining from worldly acts (nivṛtta).

3-5. An act performed for (getting) particular object would be taking active part in worldly life. Abstaining from worldly acts is preceded by true knowledge. The study of the Vedas, penance, knowledge, control of senses, non-injury and service to the preceptor all confer extreme pleasure. But the knowledge of one’s own self is the most superior to all.

6-7. It is the leading one among all knowledge. One gets ambrosia from that. A learned man who studies his own self and sees equally his own self in all beings and all beings in his own self attains identification of his own self with the brahman. One should make equal efforts in (the acquisition of) knowledge about self and in the study of Veda..

8-10. This is the same for all the twice-borns and it is specially (laid down) for brahmins. One who knows the scriptures and sciences and their import is set for becoming identical with brahman even as he is living in this world and remaining in different stages of life. The commencement of vedic study of one’s own school should be in the month of śrāvaṇa (July-August) in the (asterism) śravaṇa. (It can also be done) in the (asterism) hasta or Monday or fifth day (of the lunar fortnight) in the (month) of śrāvaṇa, or in the (asterism) rohiṇī in the month pauṣa (January-February), or in the aṣṭakā (the three days 7th to 9th).

11-18. The study of Veda should be commenced as laid down outside on the banks of a tank. There would be cessation of vedic study for three days at the death of the pupil or the officiating priest or the preceptor or the relative. So also (there would be cessation of vedic study) at the beginning and conclusion of the vedic study if a person well-versed in one’s own branch of Vedas (dies). If there is thunder at the (time of) twilight or a hurricane or earthquake or fall of meteor (cessation of study is laid down). Even if the study has been completed and the ceaseless study has been made in the forest (there would be cessation of study). So also (there would be cessation of study) on the fifteenth, fourteenth and eighth days of a lunar fortnight, at the time of eclipse (of the sun or moon), at the junctions of seasons, after having dined at a śrāddha and after having received a gift. (There would be cessation of study)for a day and night if a hare or frog or mongoose or dog or serpent or cat or pig goes in between (the preceptor and the pupil). It is the same if there is lightning or rising of planets. If the sounds of a dog or a jackal or ass or owl (are heard) once, five times or six times or at a place impure, or associated with a corpse, śūdra, or an antya (the fifth caste), cremation ground or a person fallen from righteous living, (there is cessation of study). (So also there is cessation of study) in evil asterism, and when there is lightning, thunder and floods. (So also there is no study) after eating, with wet hands, remaining in waters, at midnight, (and on the days when there is) excess of wind, dust storm, morbid heat, the fall of snow and at the time of twilight and while having other fears. (So also there is no study) while running or being disturbed by animals or when a great person has come home or while climbing a mule, camel, vehicle, elephant, horse, boat and tree. These are known to be the thirtyseven temporary (instances) of cessation of the vedic study.