91. One principal duty the supreme Ruler assigns CHAP. to a Súdra; namely, to serve the before-mentioned ' classes, without depreciating their worth. 92. Man is declared purer above the navel; but 'the self-creating Power declared the purest part of 93. Since the Brahmen sprang from the most ex- 'cellent part, since he was the first born, and since 94. Him, the Being, who exists of himself, pro- 95. What created being then can surpass Him, with whose mouth the Gods of the firmament con- 96. Of created things, the most excellent are those which are animated; of the animated, those 97. Of priests, those eminent in learning; of the 6 98. The very birth of Bráhmens is a constant incar- is born to promote justice, and to procure ultimate 99. When a Bráhmen springs to light, he is born above the world, the chief of all creatures, assigned 100. Whatever exists in the universe, is all in ' effect, though not in form, the wealth of the Bráh- 101. The Brahmen eats but his own food; wears 'but his own apparel: and bestows but his own in 6 102. To declare the sacerdotal duties, and those of the other classes in due order, the sage MENU, 103. A code which must be studied with extreme to his disciples, but must be taught by no other performed sacred rites, is perpetually free from of- CHAP. 'fence in thought, in word, and in deed; 105. He confers purity on his living family, on 'his ancestors, and on his descendants, as far as the 106. This most excellent code produces every thing auspicious; this code increases understanding; this ' code procures fame and long life; this code leads. 107. In this book appears the system of law in ' its full extent, with the good and bad properties 108. Immemorial custom is transcendent law, ap- proved in the sacred scripture, and in the codes 109. A man of the priestly, military, or commer- cial class, who deviates from immemorial usage, 110. Thus have holy sages, well knowing that law is grounded on immemorial custom, embraced, as CHAP. 111. THE creation of this universe, the forms of 'institution and education, with the observances and I. behaviour of a student in theology; the best rules 'for the ceremony on his return from the mansion of his preceptor; 112. The law of marriage in general, and of nuptials in different forms; the regulations for the great sacraments, and the manner, primevally settled, of performing obsequies; 113. The modes of gaining subsistence, and the 'rules to be observed by the master of a family; the 'allowance and prohibition of diet, with the purifica'tion of men and utensils; 114. Laws concerning women, the devotion of her mits, and of anchorets wholly intent on final beati tude, the whole duty of a king, and the judicial ' decision of controversies, 115. With the law of evidence and examination; laws concerning husband and wife, canons of inherithe prohibition of gaming, and the punish'ments of criminals; 6 tance; 116. Rules ordained for the mercantile and servile ' classes, with the origin of those that are mixed; the 'duties and rights of all the classes in time of distress 'for subsistence; and the penances for expiating sins; 117. The several transmigrations in this universe, 'caused by offences of three kinds, with the ultimate • bliss bliss attending good actions, on the full trial of vice CHAP. ⚫ and virtue ; 118. All these titles of law, promulgated by MENU, and occasionally the customs of different countries, 'different tribes, and different families, with rules concerning hereticks and companies of traders, are discussed in this code. 6 119. Even as MENU, at my request, formerly re'vealed this divine Sástra, hear it now from me without any diminution or addition. II |