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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
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{{ToBeEdited}}Brahmana Dharma (Samskrit: ब्राह्मणधर्मः) pertains to the set of dharmas pertaining to the person belonging to the first varna, namely Brahmana (called usually as Brahmin). In the present context, the term should not be confused with the [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmana]] texts.
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According to Manusmrti, <blockquote>अध्यापनम् अध्ययनं यजनं याजनं तथा । दानं प्रतिग्रहं चैव ब्राह्मणानाम् अकल्पयत् । । १.८८ । ।<ref name=":0">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>adhyāpanam adhyayanaṁ yajanaṁ yājanaṁ tathā । dānaṁ pratigrahaṁ caiva brāhmaṇānām akalpayat । । 1.88 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: Studying, teaching, performing a sacrifice (either for oneself or for others), giving and accepting charity; these six are the responsibilities assigned to brahmanas (Manu Smrt. 1.88)<ref name=":1">Pt. Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), [https://archive.org/details/ManusmrtiHindiTranslationGirijaPrasadDvivediNavalKishore The Manusmriti], Lucknow: Naval Kishore Press.</ref>
 
  
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Talking of the importance of adhering to the Brahmana varna dharma, Manusmrti says,<blockquote>आचारः परमो धर्मः श्रुत्युक्तः स्मार्त एव च । तस्मादस्मिन्सदा युक्तो नित्यं स्यादात्मवान्द्विजः । । १.१०८ । ।<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>ācāraḥ paramo dharmaḥ śrutyuktaḥ smārta eva ca । tasmādasminsadā yukto nityaṁ syādātmavāndvijaḥ । । 1.108 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: The Shrutis and Smrtis say that code of conduct is the highest duty; hence brahmanas must always be ready in adering to it (Manu Smrt. 1.108)<ref name=":1" />
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==परिचयः ॥ Introduction==
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Brahmana dharmas chiefly relate to the occupation of education and performing yajnas. They include vedic studies, their preservation and transmission, teaching and applying them in yajnas for the welfare of the fellow citizens and society at large.  
  
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It says, a Brahmana who studies the shastras faithfully, according to the rules, is never tainted by sins arising from thoughts, words or deeds (Manu Smrt. 1.104). While, the one who deflects from his prescribed duties, doesn't obtain the fruit prescribed in the vedas; one who adheres to the code of conduct partakes in the fruit (Manu Smrt. 1.109)<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>इदं शास्त्रम् अधीयानो ब्राह्मणः शंसितव्रतः । मनोवाग्गेहजैर्नित्यं कर्मदोषैर्न लिप्यते । । १.१०४ । ।</blockquote><blockquote>आचाराद्विच्युतो विप्रो न वेदफलम् अश्नुते । आचारेण तु संयुक्तः सम्पूर्णफलभाग्भवेत् । । १.१०९ । ।<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>idaṁ śāstram adhīyāno brāhmaṇaḥ śaṁsitavrataḥ । manovāggehajairnityaṁ karmadoṣairna lipyate । । 1.104 । ।</blockquote><blockquote>ācārādvicyuto vipro na vedaphalam aśnute । ācāreṇa tu saṁyuktaḥ sampūrṇaphalabhāgbhavet । । 1.109 ।</blockquote>
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=== द्विजः ॥ Dvija ===
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The concept of Dvija is unique to Sanatana Dharma. Dvija means "one who is born twice". The word is used for both: specifically for Brahmins, and in general for the three varnas. The evidence that Dvija refers generally to the three varnas is present in Kosas and Smrtis.  
  
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== विहितोपजीविकाः ॥ Prescribed Modes of Subsistence ==
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Evidence in Koshas include:
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* It is said that a brahmana may subsist by Rta (truth), and Amrta (ambrosia), or by Mrta (death) and by Pramrta (what causes many deaths); or even by (the mode) called Satyanrta (a mixture of truth and falsehood), but never by Shvavrtti (a dog’s mode of life). [v.4.4.]
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* द्विजः स्याद्ब्राह्मणक्षत्रवैश्यदन्ताण्डजेषु ना (मेदिनीकोषः, जान्तवर्गः ९, also cited in Vyakhyasudha on Amarakosa)
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<blockquote>ऋतामृताभ्यां जीवेत्तु मृतेन प्रमृतेन वा । सत्यानृताभ्यां अपि वा न श्ववृत्त्या कदा चन । । ४.४ । ।<ref name=":3">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 4].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>r̥tāmr̥tābhyāṁ jīvettu mr̥tena pramr̥tena vā । satyānr̥tābhyāṁ api vā na śvavr̥ttyā kadā cana । । 4.4 । ।</blockquote>
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* क्षत्त्रियः। वैश्यः। इति मेदिनी (शब्दकल्पद्रुमः on द्विजः)
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* By Rta shall be understood the gleaning of corn; by Amrta, what is given unasked; by Mrta, food obtained by begging and agriculture is declared to be Pramrta. [v.4.5.] But trade and (money-lending) are Satyanrta, even by that one may subsist. Service is called Shvavritti; therefore one should avoid it. [v.4.6.]
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* ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियवैश्येषु च (वाचस्पत्यम् on द्विज)
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<blockquote>ऋतं उञ्छशिलं ज्ञेयं अमृतं स्यादयाचितम् । मृतं तु याचितं भैक्षं प्रमृतं कर्षणं स्मृतम् । । ४.५ । ।</blockquote><blockquote>सत्यानृतं तु वाणिज्यं तेन चैवापि जीव्यते । सेवा श्ववृत्तिराख्याता तस्मात्तां परिवर्जयेत् । । ४.६ । ।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>r̥taṁ uñchaśilaṁ jñeyaṁ amr̥taṁ syādayācitam । mr̥taṁ tu yācitaṁ bhaikṣaṁ pramr̥taṁ karṣaṇaṁ smr̥tam । । 4.5 । ।</blockquote><blockquote>satyānr̥taṁ tu vāṇijyaṁ tena caivāpi jīvyate । sevā śvavr̥ttirākhyātā tasmāttāṁ parivarjayet । । 4.6 । ।</blockquote>
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Evidence in Yajnavalkya smrti includes:
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* He may either possess enough to fill a granary, or a store filling a grain-jar; or he may collect what suffices for three days, or make no provision for the morrow. [v.4.7.]Moreover, among these four Brahmana householders, each later(-named) must be considered more distinguished, and through his virtue to have conquered the world more completely. [v.4.8.]One of these follows six occupations, another subsists by three, one by two, but the fourth lives by the Brahmasattra. [v.4.9.]
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* मातुर्यदग्रे जायन्ते द्वितीयं मौञ्जिबन्धनात्। ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशस्तस्मादेते द्विजाः स्मृताः॥  १.३९ ॥ (Yajna. Smrt. 1.39)<ref name=":2">Yajnavalkya Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5% Brahmachari Prakarana 1])</ref>
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<blockquote>कुसूलधान्यको वा स्यात्कुम्भीधान्यक एव वा । त्र्यहैहिको वापि भवेदश्वस्तनिक एव वा । । ४.७ । ।</blockquote><blockquote>चतुर्णां अपि चैतेषां द्विजानां गृहमेधिनाम् । ज्यायान्परः परो ज्ञेयो धर्मतो लोकजित्तमः । । ४.८ । ।</blockquote><blockquote>षट्कर्मैको भवत्येषां त्रिभिरन्यः प्रवर्तते । द्वाभ्यां एकश्चतुर्थस्तु ब्रह्मसत्त्रेण जीवति । । ४.९ । ।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>kusūladhānyako vā syātkumbhīdhānyaka eva vā । tryahaihiko vāpi bhavedaśvastanika eva vā । । 4.7 । ।</blockquote><blockquote>caturṇāṁ api caiteṣāṁ dvijānāṁ gr̥hamedhinām । jyāyānparaḥ paro jñeyo dharmato lokajittamaḥ । । 4.8 । ।</blockquote><blockquote>ṣaṭkarmaiko bhavatyeṣāṁ tribhiranyaḥ pravartate । dvābhyāṁ ekaścaturthastu brahmasattreṇa jīvati । । 4.9 । ।</blockquote>
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The first birth of a child is from the mother's womb and the second birth of a child occurs at the binding of the Munja grass during the Upanayana samskara, in brahmana's, kshatriya's and vaishya's and hence they are to be known as Dvijas.
  
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== उपजीविकानियमाः ॥ Rules Regarding Subsistence ==
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Yajnavalkya smrti lays down the classification of dvijas,<blockquote>ब्रह्मक्षत्रियविट्शूद्रा वर्णास्त्वाद्यास्त्रयो द्विजाः । निषेकाद्याः श्मशानान्तास्तेषां वै मन्त्रतः क्रियाः ॥ १.१० ॥ (Yajn. Smrt. 1.10)<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Of the four varnas, brahmana, kshatriya, vaishya and shudra, the first three are termed Dvijas, for them starting from conception (garbhadhana) ending with the cremation (at smashana) the kriyas for them are performed, decidedly, with the accompaniment of mantras.
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A Brahmana shall not name his family and (Vedic) gotra in order to obtain a meal; for he who boasts of them for the sake of a meal, is called by the wise a foul feeder (vantasin). [v.3.109.]<blockquote>न भोजनार्थं स्वे विप्रः कुलगोत्रे निवेदयेत् । भोजनार्थं हि ते शंसन्वान्ताशीत्युच्यते बुधैः । । ३.१०९ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>na bhojanārthaṁ sve vipraḥ kulagotre nivedayet । bhojanārthaṁ hi te śaṁsanvāntāśītyucyate budhaiḥ । । 3.109 । ।</blockquote>A Brahmana must seek a means of subsistence which either causes no, or at least little pain (to others), and live (by that) except in times of distress. [v.4.2.]<blockquote>अद्रोहेणैव भूतानां अल्पद्रोहेण वा पुनः । या वृत्तिस्तां समास्थाय विप्रो जीवेदनापदि । । ४.२ । ।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>adroheṇaiva bhūtānāṁ alpadroheṇa vā punaḥ । yā vr̥ttistāṁ samāsthāya vipro jīvedanāpadi । । 4.2 । ।</blockquote>For the purpose of gaining bare subsistence, let him accumulate property by (following those) irreproachable occupations (which are prescribed for) his (caste), without (unduly) fatiguing his body. [v.4.3.]<blockquote>यात्रामात्रप्रसिद्ध्यर्थं स्वैः कर्मभिरगर्हितैः । अक्लेशेन शरीरस्य कुर्वीत धनसंचयम् । । ४.३ । ।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>yātrāmātraprasiddhyarthaṁ svaiḥ karmabhiragarhitaiḥ । akleśena śarīrasya kurvīta dhanasaṁcayam । । 4.3 । ।</blockquote>At the same time, it is also adviced that he who maintains himself by picking up grains and ears of corn, must be always intent on (the performance of) the Agnihotra, and constantly offer those Ishtis only, which are prescribed for the days of the conjunction and opposition (of the moon), and for the solstices. [v.4.10.] Let him never, for the sake of subsistence, follow the ways of the world; let him live the pure, straightforward, honest life of a Brahmana. [v.4.11.]And he who desires happiness is adviced to strive after a perfectly contented disposition and control himself; for happiness has contentment for its root, the root of unhappiness is the contrary (disposition). [v.4.12.]<blockquote>वर्तयंश्च शिलोञ्छाभ्यां अग्निहोत्रपरायणः । इष्टीः पार्वायणान्तीयाः केवला निर्वपेत्सदा । । ४.१० । ।</blockquote><blockquote>न लोकवृत्तं वर्तेत वृत्तिहेतोः कथं चन । अजिह्मां अशथां शुद्धां जीवेद्ब्राह्मणजीविकाम् । । ४.११ । ।</blockquote><blockquote>संतोषं परं आस्थाय सुखार्थी संयतो भवेत् । संतोषमूलं हि सुखं दुःखमूलं विपर्ययः । । ४.१२ । ।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>vartayaṁśca śiloñchābhyāṁ agnihotraparāyaṇaḥ । iṣṭīḥ pārvāyaṇāntīyāḥ kevalā nirvapetsadā । । 4.10 । ।</blockquote><blockquote>na lokavr̥ttaṁ varteta vr̥ttihetoḥ kathaṁ cana । ajihmāṁ aśathāṁ śuddhāṁ jīvedbrāhmaṇajīvikām । । 4.11 । ।</blockquote><blockquote>saṁtoṣaṁ paraṁ āsthāya sukhārthī saṁyato bhavet । saṁtoṣamūlaṁ hi sukhaṁ duḥkhamūlaṁ viparyayaḥ । । 4.12 । ।</blockquote>10.9 Self-reliance
 
  
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Let him carefully avoid all undertakings (the success of) which depends on others; but let him eagerly pursue that (the accomplishment of) which depends on himself. [v.4.159.]
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According to the Bhagavata Purana, the one whose samkaras (16 purifying rites) accompanied by mantras have been performed without any break, in succession, and to whom Brahma has designated as such, he is called as a dvija (twice-born).<ref name=":03">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n95 P.no.964-965].</ref><blockquote>संस्कारा यदविच्छिन्नाः स द्विजोऽजो जगाद यम् । saṁskārā yadavicchinnāḥ sa dvijo'jo jagāda yam । (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.13)<ref name=":13">Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 11].</ref></blockquote>
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===ब्राह्मणः ॥ Brahmana===
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According to the '''Bhagavata Purana''', scriptural study and others (such as teaching, performance of yajnas, dana and acceptance of gifts) six (in all) are prescribed for the Brahmanas. Non-acceptance of gifts is laid down for the other (Kshatriyas).<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>विप्रस्याध्ययनादीनि षडन्यस्याप्रतिग्रहः । viprasyādhyayanādīni ṣaḍanyasyāpratigrahaḥ । (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.14).<ref name=":13" /></blockquote>One who has the following activities as '''one's occupation''' are Brahmanas according to Mahabharata's Anushasana parva<blockquote>यजनं याजनं चैव दानं पात्रे प्रतिग्रहः। अध्यापनमध्ययनं षट्कर्मा धर्मभागृजुः।।13.211.9<ref name=":9">Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-13-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-211 Adhyaya 211]</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Performing Yajna for oneself or others, giving or accepting dana, Studying or teaching the Vedas - A brahmana resorting to these 6 activities partakes in dharma.
  
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Everything that depends on others (gives) pain, everything that depends on oneself (gives) pleasure; know that this is the short definition of pleasure and pain. [v.4.160.]
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Even among these being always engrossed in svadhyaya is a brahmana's main dharma, doing yajna is his sanatana dharma and giving dana appropriately according to one's ability is his praiseworthy dharma.<ref name=":8" />
  
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When the performance of an act gladdens his heart, let him perform it with diligence; but let him avoid the opposite. [v.4.161.]
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नित्यः स्वाध्यायतो धर्मः नित्ययज्ञः सनातनः। दानं प्रशंसते नित्यं ब्राह्मणेषु त्रिकर्मसु।।13.211.10<ref name=":9" />
  
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== स्नातक: || Snataka ==
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The Mahabharata clearly emphasizes the six primary occupational dharmas (वृत्त्यर्थं ब्राह्मणानां..) of a Brahmana as given in Manusmrti.
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Vachaspatya describes a Snataka as follows:<blockquote>वेदाध्ययनानन्तरं गार्हस्थ्याय कृतसमावर्त्तनांङ्गस्नाने गृहस्थभेदे |<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%95 Vachaspatya]</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>vedādhyayanānantaraṁ gārhasthyāya kr̥tasamāvarttanāṁṅgasnāne gr̥hasthabhede |</blockquote>It refers to a brahmana who, after having completed the study of the Vedas, has entered the Grhasthashrama after performing the rite of Samavartana which is an abulation that indicates the graduation from brahmacharya to grhastha.  
 
  
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However, according to Shabdakalpadruma, <blockquote>ब्रह्मचर्य्यं त्यक्त्वा यो गृहाश्रमं गतः स स्नातकः । समाप्तवेदाध्ययनो यः स्नानशीलः आश्रमान्तरं न गतः सौऽपि स्नातकः ।<ref name=":2">[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83 Shabdakalpadruma]</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>brahmacaryyaṁ tyaktvā yo gr̥hāśramaṁ gataḥ sa snātakaḥ । samāptavedādhyayano yaḥ snānaśīlaḥ āśramāntaraṁ na gataḥ sau'pi snātakaḥ ।</blockquote>It says, The one who abandons brahmacharya and goes to grhasthashrama is a Snataka. But, after having competed the Vedic studies, the one who is eligible for the ritual abulation but does not enter the grhasthashrama is also a Snataka. Because, Snataka is of three types.
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स्वाध्यायो यजनं दानं तस्य धर्म इति स्थितिः।
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* व्रतस्नातकः ॥ Vrata Snataka
 
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<blockquote>ब्रह्मचर्य्याचरणस्य यः शास्त्रबोधितोऽवधिः । तावद्वेदमुपास्यासमाप्तवेद एवाश्रमान्तरं गतो यः स व्रतस्नातकः ।<ref name=":2" /> </blockquote><blockquote>brahmacaryyācaraṇasya yaḥ śāstrabodhito'vadhiḥ । tāvadvedamupāsyāsamāptaveda evāśramāntaraṁ gato yaḥ sa vratasnātakaḥ ।</blockquote>The one who enters the Grhasthashrama, studying the vedas only for the stipulated time prescribed by the shastras for the brahmacharyashrama, without completion, is a Vrata Snataka.
 
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* विद्यास्नातकः || Vidya Snataka
 
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<blockquote>वेदमधीत्यगुरुसन्निधौ वेदाभ्यासं यः करोति स विद्यास्नातकः ।<ref name=":2" /></blockquote><blockquote>vedamadhītyagurusannidhau vedābhyāsaṁ yaḥ karoti sa vidyāsnātakaḥ ।</blockquote>The one who continues to stay with his Guru and study the Vedas even after the stipulated time is called a Vidya Snataka.
 
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* उभयस्नातकः || Ubhaya Snataka
 
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<blockquote>पालितसम्यग्व्रतः प्राप्तवेदो यो द्वितीयाश्रमं गतः स उभयस्नातकः ।<ref name=":2" /></blockquote><blockquote>pālitasamyagvrataḥ prāptavedo yo dvitīyāśramaṁ gataḥ sa ubhayasnātakaḥ । </blockquote>While, the one who observes the vow completely, absorbs the vedic teachings and graduates to the second ashrama is called Ubhaya Snataka.
 
  
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== स्नातकगुणोपदेशः ॥ Snataka Guna Upadesha ==
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कर्मण्यध्यापनं चैव याजनं च प्रतिग्रहः।
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The Manusmrti implores a Brahmana, who is a Snataka and subsists by one of the (above-mentioned) modes of life, to discharge the (following) duties which secure heavenly bliss, long life, and fame. [v.4.13.]<blockquote>अतोऽन्यतमया वृत्त्या जीवंस्तु स्नातको द्विजः । स्वर्गायुष्ययशस्यानि व्रताणीमानि धारयेत् । । ४.१३ । ।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>ato'nyatamayā vr̥ttyā jīvaṁstu snātako dvijaḥ । svargāyuṣyayaśasyāni vratāṇīmāni dhārayet । । 4.13 । ।</blockquote>According to the Bhagavad Gita there are nine qualities of a brahmana.<blockquote>शमो दमस्तपः शौचं क्षान्तिरार्जवमेव च । ज्ञानं विज्ञानमास्तिक्यं ब्रह्मकर्म स्वभावजम् ॥१८- ४२॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Chapter 18.]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ kṣāntirārjavameva ca । jñānaṁ vijñānamāstikyaṁ brahmakarma svabhāvajam ॥18- 42॥</blockquote>ie. peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom, religiousness
 
  
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The Manusmrti enforces the adherence to these qualities in the life of a Snataka subsisting through different means of livelihood. Some of the guidelines given in this regard, to help adhere to certain good qualities are as follows.
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सत्यं शान्तिस्तपः शौचं तस्य धर्मः सनातनः।।13.208.12<ref name=":7" />
  
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=== Non-attachment ===
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The shastras declare that study of the Vedas, Yajna and Dana are the Dharmas of a brahmana. Teaching the Vedas, performing a yajna for the yajamana and accepting dana are modes of his livelihood while, truthfulness, control of the mind, austerity and following the codes of shaucha are his eternal duties.<ref name=":8" />
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The foremost among the qualities to be fostered is Non attachment. In this regard it is said,
 
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* Whether he be rich or even in distress, let him not seek wealth through pursuits to which men cleave, nor by forbidden occupations, nor (let him accept presents) from any (giver whosoever he may be). [v.4.15.]
 
  
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* Let him not, out of desire (for enjoyments), attach himself to any sensual pleasures, and let him carefully obviate an excessive attachment to them, by (reflecting on their worthlessness in) his heart. [v.4.16.]
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A similar verse is found in the Agni Purana as well.  
  
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== स्नातकधर्माः ॥ The Duties of a Snataka ==
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यजनं याजनं दानं वेदाद्यध्यापनक्रिया ॥१५१.६॥ प्रतिग्रहञ्चाध्ययनं विप्रकर्माणि निर्दिशेत् ।१५१.७<ref>Agni Purana, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AB%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 151]</ref>
  
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=== वेदाभ्यासः ॥ Studying the Vedas ===
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Meaning: The duties of a brahmana should be pointed out as performing religious rites, officiating as priests at yajnas, munificence, imparting vedic knowledge, accepting gifts and engaging in study.<ref name=":5">[https://archive.org/details/AgniPuranaUnabridgedEnglishMotilal/page/n441/mode/2up?view=theater The Agni Purana (Part 2)], Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref>
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~Keeping his hair, nails, and beard clipped, subduing his passions by austerities, wearing white garments and (keeping himself) pure, he shall be always engaged in studying the Veda and (such acts as are) conducive to his welfare. [v.4.35.]
 
  
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Let him avoid all (means of acquiring) wealth which impede the study of the Veda; (let him maintain himself) anyhow, but study, because that (devotion to the Veda-study secures) the realisation of his aims. [v.4.17.]
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=== ब्राह्मणलक्षणम् ॥ Nature of a Brahmana ===
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Shabdakalpadruma<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4% See ब्राह्मणः]''')'''</ref> references '''Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva)''', when Yudhisthira is asked who is a brahmana, he replies as follows.<blockquote>सत्यं दानं क्षमा शीलमानृशंस्यं तपो घृणा । दृश्यन्ते यत्रनागेन्द्रस ब्राह्मण इति स्मृतः ॥१८०.२१॥ (Maha. Anush. 13.180.21)
  
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~Let him walk here (on earth), bringing his dress, speech, and thoughts to a conformity with his age, his occupation, his wealth, his sacred learning, and his race. [v.4.18.]
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satyaṁ dānaṁ kṣamā śīlamānr̥śaṁsyaṁ tapo ghr̥ṇā । dr̥śyante yatranāgendrasa brāhmaṇa iti smr̥taḥ ॥180.21॥</blockquote>Meaning: Oh Nagaraja, those who have the good qualities of truthfulness, charity, forgiveness, virtuous character devoid of violence, penance and compassion are considered as brahmanas.<ref>Ramanarayanadatta Shastri Pandeya, Mahabharata ([https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata%2002_%20Sanskrit-Hindi_Pandit%20Ramnarayan_Gita%20Press#page/n569/mode/2up Vol.2]),  Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref>
  
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Let him daily pore over those Institutes of science which soon give increase of wisdom, those which teach the acquisition of wealth, those which are beneficial (for other worldly concerns), and likewise over the Nigamas which explain the Veda. [v.4.19.]
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According to the '''Bhagavata Purana''', control over mind and senses, asceticism, purity, contentment, forbearance and forgiveness, straightforwardness, knowledge, compassion, fervent devotion to Lord Vishnu and truthfulness are the characteristics of a brahmana.<ref name=":03" /><blockquote>शमो दमस्तपः शौचं सन्तोषः क्षान्तिरार्जवम् । ज्ञानं दयाच्युतात्मत्वं सत्यं च ब्रह्मलक्षणम् ॥ २१॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.21)<ref name=":13" />
  
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For the more a man completely studies the Institutes of science, the more he fully understands (them), and his great learning shines brightly. [v.4.20.]
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śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ santoṣaḥ kṣāntirārjavam । jñānaṁ dayācyutātmatvaṁ satyaṁ ca brahmalakṣaṇam ॥ 21॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.21)</blockquote>In '''Mahabharata, Vana Parva''', Adhyaya 206 in the Kaushika Pativrata Upakhyana, we come across the beautiful shlokas summarizing Bramana Lakshanas
  
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==== अनध्ययनम् ॥ ====
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यः क्रोधमोहौ त्यजति तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । यो वदेदिह सत्यानि गुरुं संतोषयेत च ।।
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Let him who studies always avoid (reading) on the following occasions when the Veda-study is forbidden, and (let) him who teaches pupils according to the prescribed rule (do it likewise). [v.4.101.]
 
  
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Those who know the (rules of) recitation declare
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हिंसितश्च त हिंसेत तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । जितेन्द्रियो धर्मपरः स्वाध्यायनिरतः शुचिः।।
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that in the rainy season the Veda-study must be stopped on these two
 
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(occasions), when the wind is audible at night, and when it whirls up the dust in the day-time. [v.4.102.]
 
  
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Manu has stated, that when lightning, thunder, and rain (are observed together), or when large fiery meteors fall on all sides, the recitation must be interrupted until the same hour (on the next day, counting from the occurrence of the event). [v.4.103.]
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कामक्रोधौ वशौ यस्य तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । यस्य चात्मसमो लोको धर्मज्ञस्य मनस्विनः ।।
  
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When one perceives these (phenomena) all together (in the twilight), after the sacred fires have been made to blaze (for the performance of the Agnihotra), then one must know the recitation of the Veda to be forbidden, and also when clouds appear out of season. [v.4.104.]
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सर्वधर्मेषु चरतस्तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । योऽध्यापयेदधीयीत यजेद्वा याजयीत वा।
  
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On (the occasion of) a preternatural sound from the sky, (of) an earthquake, and when the lights of heaven are surrounded by a halo, let him know that (the Veda-study must be) stopped until the same hour (on the next day), even if (these phenomena happen) in the (rainy) season. [v.4.105.]
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दद्याद्वाऽपि यथाशक्ति तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः ।। (Maha. Vana. 206.33-37)<ref name=":04">Shastri. Pt Ramnarayan. (1955). ''Mahabharata : Vana Parva Vol.2.'' Gorakhpur:Gita Press. (Pages 1547)</ref>
  
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But when lightning and the roar of thunder (are observed) after the sacred fires have been made to blaze, the stoppage shall last as long as the light (of the sun or of the stars is visible); if the remaining (above-named phenomenon, rain, occurs, the reading shall cease), both in the day-time and at night. [v.4.106.]
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धर्मे तु ब्राह्मणस्याहुः स्वाध्यायं दममार्जवम्। इन्द्रियाणां निग्रहं च शाश्वतं द्विजसत्तम ।।
  
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For those who wish to acquire exceedingiy great merit, a continual interruption of the Veda-study (is prescribed) in villages and in towns, and (the Veda-study must) always (cease) when any kind of foul smell (is perceptible). [v.4.107.]
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The brahmanas were created from the mouth of the creator and hence, they are experts in speech.<ref name=":8">Shastri, Ramnarayanadatta Pandey, Mahabharata Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation), Gorakhpur:Gita Press.</ref>
  
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In water, during the middle part of the night, while he voids excrements, or is impure, and after he has partaken of a funeral dinner, a man must not even think in his heart (of the sacred texts). [v.4.109.]
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मुखतो ब्राह्मणाः सृष्टस्तस्मात्ते वाग्विशारदाः।१३.२०८.०४<ref name=":7">Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-13-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-208 Adhyaya 208]</ref>
  
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A learned Brahmana shall not recite the Veda during three days, when he has accepted an invitation to a (funeral rite) in honour of one ancestor (ekoddishta), or when the king has become impure through a birth or death in his family (sutaka), or when Rahu by an eclipse makes the moon impure. [v.4.110.]
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According to the Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva (Uma Shankara Samvada), one who has the knowledge of the three vedas ie. Rg, Yajur and Sama and is a scholar, one who doesn't make a living out of learning and teaching, one who always upholds dana, dharma and yajna, who has given up desire, anger and greed and has a friendly attitude towards all the living beings, such a person is indeed considered a brahmana.<ref name=":8" />
  
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As long as the smell and the stains of the (food given) in honour of one ancestor remain on the body of a learned Brahmana, so long he must not recite the Veda. [v.4.111.]
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त्रैविद्यो ब्राह्मणो वृद्धो न चाध्ययनजीवकः। त्रिवर्गस्य व्यतिक्रान्तं तस्य धर्मः सनातनः।।13.211.7<ref name=":9" />
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===Modes of Subsistence===
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The Manusmrti elaborates on the modes of subsistence prescribed for a brahmana stepping into the second phase of life - the Grhasthashrama as follows: <blockquote>अध्यापनम् अध्ययनं यजनं याजनं तथा । दानं प्रतिग्रहं चैव ब्राह्मणानाम् अकल्पयत् ॥ १.८८ ॥<ref name=":0">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1]</ref>
  
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While lying on a bed, while his feet are raised (on a bench), while he sits on his hams with a cloth tied round his knees, let him not study, nor when he has eaten meat or food given by a person impure on account of a birth or a death, [v.4.112.]
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adhyāpanam adhyayanaṁ yajanaṁ yājanaṁ tathā । dānaṁ pratigrahaṁ caiva brāhmaṇānām akalpayat ॥ 1.88 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: Studying, teaching, performing a sacrifice (either for oneself or for others), giving and accepting charity; these six are the responsibilities assigned to brahmanas (Manu Smrt. 1.88)<ref name=":12">Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti ([https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.8241/page/n5 Vol.3]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref>
  
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Nor during a fog, nor while the sound of arrows is audible, nor during both the twilights, nor on the new-moon day, nor on the fourteenth and the eighth (days of each half-month), nor on the full-moon day.[v.4.113.]
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Mahabharata
  
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The new-moon day destroys the teacher, the fourteenth (day) the pupil, the eighth and the full-moon days (destroy all remembrance of) the Veda; let him therefore avoid (reading on) those (days). [v.4.114.]
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तानि यः संप्रजानाति ज्ञाननिश्चयनिश्चितः। द्विजातिः श्रद्धयोपेतः स यष्टुं पुरुषोऽर्हति।। 12.59.54 (60.51)<ref name=":4" />
  
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A Brahmana shall not recite (the Veda) during a dust-storm, nor while the sky is preternaturally red, nor while jackals howl, nor while the barking of dogs, the braying of donkeys, or the grunting of camels (is heard), nor while (he is seated) in a company. [v.4.115.]
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Talking of the importance of adhering to the Brahmana varna dharma, Manusmrti says,<blockquote>आचारः परमो धर्मः श्रुत्युक्तः स्मार्त एव च । तस्मादस्मिन्सदा युक्तो नित्यं स्यादात्मवान्द्विजः ॥ १.१०८ ॥<ref name=":0" />
  
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Let him not study near a burial-ground, nor near a village, nor in a cow-pen, nor dressed in a garment which he wore during conjugal intercourse, nor after receiving a present at a funeral sacrifice. [v.4.116.]
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ācāraḥ paramo dharmaḥ śrutyuktaḥ smārta eva ca । tasmādasminsadā yukto nityaṁ syādātmavāndvijaḥ ॥ 1.108 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: The Shrutis and Smrtis say that code of conduct is the highest duty; hence brahmanas must always be ready in adhering to it (Manu Smrt. 1.108)<ref name=":12" />
  
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Be it an animal or a thing inanimate, whatever be the (gift) at a Shraddha, let him not, having just accepted it, recite the Veda; for the hand of a Brahmana is his mouth. [v.4.117.]
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It says, a Brahmana who studies the shastras faithfully, according to the rules, is never tainted by sins arising from thoughts, words or deeds (Manu Smrt. 1.104). While, the one who deflects from his prescribed duties, doesn't obtain the fruit prescribed in the vedas; one who adheres to the code of conduct partakes in the fruit (Manu Smrt. 1.109)<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>इदं शास्त्रम् अधीयानो ब्राह्मणः शंसितव्रतः । मनोवाग्गेहजैर्नित्यं कर्मदोषैर्न लिप्यते ॥ १.१०४ ॥
  
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When the village has been beset by robbers, and when an alarm has been raised by fire, let him know that (the Veda-study must be) interrupted until the same hour (on the next day), and on (the occurrence of) all portents. [v.4.118.]
+
आचाराद्विच्युतो विप्रो न वेदफलम् अश्नुते । आचारेण तु संयुक्तः सम्पूर्णफलभाग्भवेत् ॥ १.१०९ ॥<ref name=":0" />
  
−
On (the occasion of) the Upakarman and (of) the Vedotsarga an omission (of the Veda-study) for three days has been prescribed, but on the Ashtakas and on the last nights of the seasons for a day and a night. [v.4.119.]
+
idaṁ śāstram adhīyāno brāhmaṇaḥ śaṁsitavrataḥ । manovāggehajairnityaṁ karmadoṣairna lipyate ॥ 1.104 ॥
  
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Let him not recite the Veda on horseback, nor on a tree, nor on an elephant, nor in a boat (or ship), nor on a donkey, nor on camel, nor standing on barren ground, nor riding in a carriage, [v.4.120.]
+
ācārādvicyuto vipro na vedaphalam aśnute । ācāreṇa tu saṁyuktaḥ sampūrṇaphalabhāgbhavet ॥ 1.109 ।</blockquote>According to the Bhagavata Purana, means of livelihood for brahmanas is of four types:
 +
#Various occupations (eg. agriculture, cattle breeding)
 +
#Acceptance of articles modestly (without asking anyone for anything)
 +
#Begging for grain from door to door like Yayavaras (vagrant mendicants)
 +
#Gleaning grains of corn from leftover of the threshing floor in the field (sila) or of the market place (uncha) - and these types are in the ascending order of preference.<ref name=":1" />
  
−
Nor during a verbal altercation, nor during a mutual assault, nor in a camp, nor during a battle, nor when he has just eaten, nor during an indigestion, nor after vomiting, nor with sour eructations, [v.4.121.]
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<blockquote>वार्ता विचित्रा शालीनयायावरशिलोञ्छनम् । विप्रवृत्तिश्चतुर्धेयं श्रेयसी चोत्तरोत्तरा ॥ १६॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.16) <ref name=":13" />
  
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Nor without receiving permission from a guest (who stays in his house), nor while the wind blows vehemently, nor while blood flows from his body, nor when he is wounded by a weapon.[v.4.122.]
+
vārtā vicitrā śālīnayāyāvaraśiloñchanam । vipravr̥ttiścaturdheyaṁ śreyasī cottarottarā ॥ 16॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.16)</blockquote>Mahabharata
  
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Let him never recite the Rig-veda or the Yagur-veda while the Saman (melodies) are heard; (let him stop all Veda-study for a day and a night) after finishing a Veda or after reciting an Aranyaka. [v.4.123.]
+
दममेव महाराज धर्ममाहुः पुरातनम्। स्वाध्यायोऽध्यापनं चैव तत्र कर्म समाप्यते।। 12.59.11 (60.9)<ref name=":4">Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-059 Adhyaya 59]</ref>
  
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Know that (the Veda-study must be) interrupted for a day and a night, when cattle, a frog, a cat, a dog, a snake, an ichneumon, or a rat pass between (the teacher and his pupil). [v.4.126.]
+
ब्राह्मणस्य तु चत्वारस्त्वाश्रमा विहिताः प्रभो। वर्णास्तान्नानुवर्तन्ते त्रयो भारतसत्तम।। 12.61.2 (62.2)
  
−
Let a twice-born man always carefully interrupt the Veda-study on two (occasions, viz.) when the place where he recites is impure, and when he himself is unpurified. [v.4.127.]
+
षट्‌कर्मसंप्रवृत्तस्य आश्रमेषु चतुर्ष्वपि। सर्वधर्मोपपन्नस्य तद्भूतस्य कृतात्मनः।। 6
  
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=== यज्ञकर्माणि ॥ Performing Yajnas ===
+
ब्राह्मणस्य विशुद्धस्य तपस्यभिरतस्य च। निराशिषो वदान्यस्य लोका ह्यक्षरसंज्ञिताः।। 7<ref>Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-061 Adhyaya 61]</ref>
−
Let him never, if he is able (to perform them), neglect the sacrifices to the sages, to the gods, to the Bhutas, to men, and to the manes. [v.4.21.]
 
  
−
Some men who know the ordinances for sacrificial rites, always offer these great sacrifices in their organs (of sensation), without any (external) effort. [v.4.22.] Knowing that the (performance of the) sacrifice in their speech and their breath yields imperishable (rewards), some always offer their breath in their speech, and their speech in their breath. [v.4.23.]
+
सेव्यं तु ब्रह्म षट्‌कर्म गृहस्थेन मनीषिणा। कृतकृत्यस्य चारण्ये वासो विप्रस्य शस्यते।। 12.62.2 (63.2)
  
−
Other Brahmanas, seeing with the eye of knowledge that the performance of those rites has knowledge for its root, always perform them through knowledge alone. [v.4.24.]
+
यः स्याद्दान्तः सोमपाश्चार्यशीलः सानुक्रोशः सर्वसहो निराशीः। ऋजुर्मृदुरनृशंसः क्षमावान् स वै विप्रो नेतरः पापकर्मा।। 8<ref>Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-062 Adhyaya 62]</ref>
  
−
A Brahmana shall always offer the Agnihotra at the beginning or at the end of the day and of the night, and the Darsa and Paurnamasa (Ishtis) at the end of each half-month, [v.4.25.]
+
The Agni Purana says,
  
−
Let him always offer on the Parva-days oblations to Savitri and such as avert evil omens, and on the Ashtakas and Anvashtakas let him constantly worship the manes. [v.4.150.]
+
कृषिवाणिज्यगोरक्ष्यं कुशीदञ्च द्विजश्चरेत् । गोरसं गुडलवणलाक्षामांसानि वर्जयेत् ॥१५२.२<ref name=":6">Agni Purana, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AB%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 152]</ref>
  
−
=== भिक्षा ॥ Begging for Alms ===
+
A brahmana may engage himself in agriculture, trade, keeping cows and usury. But he should abstain from taking milk, jaggery, salt and meat and using red-dye.
−
A Snataka who pines with hunger, may beg wealth of a king, of one for whom he sacrifices, and of a pupil, but not of others; that is a settled rule. [v.4.33.]
 
  
−
A Snataka who is able (to procure food) shall never waste himself with hunger, nor shall he wear old or dirty clothes, if he possesses property. [v.4.34.]
+
It clarifies that one gets purified from the papa accruing from ploughing the earth and cutting the plants and killing insects and ants by doing a yajna. The cultivator (gets free from the papa) by worshipping the deity.<ref name=":5" />
  
−
A king is declared to be equal (in wickedness) to a butcher who keeps a hundred thousand slaughter-houses; to accept presents from him is a terrible (crime). [v.4.86.] He who accepts presents from an avaricious king who acts contrary to the Institutes (of the sacred law), will go in succession to the following twenty-one hells: [v.4.87.]
+
भूमिं भित्वौषधीश्छित्वा हुत्वा कोटपिपीलिकान् । पुनन्ति खलु यज्ञेन कर्षका देवपूजनात् ॥१५२.३<ref name=":6" />
  
−
Learned Brahmanas, who know that, who study the Veda and desire bliss after death, do not accept presents from a king. [v.4.91.]
+
According to the Mahabharata, trading of juices and grains by a brahmana is looked down upon.<ref name=":8" />
  
−
== विधिताचाराः ॥ Vidhita Achara ==
+
विक्रयो रसधान्यानां ब्राह्मणस्य विगर्हितः।<ref name=":7" />
−
10.6 Miscellaneous rules of cleanliness, purity and respect
 
  
−
Let him wake in the muhurta, sacred to Brahman, and think of (the acquisition of) spiritual merit and wealth, of the bodily fatigue arising therefrom, and of the true meaning of the Veda. [v.4.92.]
+
== Importance of Brahmana ==
 +
Manusmrti
  
−
When he has risen, has relieved the necessities of nature and carefully purified himself, let him stand during the morning twilight, muttering for a long time (the Gayatri), and at the proper time (he must similarly perform) the evening (devotion). [v.4.93.]
+
उत्तमाङ्गोद्भवाज्ज्येष्ठ्याद्ब्रह्मणश्चैव धारणात् । सर्वस्यैवास्य सर्गस्य धर्मतो ब्राह्मणः प्रभुः । । १.९३ । ।
  
−
By prolonging the twilight devotions, the sages obtained long life, wisdom, honour, fame, and excellence in Vedic knowledge. [v.4.94.]
+
तं हि स्वयंभूः स्वादास्यात्तपस्तप्त्वादितोऽसृजत् । हव्यकव्याभिवाह्याय सर्वस्यास्य च गुप्तये । । १.९४ । ।
  
−
Having performed the Upakarman according to the prescribed rule on (the full moon of the month) Sravana, or on that of Praushthapada (Bhadrapada), a Brahmana shall diligently study the Vedas during four months and a half. [v.4.95.]
+
यस्यास्येन सदाश्नन्ति हव्यानि त्रिदिवौकसः । कव्यानि चैव पितरः किं भूतं अधिकं ततः । । १.९५ । ।
  
−
When the Pushya-day (of the month Pausha), or the first day of the bright half of Magha has come, a Brahmana shall perform in the forenoon the Utsargana of the Vedas. [v.4.96.]
+
भूतानां प्राणिनः श्रेष्ठाः प्राणिनां बुद्धिजीविनः । बुद्धिमत्सु नराः श्रेष्ठा नरेषु ब्राह्मणाः स्मृताः । । १.९६ । ।
  
−
Having performed the Utsarga outside (the village), as the Institutes (of the sacred law) prescribe, he shall stop reading during two days and the intervening night, or during that day (of the Utsarga) and (the following) night. [v.4.97.]
+
ब्राह्मणेषु च विद्वांसो विद्वत्सु कृतबुद्धयः । कृतबुद्धिषु कर्तारः कर्तृषु ब्रह्मवेदिनः । । १.९७ । ।
  
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Afterwards he shall diligently recite the Vedas during the bright (halves of the months), and duly study all the Angas of the Vedas during the dark fortnights. [v.4.98.]
+
उत्पत्तिरेव विप्रस्य मूर्तिर्धर्मस्य शाश्वती । स हि धर्मार्थं उत्पन्नो ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते । । १.९८ । ।
  
−
According to the rule declared above, let him recite the daily (portion of the) Mantras, and a zealous Brahmana, (who is) not in distress, (shall study) the Brahmana and the Mantrasamhita. [v.4.100.]
+
ब्राह्मणो जायमानो हि पृथिव्यां अधिजायते । ईश्वरः सर्वभूतानां धर्मकोशस्य गुप्तये । । १.९९ । ।
  
−
He shall carry a staff of bamboo, a pot full of water, a sacred string, a bundle of Kusa grass, and (wear) two bright golden ear-rings. [v.4.36.]
+
सर्वं स्वं ब्राह्मणस्येदं यत्किं चिज्जगतीगतम् । श्रैष्ठ्येनाभिजनेनेदं सर्वं वै ब्राह्मणोऽर्हति । । १.१०० । ।
  
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Let him never look at the sun, when he sets or rises, is eclipsed or reflected in water, or stands in the middle of the sky. [v.4.37.]
+
स्वं एव ब्राह्मणो भुङ्क्ते स्वं वस्ते स्वं ददाति च । आनृशंस्याद्ब्राह्मणस्य भुञ्जते हीतरे जनाः । । १.१०१ । ।<ref name=":0" />
  
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Let him not step over a rope to which a calf is tied, let him not run when it rains, and let him not look at his own image in water; that is a settled rule. [v.4.38.]
+
Refer commentary on 1.100 & 1.101 for clarification (Ganganatha Jha)
  
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Let him pass by (a mound of) earth, a cow, a Deity, a Brahmana, clarified butter, honey, a crossway, and well-known trees, turning his right hand towards them. [v.4.39.]
+
== Importance of Achara ==
 +
आचाराद्विच्युतो विप्रो न वेदफलं अश्नुते । आचारेण तु संयुक्तः सम्पूर्णफलभाज्भवेत् । । १.१०९ । ।<ref name=":0" />
  
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Let him, though mad with desire, not approach his wife when her courses appear; nor let him sleep with her in the same bed. [v.4.40.] For the wisdom, the energy, the strength, the sight, and the vitality of a man who approaches a woman covered with menstrual excretions, utterly perish. [v.4.41.] If he avoids her, while she is in that condition, his wisdom, energy, strength, sight, and vitality will increase. [v.4.42.]
+
== Qualities of a brahmana ==
 +
सम्मानाद्ब्राह्मणो नित्यं उद्विजेत विषादिव । अमृतस्येव चाकाङ्क्षेदवमानस्य सर्वदा । । २.१६२ । ।
  
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Let him not eat, dressed with one garment only; let him not bathe naked; let him not void urine on a road, on ashes, or in a cow-pen, [v.4.45.] Nor on ploughed land, in water, on an altar of bricks, on a mountain, on the ruins of a temple, nor ever on an ant-hill, [v.4.46.] Nor in holes inhabited by living creatures, nor while he walks or stands, nor on reaching the bank of a river, nor on the top of a mountain. [v.4.47.]
+
सुखं ह्यवमतः शेते सुखं च प्रतिबुध्यते । सुखं चरति लोकेऽस्मिन्नवमन्ता विनश्यति । । २.१६३ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2]</ref>
  
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Let him never void faeces or urine, facing the wind, or a fire, or looking towards a Brahmana, the sun, water, or cows. [v.4.48.] He may ease himself, having covered (the ground) with sticks, clods, leaves, grass, and the like, restraining his speech, (keeping himself) pure, wrapping up his body, and covering his head. [v.4.49.] The intellect of (a man) who voids urine against a fire, the sun, the moon, in water, against a Brahmana, a cow, or the wind, perishes. [v.4.52.]
+
==विहितोपजीविकाः ॥ Prescribed Modes of Subsistence==
  
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Let him not throw urine or faeces into the water, nor saliva, nor (clothes) defiled by impure substances, nor any other (impurity), nor blood, nor poisonous things. [v.4.56.]
+
*It is said that a person may subsist by Rta (truth), and Amrta (ambrosia), or by Mrta (death) and by Pramrta (what causes many deaths); or even by (the mode) called Satyanrta (a mixture of truth and falsehood), but never by Shvavrtti (a dog’s mode of life). [v.4.4.]
 +
ऋतामृताभ्यां जीवेत्तु मृतेन प्रमृतेन वा । सत्यानृताभ्यां अपि वा न श्ववृत्त्या कदा चन ॥ ४.४ ॥<ref name=":3">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 4].</ref>
  
−
Let him not place (fire) under (a bed or the like); nor step over it, nor place it (when he sleeps) at the foot-(end of his bed); let him not torment living creatures. [v.4.54.]
+
r̥tāmr̥tābhyāṁ jīvettu mr̥tena pramr̥tena vā । satyānr̥tābhyāṁ api vā na śvavr̥ttyā kadā cana ॥ 4.4 ॥
  
−
Let him not eat, nor travel, nor sleep during the twilight; let him not scratch the ground; let him not take off his garland. [v.4.55.]
+
The same is reiterated in the Agni Purana (Adhyaya 152, verse 5) as well.<ref name=":6" />
 +
*By Rta shall be understood the gleaning of corn; by Amrta, what is given unasked; by Mrta, food obtained by begging and agriculture is declared to be Pramrta. [v.4.5.] But trade and (money-lending) are Satyanrta, even by that one may subsist. Service is called Shvavritti; therefore one should avoid it. [v.4.6.]
 +
<blockquote>ऋतं उञ्छशिलं ज्ञेयं अमृतं स्यादयाचितम् । मृतं तु याचितं भैक्षं प्रमृतं कर्षणं स्मृतम् ॥ ४.५ ॥
  
−
~Let him keep his right arm uncovered in a place where a sacred fire is kept, in a cow-pen, in the presence of Brahmanas, during the private recitation of the Veda, and at meals. [v.4.58.]
+
सत्यानृतं तु वाणिज्यं तेन चैवापि जीव्यते । सेवा श्ववृत्तिराख्याता तस्मात्तां परिवर्जयेत् ॥ ४.६ ॥<ref name=":3" />
  
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Let him not interrupt a cow who is suckling (her calf), nor tell anybody of it. A wise man, if he sees a rainbow in the sky, must not point it out to anybody. [v.4.59.] Let him not dwell in a village where the sacred law is not obeyed, nor (stay) long where diseases are endemic; let him not go alone on a journey, nor reside long on a mountain. [v.4.60.]
+
r̥taṁ uñchaśilaṁ jñeyaṁ amr̥taṁ syādayācitam । mr̥taṁ tu yācitaṁ bhaikṣaṁ pramr̥taṁ karṣaṇaṁ smr̥tam ॥ 4.5 ॥
  
−
Let him not eat anything from which the oil has been extracted; let him not be a glutton; let him not eat very early (in the morning), nor very late (in the evening), nor (take any food) in the evening, if he has eaten (his fill) in the morning. [v.4.62.]
+
satyānr̥taṁ tu vāṇijyaṁ tena caivāpi jīvyate । sevā śvavr̥ttirākhyātā tasmāttāṁ parivarjayet ॥ 4.6 ॥</blockquote>Similar verses are found in the Bhagavata Purana (Skandha 7, Adhyaya 11, Verses 18-20) that adds further that, A brahmana and a kshatriya should always shun shvavrtti (the dog mode of life) which is detested by all; for a brahmana is an embodiment of all the Vedas and Kshatriya (the ruler) is the personification of all deities.<ref name=":1">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n95 P.no.964-965].</ref><blockquote>वर्जयेत्तां सदा विप्रो राजन्यश्च जुगुप्सिताम् । सर्ववेदमयो विप्रः सर्वदेवमयो नृपः ॥ २०॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.20)<ref name=":13" />
  
−
Let him not exert himself without a purpose; let him not drink water out of his joined palms; let him not eat food (placed) in his lap; let him not show (idle) curiosity. [v.4.63.]
+
varjayettāṁ sadā vipro rājanyaśca jugupsitām । sarvavedamayo vipraḥ sarvadevamayo nr̥paḥ ॥ 20॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.20)</blockquote>
 +
*He may either possess enough to fill a granary, or a store filling a grain-jar; or he may collect what suffices for three days, or make no provision for the morrow. [v.4.7.]Moreover, among these four Brahmana householders, each later(-named) must be considered more distinguished, and through his virtue to have conquered the world more completely. [v.4.8.]One of these follows six occupations, another subsists by three, one by two, but the fourth lives by the Brahmasattra. [v.4.9.]
 +
<blockquote>कुसूलधान्यको वा स्यात्कुम्भीधान्यक एव वा । त्र्यहैहिको वापि भवेदश्वस्तनिक एव वा ॥ ४.७ ॥
  
−
Let him never wash his feet in a vessel of white brass; let him not eat out of a broken (earthen) dish, nor out of one that (to judge) from its appearance (is) defiled. [v.4.65.]
+
चतुर्णां अपि चैतेषां द्विजानां गृहमेधिनाम् । ज्यायान्परः परो ज्ञेयो धर्मतो लोकजित्तमः ॥ ४.८ ॥
  
−
Let him not use shoes, garments, a sacred string, ornaments, a garland, or a water-vessel which have been used by others. [v.4.66.]
+
षट्कर्मैको भवत्येषां त्रिभिरन्यः प्रवर्तते । द्वाभ्यां एकश्चतुर्थस्तु ब्रह्मसत्त्रेण जीवति ॥ ४.९ ॥<ref name=":3" />
  
−
Let him not travel with untrained beasts of burden, nor with (animals) that are tormented by hunger or disease, or whose horns, eyes, and hoofs have been injured, or whose tails have been disfigured. [v.4.67.]
+
kusūladhānyako vā syātkumbhīdhānyaka eva vā । tryahaihiko vāpi bhavedaśvastanika eva vā ॥ 4.7 ॥
  
−
Let him always travel with (beasts) which are well broken in, swift, endowed with lucky marks, and perfect in colour and form, without urging them much with the goad. [v.4.68.]
+
caturṇāṁ api caiteṣāṁ dvijānāṁ gr̥hamedhinām । jyāyānparaḥ paro jñeyo dharmato lokajittamaḥ ॥ 4.8 ॥
  
−
The morning sun, the smoke rising from a (burning) corpse, and a broken seat must be avoided. Let him not clip his nails or hair, and not tear his nails with his teeth. [v.4.69.]
+
ṣaṭkarmaiko bhavatyeṣāṁ tribhiranyaḥ pravartate । dvābhyāṁ ekaścaturthastu brahmasattreṇa jīvati ॥ 4.9 ॥</blockquote>
 +
==उपजीविकानियमाः ॥ Rules Regarding Subsistence==
 +
First and foremost, a Brahmana is adviced to seek a means of subsistence which either causes no, or at least little pain (to others), and live (by that) except in times of distress. [v.4.2.]<blockquote>अद्रोहेणैव भूतानां अल्पद्रोहेण वा पुनः । या वृत्तिस्तां समास्थाय विप्रो जीवेदनापदि ॥ ४.२ ॥<ref name=":3" />
  
−
Let him not crush earth or clods, nor tear off grass with his nails; let him not do anything that is useless or will have disagreeable results in the future. [v.4.70.]
+
adroheṇaiva bhūtānāṁ alpadroheṇa vā punaḥ । yā vr̥ttistāṁ samāsthāya vipro jīvedanāpadi ॥ 4.2 ॥</blockquote>For the purpose of gaining bare subsistence, let him accumulate property by (following those) irreproachable occupations (which are prescribed for) his (caste), without (unduly) fatiguing his body. [v.4.3.]<blockquote>यात्रामात्रप्रसिद्ध्यर्थं स्वैः कर्मभिरगर्हितैः । अक्लेशेन शरीरस्य कुर्वीत धनसंचयम् ॥ ४.३ ॥<ref name=":3" />
  
−
A man who crushes clods, tears off grass, or bites his nails, goes soon to perdition, likewise an informer and he who neglects (the rules of) purification. [v.4.71.]
+
yātrāmātraprasiddhyarthaṁ svaiḥ karmabhiragarhitaiḥ । akleśena śarīrasya kurvīta dhanasaṁcayam ॥ 4.3 ॥</blockquote>A Brahmana shall not name his family and (Vedic) gotra in order to obtain a meal; for he who boasts of them for the sake of a meal, is called by the wise a foul feeder (vantasin). [v.3.109.]<blockquote>न भोजनार्थं स्वे विप्रः कुलगोत्रे निवेदयेत् । भोजनार्थं हि ते शंसन्वान्ताशीत्युच्यते बुधैः ॥ ३.१०९ ॥<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3].</ref>
  
−
Let him not wrangle; let him not wear a garland over (his hair). To ride on the back of cows (or of oxen) is anyhow a blameable act. [v.4.72.]
+
na bhojanārthaṁ sve vipraḥ kulagotre nivedayet । bhojanārthaṁ hi te śaṁsanvāntāśītyucyate budhaiḥ ॥ 3.109 ॥</blockquote>At the same time, it is also adviced that he who maintains himself by picking up grains and ears of corn, must be always intent on (the performance of) the Agnihotra, and constantly offer those Ishtis only, which are prescribed for the days of the conjunction and opposition (of the moon), and for the solstices. [v.4.10.] Let him never, for the sake of subsistence, follow the ways of the world; let him live the pure, straightforward, honest life of a Brahmana. [v.4.11.]And he who desires happiness is adviced to strive after a perfectly contented disposition and control himself; for happiness has contentment for its root, the root of unhappiness is the contrary (disposition). [v.4.12.]<blockquote>वर्तयंश्च शिलोञ्छाभ्यां अग्निहोत्रपरायणः । इष्टीः पार्वायणान्तीयाः केवला निर्वपेत्सदा ॥ ४.१० ॥
  
−
Let him not enter a walled village or house except by the gate, and by night let him keep at a long distance from the roots of trees. [v.4.73.]
+
न लोकवृत्तं वर्तेत वृत्तिहेतोः कथं चन । अजिह्मां अशथां शुद्धां जीवेद्ब्राह्मणजीविकाम् ॥ ४.११ ॥
  
−
Let him never play with dice, nor himself take off his shoes; let him not eat, lying on a bed, nor what has been placed in his hand or on a seat. [v.4.74.] ~Let him not eat after sunset any (food) containing sesamum grains; let him never sleep naked, nor go anywhere unpurified (after meals). [v.4.75.]
+
संतोषं परं आस्थाय सुखार्थी संयतो भवेत् । संतोषमूलं हि सुखं दुःखमूलं विपर्ययः ॥ ४.१२ ॥<ref name=":3" />
  
−
~Let him eat while his feet are (yet) wet (from the ablution), but let him not go to bed with wet feet. He who eats while his feet are (still) wet, will attain long life. [v.4.76.]
+
vartayaṁśca śiloñchābhyāṁ agnihotraparāyaṇaḥ । iṣṭīḥ pārvāyaṇāntīyāḥ kevalā nirvapetsadā ॥ 4.10 ॥
  
−
Let him never enter a place, difficult of access, which is impervious to his eye; let him not look at urine or ordure, nor cross a river (swimming) with his arms. [v.4.77.]
+
na lokavr̥ttaṁ varteta vr̥ttihetoḥ kathaṁ cana । ajihmāṁ aśathāṁ śuddhāṁ jīvedbrāhmaṇajīvikām ॥ 4.11 ॥
  
−
Let him not step on hair, ashes, bones, potsherds, cotton-seed or chaff, if he desires long life. [v.4.78.]
+
saṁtoṣaṁ paraṁ āsthāya sukhārthī saṁyato bhavet । saṁtoṣamūlaṁ hi sukhaṁ duḥkhamūlaṁ viparyayaḥ ॥ 4.12 ॥</blockquote>10.9 Self-reliance
  
−
Let him not scratch his head with both hands joined; let him not touch it while he is impure, nor bathe without (submerging) it. [v.4.82.]
+
Let him carefully avoid all undertakings (the success of) which depends on others; but let him eagerly pursue that (the accomplishment of) which depends on himself. [v.4.159.]
  
−
Let him avoid (in anger) to lay hold of (his own or other men’s) hair, or to strike (himself or others) on the head. When he has bathed (submerging) his head, he shall not touch any of his limbs with oil. [v.4.83.]
+
Everything that depends on others (gives) pain, everything that depends on oneself (gives) pleasure; know that this is the short definition of pleasure and pain. [v.4.160.]
  
−
~A twice-born man who is a Snataka shall remain chaste on the new-moon day, on the eighth (lunar day of each half-month), on the full-moon day, and on the fourteenth, even (if they fall) in the period (proper for conjugal intercourse). [v.4.128.]
+
When the performance of an act gladdens his heart, let him perform it with diligence; but let him avoid the opposite. [v.4.161.]
−
 
 
−
Let him not bathe (immediately) after a meal, nor when he is sick, nor in the middle of the night, nor frequently dressed in all his garments, nor in a pool which he does not perfectly know. [v.4.129.]
 
−
 
 
−
Let him not intentionally step on the shadow of (images of) the gods, of a Guru, of a king, of a Snataka, of his teacher, of a reddish-brown animal, or of one who has been initiated to the performance of a Shrauta sacrifice (Dikshita). [v.4.130.]
 
−
 
 
−
At midday and at midnight, after partaking of meat at a funeral dinner, and in the two twilights let him not stay long on a cross-road.[v.4.131.]
 
−
 
 
−
Let him not step intentionally on things used for cleansing the body, on water used for a bath, on urine or ordure, on blood, on mucus, and on anything spat out or vomited. [v.4.132.]
 
−
 
 
−
Let him not show particular attention to an enemy, to the friend of an enemy, to a wicked man, to a thief, or to the wife of another man. [v.4.133.]
 
−
 
 
−
For in this world there is nothing so detrimental to long life as criminal conversation with another man’s wife. [v.4.134.]
 
−
 
 
−
Let him who desires prosperity, indeed, never despise a Kshatriya, a snake, and a learned Brahmana, be they ever so feeble. [v.4.135.]
 
−
 
 
−
Because these three, when treated with disrespect, may utterly destroy him; hence a wise man must never despise them. [v.4.136.]
 
−
 
 
−
Let him not despise himself on account of former failures; until death let him seek fortune, nor despair of gaining it. [v.4.137.]
 
−
 
 
−
Let him say what is true, let him say what is pleasing, let him utter no disagreeable truth, and let him utter no agreeable falsehood; that is the eternal law. [v.4.138.]
 
−
 
 
−
(What is) well, let him call well, or let him say ‘well’ only; let him not engage in a useless enmity or dispute with anybody. [v.4.139.]
 
−
 
 
−
Let him not insult those who have redundant limbs or are deficient in limbs, nor those destitute of knowledge, nor very aged men, nor those who have no beauty or wealth, nor those who are of low birth. [v.4.141.]
 
−
 
 
−
A Brahmana who is impure must not touch with his hand a cow, a Brahmana, or fire; nor, being in good health, let him look at the luminaries in the sky, while he is impure. [v.4.142.] If he has touched these, while impure, let him always sprinkle with his hand water on the organs of sensation, all his limbs, and the navel. [v.4.143.]
 
−
 
 
−
Except when sick he must not touch the cavities (of the body) without a reason, and he must
 
−
void (to touch) the hair on the secret (parts). [v.4.144.]
 
−
 
 
−
~Let him eagerly follow the (customs which are) auspicious and the rule of good conduct, be careful of purity, and control all his organs, let him mutter (prayers) and, untired, daily offer oblations in the fire. [v.4.145.]
 
−
 
 
−
~No calamity happens to those who eagerly follow auspicious customs and the rule of good conduct, to those who are always careful of purity, and to those who mutter (sacred
 
−
texts) and offer burnt-oblations. [v.4.146.]10.7 The primary duty
 
−
 
 
−
Let him, without tiring, daily mutter the Veda at the proper time; for they declare that to be one’s highest duty; (all) other (observances) are called secondary duties. [v.4.147.]
 
−
 
 
−
By daily reciting the Veda, by (the observance of the rules of) purification, by practising) austerities, and by doing no injury to created beings, one (obtains the faculty of) remembering former births. [v.4.148.]
 
−
 
 
−
He who, recollecting his former existences, again recites the Veda, gains endless bliss by the continual study of the Veda. [v.4.149.]
 
−
 
 
−
Far from his dwelling let him remove urine (and ordure), far (let him remove) the water used for washing his feet, and far the remnants of food and the water from his bath. [v.4.151.]
 
−
 
 
−
Early in the morning only let him void faeces, decorate (his body), bathe, clean his teeth, apply collyrium to his eyes, and worship the gods. [v.4.152.]
 
−
 
 
−
10.8 Showing respect
 
−
 
 
−
But on the Parva-days let him go to visit the (images of the) gods, and virtuous Brahmanas, and the ruler (of the country), for the sake of protection, as well as his Gurus. [v.4.153.]
 
−
 
 
−
Let him reverentially salute venerable men (who visit him), give them his own seat, let him sit near them with joined hands and, when they leave, (accompany them), walking behind them. [v.4.154.]
 
−
 
 
−
Let him, untired, follow the conduct of virtuous men, connected with his occupations, which has been fully declared in the revealed texts and in the sacred tradition (Smriti) and is the root of the sacred law. [v.4.155.]Through virtuous conduct he obtains long life, through virtuous conduct desirable offspring, through virtuous conduct imperishable wealth; virtuous conduct destroys (the effect of) inauspicious marks. [v.4.156.]
 
  
−
For a man of bad conduct is blamed among people, constantly suffers misfortunes, is afflicted with diseases, and short-lived. [v.4.157.]
+
At the time of calamity, a brahmana may resort to the Kshatriya modes of subsistence. If that is not possible, he may resort to farming and animal husbandry as per the Vaishya Dharma to make a living (Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Adhyaya 78).  
  
−
A man who follows the conduct of the virtuous, has faith and is free from envy, lives a hundred years, though he be entirely destitute of auspicious marks. [v.4.158.]
+
The later law books (e.g., Gautama, vii. 6; Vasiṣṭha, ii. 22) allow even Brahmanas to maintain themselves by the occupation of Kṣatriyas in case of need. (Needs citation)
  
−
== References ==
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==References==
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<references />
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[[Category:Dharmas]]

Latest revision as of 17:10, 10 February 2022

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Brahmana Dharma (Samskrit: ब्राह्मणधर्मः) pertains to the set of dharmas pertaining to the person belonging to the first varna, namely Brahmana (called usually as Brahmin). In the present context, the term should not be confused with the Brahmana texts.

परिचयः ॥ Introduction

Brahmana dharmas chiefly relate to the occupation of education and performing yajnas. They include vedic studies, their preservation and transmission, teaching and applying them in yajnas for the welfare of the fellow citizens and society at large.

द्विजः ॥ Dvija

The concept of Dvija is unique to Sanatana Dharma. Dvija means "one who is born twice". The word is used for both: specifically for Brahmins, and in general for the three varnas. The evidence that Dvija refers generally to the three varnas is present in Kosas and Smrtis.

Evidence in Koshas include:

  • द्विजः स्याद्ब्राह्मणक्षत्रवैश्यदन्ताण्डजेषु ना (मेदिनीकोषः, जान्तवर्गः ९, also cited in Vyakhyasudha on Amarakosa)
  • क्षत्त्रियः। वैश्यः। इति मेदिनी (शब्दकल्पद्रुमः on द्विजः)
  • ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियवैश्येषु च (वाचस्पत्यम् on द्विज)

Evidence in Yajnavalkya smrti includes:

  • मातुर्यदग्रे जायन्ते द्वितीयं मौञ्जिबन्धनात्। ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशस्तस्मादेते द्विजाः स्मृताः॥  १.३९ ॥ (Yajna. Smrt. 1.39)[1]

The first birth of a child is from the mother's womb and the second birth of a child occurs at the binding of the Munja grass during the Upanayana samskara, in brahmana's, kshatriya's and vaishya's and hence they are to be known as Dvijas.

Yajnavalkya smrti lays down the classification of dvijas,

ब्रह्मक्षत्रियविट्शूद्रा वर्णास्त्वाद्यास्त्रयो द्विजाः । निषेकाद्याः श्मशानान्तास्तेषां वै मन्त्रतः क्रियाः ॥ १.१० ॥ (Yajn. Smrt. 1.10)[1]

Of the four varnas, brahmana, kshatriya, vaishya and shudra, the first three are termed Dvijas, for them starting from conception (garbhadhana) ending with the cremation (at smashana) the kriyas for them are performed, decidedly, with the accompaniment of mantras. According to the Bhagavata Purana, the one whose samkaras (16 purifying rites) accompanied by mantras have been performed without any break, in succession, and to whom Brahma has designated as such, he is called as a dvija (twice-born).[2]

संस्कारा यदविच्छिन्नाः स द्विजोऽजो जगाद यम् । saṁskārā yadavicchinnāḥ sa dvijo'jo jagāda yam । (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.13)[3]

ब्राह्मणः ॥ Brahmana

According to the Bhagavata Purana, scriptural study and others (such as teaching, performance of yajnas, dana and acceptance of gifts) six (in all) are prescribed for the Brahmanas. Non-acceptance of gifts is laid down for the other (Kshatriyas).[4]

विप्रस्याध्ययनादीनि षडन्यस्याप्रतिग्रहः । viprasyādhyayanādīni ṣaḍanyasyāpratigrahaḥ । (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.14).[3]

One who has the following activities as one's occupation are Brahmanas according to Mahabharata's Anushasana parva

यजनं याजनं चैव दानं पात्रे प्रतिग्रहः। अध्यापनमध्ययनं षट्कर्मा धर्मभागृजुः।।13.211.9[5]

Meaning: Performing Yajna for oneself or others, giving or accepting dana, Studying or teaching the Vedas - A brahmana resorting to these 6 activities partakes in dharma.

Even among these being always engrossed in svadhyaya is a brahmana's main dharma, doing yajna is his sanatana dharma and giving dana appropriately according to one's ability is his praiseworthy dharma.[6]

नित्यः स्वाध्यायतो धर्मः नित्ययज्ञः सनातनः। दानं प्रशंसते नित्यं ब्राह्मणेषु त्रिकर्मसु।।13.211.10[5]

The Mahabharata clearly emphasizes the six primary occupational dharmas (वृत्त्यर्थं ब्राह्मणानां..) of a Brahmana as given in Manusmrti.

स्वाध्यायो यजनं दानं तस्य धर्म इति स्थितिः।

कर्मण्यध्यापनं चैव याजनं च प्रतिग्रहः।

सत्यं शान्तिस्तपः शौचं तस्य धर्मः सनातनः।।13.208.12[7]

The shastras declare that study of the Vedas, Yajna and Dana are the Dharmas of a brahmana. Teaching the Vedas, performing a yajna for the yajamana and accepting dana are modes of his livelihood while, truthfulness, control of the mind, austerity and following the codes of shaucha are his eternal duties.[6]

A similar verse is found in the Agni Purana as well.

यजनं याजनं दानं वेदाद्यध्यापनक्रिया ॥१५१.६॥ प्रतिग्रहञ्चाध्ययनं विप्रकर्माणि निर्दिशेत् ।१५१.७[8]

Meaning: The duties of a brahmana should be pointed out as performing religious rites, officiating as priests at yajnas, munificence, imparting vedic knowledge, accepting gifts and engaging in study.[9]

ब्राह्मणलक्षणम् ॥ Nature of a Brahmana

Shabdakalpadruma[10] references Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva), when Yudhisthira is asked who is a brahmana, he replies as follows.

सत्यं दानं क्षमा शीलमानृशंस्यं तपो घृणा । दृश्यन्ते यत्रनागेन्द्रस ब्राह्मण इति स्मृतः ॥१८०.२१॥ (Maha. Anush. 13.180.21) satyaṁ dānaṁ kṣamā śīlamānr̥śaṁsyaṁ tapo ghr̥ṇā । dr̥śyante yatranāgendrasa brāhmaṇa iti smr̥taḥ ॥180.21॥

Meaning: Oh Nagaraja, those who have the good qualities of truthfulness, charity, forgiveness, virtuous character devoid of violence, penance and compassion are considered as brahmanas.[11] According to the Bhagavata Purana, control over mind and senses, asceticism, purity, contentment, forbearance and forgiveness, straightforwardness, knowledge, compassion, fervent devotion to Lord Vishnu and truthfulness are the characteristics of a brahmana.[2]

शमो दमस्तपः शौचं सन्तोषः क्षान्तिरार्जवम् । ज्ञानं दयाच्युतात्मत्वं सत्यं च ब्रह्मलक्षणम् ॥ २१॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.21)[3] śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ santoṣaḥ kṣāntirārjavam । jñānaṁ dayācyutātmatvaṁ satyaṁ ca brahmalakṣaṇam ॥ 21॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.21)

In Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Adhyaya 206 in the Kaushika Pativrata Upakhyana, we come across the beautiful shlokas summarizing Bramana Lakshanas

यः क्रोधमोहौ त्यजति तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । यो वदेदिह सत्यानि गुरुं संतोषयेत च ।।

हिंसितश्च त हिंसेत तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । जितेन्द्रियो धर्मपरः स्वाध्यायनिरतः शुचिः।।

कामक्रोधौ वशौ यस्य तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । यस्य चात्मसमो लोको धर्मज्ञस्य मनस्विनः ।।

सर्वधर्मेषु चरतस्तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । योऽध्यापयेदधीयीत यजेद्वा याजयीत वा।

दद्याद्वाऽपि यथाशक्ति तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः ।। (Maha. Vana. 206.33-37)[12]

धर्मे तु ब्राह्मणस्याहुः स्वाध्यायं दममार्जवम्। इन्द्रियाणां निग्रहं च शाश्वतं द्विजसत्तम ।।

The brahmanas were created from the mouth of the creator and hence, they are experts in speech.[6]

मुखतो ब्राह्मणाः सृष्टस्तस्मात्ते वाग्विशारदाः।१३.२०८.०४[7]

According to the Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva (Uma Shankara Samvada), one who has the knowledge of the three vedas ie. Rg, Yajur and Sama and is a scholar, one who doesn't make a living out of learning and teaching, one who always upholds dana, dharma and yajna, who has given up desire, anger and greed and has a friendly attitude towards all the living beings, such a person is indeed considered a brahmana.[6]

त्रैविद्यो ब्राह्मणो वृद्धो न चाध्ययनजीवकः। त्रिवर्गस्य व्यतिक्रान्तं तस्य धर्मः सनातनः।।13.211.7[5]

Modes of Subsistence

The Manusmrti elaborates on the modes of subsistence prescribed for a brahmana stepping into the second phase of life - the Grhasthashrama as follows:

अध्यापनम् अध्ययनं यजनं याजनं तथा । दानं प्रतिग्रहं चैव ब्राह्मणानाम् अकल्पयत् ॥ १.८८ ॥[13] adhyāpanam adhyayanaṁ yajanaṁ yājanaṁ tathā । dānaṁ pratigrahaṁ caiva brāhmaṇānām akalpayat ॥ 1.88 ॥

Meaning: Studying, teaching, performing a sacrifice (either for oneself or for others), giving and accepting charity; these six are the responsibilities assigned to brahmanas (Manu Smrt. 1.88)[14]

Mahabharata

तानि यः संप्रजानाति ज्ञाननिश्चयनिश्चितः। द्विजातिः श्रद्धयोपेतः स यष्टुं पुरुषोऽर्हति।। 12.59.54 (60.51)[15]

Talking of the importance of adhering to the Brahmana varna dharma, Manusmrti says,

आचारः परमो धर्मः श्रुत्युक्तः स्मार्त एव च । तस्मादस्मिन्सदा युक्तो नित्यं स्यादात्मवान्द्विजः ॥ १.१०८ ॥[13] ācāraḥ paramo dharmaḥ śrutyuktaḥ smārta eva ca । tasmādasminsadā yukto nityaṁ syādātmavāndvijaḥ ॥ 1.108 ॥

Meaning: The Shrutis and Smrtis say that code of conduct is the highest duty; hence brahmanas must always be ready in adhering to it (Manu Smrt. 1.108)[14] It says, a Brahmana who studies the shastras faithfully, according to the rules, is never tainted by sins arising from thoughts, words or deeds (Manu Smrt. 1.104). While, the one who deflects from his prescribed duties, doesn't obtain the fruit prescribed in the vedas; one who adheres to the code of conduct partakes in the fruit (Manu Smrt. 1.109)[14]

इदं शास्त्रम् अधीयानो ब्राह्मणः शंसितव्रतः । मनोवाग्गेहजैर्नित्यं कर्मदोषैर्न लिप्यते ॥ १.१०४ ॥

आचाराद्विच्युतो विप्रो न वेदफलम् अश्नुते । आचारेण तु संयुक्तः सम्पूर्णफलभाग्भवेत् ॥ १.१०९ ॥[13]

idaṁ śāstram adhīyāno brāhmaṇaḥ śaṁsitavrataḥ । manovāggehajairnityaṁ karmadoṣairna lipyate ॥ 1.104 ॥

ācārādvicyuto vipro na vedaphalam aśnute । ācāreṇa tu saṁyuktaḥ sampūrṇaphalabhāgbhavet ॥ 1.109 ।

According to the Bhagavata Purana, means of livelihood for brahmanas is of four types:

  1. Various occupations (eg. agriculture, cattle breeding)
  2. Acceptance of articles modestly (without asking anyone for anything)
  3. Begging for grain from door to door like Yayavaras (vagrant mendicants)
  4. Gleaning grains of corn from leftover of the threshing floor in the field (sila) or of the market place (uncha) - and these types are in the ascending order of preference.[4]

वार्ता विचित्रा शालीनयायावरशिलोञ्छनम् । विप्रवृत्तिश्चतुर्धेयं श्रेयसी चोत्तरोत्तरा ॥ १६॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.16) [3] vārtā vicitrā śālīnayāyāvaraśiloñchanam । vipravr̥ttiścaturdheyaṁ śreyasī cottarottarā ॥ 16॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.16)

Mahabharata

दममेव महाराज धर्ममाहुः पुरातनम्। स्वाध्यायोऽध्यापनं चैव तत्र कर्म समाप्यते।। 12.59.11 (60.9)[15]

ब्राह्मणस्य तु चत्वारस्त्वाश्रमा विहिताः प्रभो। वर्णास्तान्नानुवर्तन्ते त्रयो भारतसत्तम।। 12.61.2 (62.2)

षट्‌कर्मसंप्रवृत्तस्य आश्रमेषु चतुर्ष्वपि। सर्वधर्मोपपन्नस्य तद्भूतस्य कृतात्मनः।। 6

ब्राह्मणस्य विशुद्धस्य तपस्यभिरतस्य च। निराशिषो वदान्यस्य लोका ह्यक्षरसंज्ञिताः।। 7[16]

सेव्यं तु ब्रह्म षट्‌कर्म गृहस्थेन मनीषिणा। कृतकृत्यस्य चारण्ये वासो विप्रस्य शस्यते।। 12.62.2 (63.2)

यः स्याद्दान्तः सोमपाश्चार्यशीलः सानुक्रोशः सर्वसहो निराशीः। ऋजुर्मृदुरनृशंसः क्षमावान् स वै विप्रो नेतरः पापकर्मा।। 8[17]

The Agni Purana says,

कृषिवाणिज्यगोरक्ष्यं कुशीदञ्च द्विजश्चरेत् । गोरसं गुडलवणलाक्षामांसानि वर्जयेत् ॥१५२.२[18]

A brahmana may engage himself in agriculture, trade, keeping cows and usury. But he should abstain from taking milk, jaggery, salt and meat and using red-dye.

It clarifies that one gets purified from the papa accruing from ploughing the earth and cutting the plants and killing insects and ants by doing a yajna. The cultivator (gets free from the papa) by worshipping the deity.[9]

भूमिं भित्वौषधीश्छित्वा हुत्वा कोटपिपीलिकान् । पुनन्ति खलु यज्ञेन कर्षका देवपूजनात् ॥१५२.३[18]

According to the Mahabharata, trading of juices and grains by a brahmana is looked down upon.[6]

विक्रयो रसधान्यानां ब्राह्मणस्य विगर्हितः।[7]

Importance of Brahmana

Manusmrti

उत्तमाङ्गोद्भवाज्ज्येष्ठ्याद्ब्रह्मणश्चैव धारणात् । सर्वस्यैवास्य सर्गस्य धर्मतो ब्राह्मणः प्रभुः । । १.९३ । ।

तं हि स्वयंभूः स्वादास्यात्तपस्तप्त्वादितोऽसृजत् । हव्यकव्याभिवाह्याय सर्वस्यास्य च गुप्तये । । १.९४ । ।

यस्यास्येन सदाश्नन्ति हव्यानि त्रिदिवौकसः । कव्यानि चैव पितरः किं भूतं अधिकं ततः । । १.९५ । ।

भूतानां प्राणिनः श्रेष्ठाः प्राणिनां बुद्धिजीविनः । बुद्धिमत्सु नराः श्रेष्ठा नरेषु ब्राह्मणाः स्मृताः । । १.९६ । ।

ब्राह्मणेषु च विद्वांसो विद्वत्सु कृतबुद्धयः । कृतबुद्धिषु कर्तारः कर्तृषु ब्रह्मवेदिनः । । १.९७ । ।

उत्पत्तिरेव विप्रस्य मूर्तिर्धर्मस्य शाश्वती । स हि धर्मार्थं उत्पन्नो ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते । । १.९८ । ।

ब्राह्मणो जायमानो हि पृथिव्यां अधिजायते । ईश्वरः सर्वभूतानां धर्मकोशस्य गुप्तये । । १.९९ । ।

सर्वं स्वं ब्राह्मणस्येदं यत्किं चिज्जगतीगतम् । श्रैष्ठ्येनाभिजनेनेदं सर्वं वै ब्राह्मणोऽर्हति । । १.१०० । ।

स्वं एव ब्राह्मणो भुङ्क्ते स्वं वस्ते स्वं ददाति च । आनृशंस्याद्ब्राह्मणस्य भुञ्जते हीतरे जनाः । । १.१०१ । ।[13]

Refer commentary on 1.100 & 1.101 for clarification (Ganganatha Jha)

Importance of Achara

आचाराद्विच्युतो विप्रो न वेदफलं अश्नुते । आचारेण तु संयुक्तः सम्पूर्णफलभाज्भवेत् । । १.१०९ । ।[13]

Qualities of a brahmana

सम्मानाद्ब्राह्मणो नित्यं उद्विजेत विषादिव । अमृतस्येव चाकाङ्क्षेदवमानस्य सर्वदा । । २.१६२ । ।

सुखं ह्यवमतः शेते सुखं च प्रतिबुध्यते । सुखं चरति लोकेऽस्मिन्नवमन्ता विनश्यति । । २.१६३ । ।[19]

विहितोपजीविकाः ॥ Prescribed Modes of Subsistence

  • It is said that a person may subsist by Rta (truth), and Amrta (ambrosia), or by Mrta (death) and by Pramrta (what causes many deaths); or even by (the mode) called Satyanrta (a mixture of truth and falsehood), but never by Shvavrtti (a dog’s mode of life). [v.4.4.]

ऋतामृताभ्यां जीवेत्तु मृतेन प्रमृतेन वा । सत्यानृताभ्यां अपि वा न श्ववृत्त्या कदा चन ॥ ४.४ ॥[20]

r̥tāmr̥tābhyāṁ jīvettu mr̥tena pramr̥tena vā । satyānr̥tābhyāṁ api vā na śvavr̥ttyā kadā cana ॥ 4.4 ॥

The same is reiterated in the Agni Purana (Adhyaya 152, verse 5) as well.[18]

  • By Rta shall be understood the gleaning of corn; by Amrta, what is given unasked; by Mrta, food obtained by begging and agriculture is declared to be Pramrta. [v.4.5.] But trade and (money-lending) are Satyanrta, even by that one may subsist. Service is called Shvavritti; therefore one should avoid it. [v.4.6.]

ऋतं उञ्छशिलं ज्ञेयं अमृतं स्यादयाचितम् । मृतं तु याचितं भैक्षं प्रमृतं कर्षणं स्मृतम् ॥ ४.५ ॥

सत्यानृतं तु वाणिज्यं तेन चैवापि जीव्यते । सेवा श्ववृत्तिराख्याता तस्मात्तां परिवर्जयेत् ॥ ४.६ ॥[20]

r̥taṁ uñchaśilaṁ jñeyaṁ amr̥taṁ syādayācitam । mr̥taṁ tu yācitaṁ bhaikṣaṁ pramr̥taṁ karṣaṇaṁ smr̥tam ॥ 4.5 ॥

satyānr̥taṁ tu vāṇijyaṁ tena caivāpi jīvyate । sevā śvavr̥ttirākhyātā tasmāttāṁ parivarjayet ॥ 4.6 ॥

Similar verses are found in the Bhagavata Purana (Skandha 7, Adhyaya 11, Verses 18-20) that adds further that, A brahmana and a kshatriya should always shun shvavrtti (the dog mode of life) which is detested by all; for a brahmana is an embodiment of all the Vedas and Kshatriya (the ruler) is the personification of all deities.[4]

वर्जयेत्तां सदा विप्रो राजन्यश्च जुगुप्सिताम् । सर्ववेदमयो विप्रः सर्वदेवमयो नृपः ॥ २०॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.20)[3] varjayettāṁ sadā vipro rājanyaśca jugupsitām । sarvavedamayo vipraḥ sarvadevamayo nr̥paḥ ॥ 20॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.20)

  • He may either possess enough to fill a granary, or a store filling a grain-jar; or he may collect what suffices for three days, or make no provision for the morrow. [v.4.7.]Moreover, among these four Brahmana householders, each later(-named) must be considered more distinguished, and through his virtue to have conquered the world more completely. [v.4.8.]One of these follows six occupations, another subsists by three, one by two, but the fourth lives by the Brahmasattra. [v.4.9.]

कुसूलधान्यको वा स्यात्कुम्भीधान्यक एव वा । त्र्यहैहिको वापि भवेदश्वस्तनिक एव वा ॥ ४.७ ॥

चतुर्णां अपि चैतेषां द्विजानां गृहमेधिनाम् । ज्यायान्परः परो ज्ञेयो धर्मतो लोकजित्तमः ॥ ४.८ ॥

षट्कर्मैको भवत्येषां त्रिभिरन्यः प्रवर्तते । द्वाभ्यां एकश्चतुर्थस्तु ब्रह्मसत्त्रेण जीवति ॥ ४.९ ॥[20]

kusūladhānyako vā syātkumbhīdhānyaka eva vā । tryahaihiko vāpi bhavedaśvastanika eva vā ॥ 4.7 ॥

caturṇāṁ api caiteṣāṁ dvijānāṁ gr̥hamedhinām । jyāyānparaḥ paro jñeyo dharmato lokajittamaḥ ॥ 4.8 ॥

ṣaṭkarmaiko bhavatyeṣāṁ tribhiranyaḥ pravartate । dvābhyāṁ ekaścaturthastu brahmasattreṇa jīvati ॥ 4.9 ॥

उपजीविकानियमाः ॥ Rules Regarding Subsistence

First and foremost, a Brahmana is adviced to seek a means of subsistence which either causes no, or at least little pain (to others), and live (by that) except in times of distress. [v.4.2.]

अद्रोहेणैव भूतानां अल्पद्रोहेण वा पुनः । या वृत्तिस्तां समास्थाय विप्रो जीवेदनापदि ॥ ४.२ ॥[20] adroheṇaiva bhūtānāṁ alpadroheṇa vā punaḥ । yā vr̥ttistāṁ samāsthāya vipro jīvedanāpadi ॥ 4.2 ॥

For the purpose of gaining bare subsistence, let him accumulate property by (following those) irreproachable occupations (which are prescribed for) his (caste), without (unduly) fatiguing his body. [v.4.3.]

यात्रामात्रप्रसिद्ध्यर्थं स्वैः कर्मभिरगर्हितैः । अक्लेशेन शरीरस्य कुर्वीत धनसंचयम् ॥ ४.३ ॥[20] yātrāmātraprasiddhyarthaṁ svaiḥ karmabhiragarhitaiḥ । akleśena śarīrasya kurvīta dhanasaṁcayam ॥ 4.3 ॥

A Brahmana shall not name his family and (Vedic) gotra in order to obtain a meal; for he who boasts of them for the sake of a meal, is called by the wise a foul feeder (vantasin). [v.3.109.]

न भोजनार्थं स्वे विप्रः कुलगोत्रे निवेदयेत् । भोजनार्थं हि ते शंसन्वान्ताशीत्युच्यते बुधैः ॥ ३.१०९ ॥[21] na bhojanārthaṁ sve vipraḥ kulagotre nivedayet । bhojanārthaṁ hi te śaṁsanvāntāśītyucyate budhaiḥ ॥ 3.109 ॥

At the same time, it is also adviced that he who maintains himself by picking up grains and ears of corn, must be always intent on (the performance of) the Agnihotra, and constantly offer those Ishtis only, which are prescribed for the days of the conjunction and opposition (of the moon), and for the solstices. [v.4.10.] Let him never, for the sake of subsistence, follow the ways of the world; let him live the pure, straightforward, honest life of a Brahmana. [v.4.11.]And he who desires happiness is adviced to strive after a perfectly contented disposition and control himself; for happiness has contentment for its root, the root of unhappiness is the contrary (disposition). [v.4.12.]

वर्तयंश्च शिलोञ्छाभ्यां अग्निहोत्रपरायणः । इष्टीः पार्वायणान्तीयाः केवला निर्वपेत्सदा ॥ ४.१० ॥

न लोकवृत्तं वर्तेत वृत्तिहेतोः कथं चन । अजिह्मां अशथां शुद्धां जीवेद्ब्राह्मणजीविकाम् ॥ ४.११ ॥

संतोषं परं आस्थाय सुखार्थी संयतो भवेत् । संतोषमूलं हि सुखं दुःखमूलं विपर्ययः ॥ ४.१२ ॥[20]

vartayaṁśca śiloñchābhyāṁ agnihotraparāyaṇaḥ । iṣṭīḥ pārvāyaṇāntīyāḥ kevalā nirvapetsadā ॥ 4.10 ॥

na lokavr̥ttaṁ varteta vr̥ttihetoḥ kathaṁ cana । ajihmāṁ aśathāṁ śuddhāṁ jīvedbrāhmaṇajīvikām ॥ 4.11 ॥

saṁtoṣaṁ paraṁ āsthāya sukhārthī saṁyato bhavet । saṁtoṣamūlaṁ hi sukhaṁ duḥkhamūlaṁ viparyayaḥ ॥ 4.12 ॥

10.9 Self-reliance

Let him carefully avoid all undertakings (the success of) which depends on others; but let him eagerly pursue that (the accomplishment of) which depends on himself. [v.4.159.]

Everything that depends on others (gives) pain, everything that depends on oneself (gives) pleasure; know that this is the short definition of pleasure and pain. [v.4.160.]

When the performance of an act gladdens his heart, let him perform it with diligence; but let him avoid the opposite. [v.4.161.]

At the time of calamity, a brahmana may resort to the Kshatriya modes of subsistence. If that is not possible, he may resort to farming and animal husbandry as per the Vaishya Dharma to make a living (Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Adhyaya 78).

The later law books (e.g., Gautama, vii. 6; Vasiṣṭha, ii. 22) allow even Brahmanas to maintain themselves by the occupation of Kṣatriyas in case of need. (Needs citation)

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Yajnavalkya Smrti (Brahmachari Prakarana 1)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, P.no.964-965.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, Adhyaya 11.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, P.no.964-965.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Adhyaya 211
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Shastri, Ramnarayanadatta Pandey, Mahabharata Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation), Gorakhpur:Gita Press.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Adhyaya 208
  8. ↑ Agni Purana, Adhyaya 151
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 The Agni Purana (Part 2), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.
  10. ↑ Shabdakalpadruma (See ब्राह्मणः)
  11. ↑ Ramanarayanadatta Shastri Pandeya, Mahabharata (Vol.2), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.
  12. ↑ Shastri. Pt Ramnarayan. (1955). Mahabharata : Vana Parva Vol.2. Gorakhpur:Gita Press. (Pages 1547)
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Manusmrti, Adhyaya 1
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti (Vol.3), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Adhyaya 59
  16. ↑ Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Adhyaya 61
  17. ↑ Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Adhyaya 62
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Agni Purana, Adhyaya 152
  19. ↑ Manusmrti, Adhyaya 2
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 Manusmrti, Adhyaya 4.
  21. ↑ Manusmrti, Adhyaya 3.
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