Brahmana Dharma (ब्राह्मणधर्मः)
परिचयः ॥ Introduction
According to Manusmrti,
अध्यापनम् अध्ययनं यजनं याजनं तथा । दानं प्रतिग्रहं चैव ब्राह्मणानाम् अकल्पयत् । । १.८८ । ।[1]
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)[2] 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 । ।[1]
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 adering to it (Manu Smrt. 1.108)[2] 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)[2]
इदं शास्त्रम् अधीयानो ब्राह्मणः शंसितव्रतः । मनोवाग्गेहजैर्नित्यं कर्मदोषैर्न लिप्यते । । १.१०४ । ।
आचाराद्विच्युतो विप्रो न वेदफलम् अश्नुते । आचारेण तु संयुक्तः सम्पूर्णफलभाग्भवेत् । । १.१०९ । ।[1]
idaṁ śāstram adhīyāno brāhmaṇaḥ śaṁsitavrataḥ । manovāggehajairnityaṁ karmadoṣairna lipyate । । 1.104 । ।
ācārādvicyuto vipro na vedaphalam aśnute । ācāreṇa tu saṁyuktaḥ sampūrṇaphalabhāgbhavet । । 1.109 ।
उपजीविकानियमाः ॥ Rules Regarding Subsistence
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 । ।
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.]
अद्रोहेणैव भूतानां अल्पद्रोहेण वा पुनः । या वृत्तिस्तां समास्थाय विप्रो जीवेदनापदि । । ४.२ । ।
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 । ।
9.1 The six modes of subsistence
He may subsist by Rita (truth), and Amrita (ambrosia), or by Mrita (death) and by Pramrita (what causes many deaths); or even by (the mode) called Satyanrita
(a mixture of truth and falsehood), but never by Svavritti (a dog’s mode of life). [v.4.4.] By Rita shall be understood the gleaning of corn; by Amrita, what is given unasked; by Mrita, food obtained by begging and agriculture is declared to be Pramrita. [v.4.5.] But trade and (money-lending) are Satyanrita, even by that one may subsist. Service is called Svavritti; therefore one should avoid it. [v.4.6.]
ऋतामृताभ्यां जीवेत्तु मृतेन प्रमृतेन वा । सत्यानृताभ्यां अपि वा न श्ववृत्त्या कदा चन । । ४.४ । ।
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 । ।
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.]
कुसूलधान्यको वा स्यात्कुम्भीधान्यक एव वा । त्र्यहैहिको वापि भवेदश्वस्तनिक एव वा । । ४.७ । ।
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.]
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.]
He who desires happiness must 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.]
A Brahmana, who is a Snataka and subsists by one of the (above-mentioned) modes of life, must discharge the (following) duties which secure heavenly bliss, long life, and fame. [v.4.13.]