| Manusmriti |
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| Scriptures |
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Manusmriti: The Laws of Manu |
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XI 1.
Him who wishes (to marry for the sake of having) fissuring, him who
wishes to perform a sacrfice, a traveller, him who has given away
all his property, him who begs for the sake of his teacher, his
father, or his mother, a student of the Veda, and a sick man, 2.
These nine Brahmanas one should consider as Snatakas, begging in
order to fulfill the sacred law; to such poor men gifts must be
given in proportion to their learning. 3.
To these most excellent among the twice born, food and presents (of
money) must be given; it is declared that food must be given to
others outside the sacrficial enclosure. 4.
But a king shall bestow, as is proper, jewels of all sorts, and
presents for the sake of sacrifices on Brahmanas learned in the
Vedas. 5.
If a man who has a wife weds a second wife, having begged money (to
defray the marriage expenses, he obtains) no advantage but sensual
enjoyment; but the issue (of his second marriage belongs) to the
giver of the money. 6.
One should give, according to one's ability, wealth to Brahmanas
learned in the Veda and living alone; (thus) one obtains after death
heavenly bliss. 7.
He who may possess (a supply of) food sufficient to maintain those
dependant on him during three years or more than that, is worthy to
drink the Soma-juice. 8.
But a twice-born man, who, though possessing less than that amount
of property, nevertheless drinks the Soma-juice, does not derive any
benefit from that (act), though he may have formerly drunk the
Soma-juice. 9.
(If) an opulent man (is) liberal towards strangers, while his family
lives in distress, that counterfeit virtue will first make him taste
the sweets (of fame, but afterwards) make him swallow the poison (of
punishment in hell).
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