86. In the Krita age
the chief (virtue) is declared to be (the performance of) austerities,
in the Treta (divine) knowledge, in the Dvapara (the performance of)
sacrifices, in the Kali liberality alone.
87. But in order to
protect this universe He, the most resplendent one, assigned separate
(duties and) occupations to those who sprang from his mouth, arms,
thighs, and feet.
88. To Brahmanas he
assigned teaching and studying (the Veda), sacrificing for their own
benefit and for others, giving and accepting (of alms).
89. The Kshatriya he
commanded to protect the people, to bestow gifts, to fir sacrifices,
to study (the Veda), and to abstain from attaching himself to sensual
pleasures;
90. The Vaisya to
tend cattle, to bestow gifts, to fir sacrifices, to study (the Veda),
to trade, to lend money, and to cultivate land.
|