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Manusmriti: The Laws of Manu |
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241. It is
prescribed that in times of distress (a student) may learn
(the Veda) from one who is not a Brahmana; and that
he shall walk behind and serve (such a) teacher, as long
as the instruction lasts.
242. He who desires incomparable bliss (in heaven) shall not dwell during his whole life in (the house of) a non-Brahmanical teacher, nor with a Brahmana who does not know the whole Veda and the Angas. 243. But if (a student) desires to pass his whole life in the teacher's house, he must diligently serve him, until he is freed from this body. 244. A Brahmana who serves his teacher till the dissolution of his body, reaches forthwith the eternal mansion of Brahman. 245. He who knows the sacred law must not present any gift to his teacher before (the Samavartana); but when, with the permission of his teacher, he is about to take the (final) bath, let him procure (a present) for the venerable man according to his ability. 246. (Viz.) a field, gold, a cow, a horse, a parasol and shoes, a seat, grain, (even) vegetables, (and thus) give pleasure to his teacher. 247. (A perpetual student) must, if his teacher dies, serve his son (provided he be) endowed with good qualities, or his widow, or his Sapinda, in the same manner as the teacher. 248. Should none of these be alive, he must serve the sacred fire, standing (by day) and sitting (during the night), and thus finish his life. 249. A Brahmana who thus passes his life as a student without breaking his vow, reaches (after death) the highest abode and will not be born again in this world.
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