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## A Commentary on the 35 Ethical Rules According to the Dharmadikari Path
**Yoga Shastra, First Light, Verses 47-56**
A virtuous man, who earns through his own efforts and strength, is self-respecting and pure in every place. A sinner, who engages in evil deeds and stains his soul with misdeeds, is doubtful in every place. A righteous householder can use his justly earned wealth for the benefit of the next life by giving it to the seven worthy recipients (Sapt-Kshetra) and by showing compassion to the poor, orphans, etc. However, wealth accumulated through injustice brings harm in both worlds. Unjust actions are against the welfare of the world and result in punishment, imprisonment, and disgrace in this life. In the next life, such sins lead to hell and other miserable states. It may be that an unjust and unethical person does not face any calamity in this life due to the karmic effect of virtuous deeds. However, he will surely face calamity in the future or in the next birth. It is said, "A being blinded by the attachment to wealth, inevitably receives the fruits of his sinful actions at some point. Like meat pierced with thorns, the sin will not end without its destruction." Therefore, earning wealth through justice and with a view to the ultimate good is the best course of action. It is said, "Just as frogs are drawn towards water bodies and birds towards full lakes, so too, all wealth comes under the control of a person who performs good deeds." Since wealth is the primary factor in household life, the first quality is called "Nyaya Sampanna Vibhav" (justly earned wealth).
**2. Etiquette - The Appreciator**
A refined man is one who observes vows, practices austerities, and serves the learned. He has received pure education, especially has good conduct. For example, he fears public censure, rescues the distressed, respects every human being, is grateful, and possesses the qualities of generosity. (Yoga Bindu 126) A man with all these qualities is called a virtuous man (Shista). A righteous householder should be an appreciator and supporter of his conduct and thoughts. The conduct of refined men is as follows: they do not abandon a good place in times of difficulty, they follow great men, they earn their livelihood through a popular and just profession, they do not engage in blameworthy actions even when facing death, they never beg from wicked people, and they do not ask for even a little money from friends. Truly, who taught this difficult and hard vow, like a river of swords, to the virtuous? It is the virtuous themselves who taught it.
**3. Marriage with a Person of the Same Lineage and Character but Different Gotra**
A person with a lineage (Khanadani) similar to that of his ancestors, father, grandfather, etc., and with the same character and virtuous conduct, such as the abandonment of vices like alcohol and meat, is called "Sama Kula Shila." A man of such lineage and character is called "Ek Gotriya" (of the same Gotra), while one born in a different Gotra is called "Bhinna Gotriya." The implication is that a righteous householder should marry a person of the same lineage and character but a different Gotra. Taking the hand of a woman in the presence of fire (and the five elements) is called marriage. Marriage is said to be of eight types in social practice: 1. Giving a daughter in marriage after adorning her with clothes and ornaments is called Brahma marriage. 2. Giving a daughter in marriage after investing wealth is called Prajapati marriage. 3. Giving a daughter in marriage with the gift of a cow, bull, etc., is called Arsha marriage. 4. The marriage in which the host gives the daughter as a gift to the priest performing the Yajna as Dakshina is called Daiva marriage. These four are called Dharma marriages. 5. Secretly forming a love relationship with mutual attraction without the permission of parents or brothers is called Gandharva marriage. 6. Giving a daughter in marriage under the compulsion of a condition is called Asura marriage. [A marriage where the groom demands dowry before the wedding is Asura marriage]. 7. Abducting a girl by force and marrying her is called Rakshasa marriage. 8. Abducting a girl who is asleep or in a state of unconsciousness and marrying her is called Pishacha marriage. These four are considered unrighteous marriages. If the marriage is done with the consent and happiness of both the groom and the bride, even an unrighteous marriage becomes a righteous marriage. Marriage with a pure girl of good lineage and character is beneficial and successful. However, a marriage with a bad woman or man brings harm in this life as well.