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## Forty-First Chapter
But this quality of association with other beings does not hinder the excellence of his own qualities, just as gold does not become impure by association with iron. [206]
**Meaning:** Just as gold does not become impure by association with iron, a noble Brahmin does not become impure by association with other people. [208]
But just as a chemical substance quickly imparts its own qualities to iron with which it is associated, so also this Brahmin quickly imparts his own qualities to the men with whom he is associated. [209]
Therefore, it should be said that this quality of association with other beings is the greatest quality that enhances the influence of Dharma, because by this quality, this Brahmin can bring other people under his control by his own qualities. [210]
If this quality is absent, the Brahmin may lose his own qualities by association with other people, and if this happens, his quality will be destroyed. [211]
Therefore, the Brahmin who accepts the ten types of duties, such as the duty of learning the Vedas, the duty of performing sacrifices, etc., as they should be performed, is acceptable to all people. [212]
The other special qualities in these qualities, which are worthy of being discussed at length, should be understood in detail from the study of the scriptures of the Upasakas. [213]
Thus, while describing the method of performing the rituals of the vows, the ten duties, which are considered worthy by the Brahmins of good conduct, have been described in connection with the mantras appropriate for that ritual. [214]
In this context, one should know the ritual mantras that have been mentioned earlier, and the seven mantras known as the Peethika mantras should be considered as general, i.e., they are used in all rituals. [215]
These general mantras are used in all rituals, therefore, the learned scholars who know the mantras call them general mantras. [216]
The special mantras are those that are mentioned in the rituals described above. From now on, the Brahmins should understand the mantras that follow according to their own scriptures. [217]
He who uses these mantras appropriately in the rituals, becomes a noble Brahmin of good conduct and attains respect in the world. [218]
Just as an army without its commander is not capable of achieving victory, so also the rituals without the mantras are not capable of achieving success. [219]