Zend Avesta Part 01

SR No.: 007671
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: James Darmesteter
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1895
Total Pages: 2695
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 49 MB

Page 1484

12
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63. Learn from me, in a concise form, O radiant goddess of the earth, the eternal laws for the aggregate of the four castes, together with the customs to be observed by each order, and with the secret ordinances,
VISHNU.
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I 63.
64. Which will effect the final liberation of the virtuous persons, who will support thee. Be seated upon this splendid golden seat, O handsome-thighed goddess.
65. 'Seated at ease, listen to me proclaiming the sacred laws.' The goddess of the earth, thereupon, seated at ease, listened to the sacred precepts as they came from the mouth of Vishnu.
II.
1. Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sûdras are the four castes.
2. The first three of these are (called) twiceborn.
3. For them the whole number of ceremonies, which begin with the impregnation and end with the ceremony of burning the dead body, have to be performed with (the recitation of) Mantras.
4. Their duties are:
5. For a Brahmana, to teach (the Veda);
6. For a Kshatriya, constant practice in arms; 7. For a Vaisya, the tending of cattle;
8. For a Sûdra, to serve the twice-born;
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II. 1. Âpast. I, 1, 1, 3. — 1, 2. M. X, 4; Y. I, 10. — 3. M. II, 26; Y. I, 10. 4-9. M. I, 88-91; VIII, 410; IX, 326-335; X, 75-79; Y. I, 118-120; Âpast. I, 1, 1, 5, 6; II, 5, 10, 4-7; Gaut. X, 2, 7, 49, 56. -15. M. X, 81; Y. III, 35; Gaut. VII, 6. 16, 17. Gaut. VIII, 23; X, 51. 'This chapter treats of the four castes.' (Nand.)
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2.