Dhammapada

SR No.: 007674
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Max Muller
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1881
Total Pages: 2540
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 45 MB

Page 1937

I, 5, 10.
LAWFUL LIVELIHOOD.
175
of sipping water (shall be) the same as that of Aryans.
21. A Vaisya may live by usury.
22. But (a sum of) twenty-five (kârshậpanas shall bear an interest) of five mâshas (per mensem).
23. Now they quote also (the following verses): "He who, acquiring property cheap, employs (it so that it yields) a higher price, is called a usurer, and blamed in all (treatises on) the sacred law. *(Brahman) weighed in the scales the crime of killing a learned Brâhmana against (the crime of) usury; the slayer of the Brâhmana remained at the top, the usurer sank downwards.'
24. 'Let him treat Brâhmanas who tend cattle, those who live by trade, (and) those who are artisans, actors (and bards), servants or usurers, like Sadras.'
25. But men of the first two castes may, at their pleasure, lend (money at interest) to one who neglects his sacred duties, to a miser, to an atheist, or to a very wicked man.
26. Through the neglect of sacrifices, of (lawful) marriages, of the study of the Veda, and of (learned) Brâhmanas, (noble) families (even) are degraded.
27. The offence of neglecting a Brâhmana cannot be committed against a fool who is unacquainted
21. Vasishtha II, 19.
22. Vasishtha II, 51. 23. Vasishtha II, 41-42.
24. Vasishtha III, 3. 25. Vasishtha II, 43. M. reads na dadyâtâm, shall not lend.' According to Govinda, a very wicked man' is equivalent to a Sadra.
26. Manu III, 63. Govinda says that this Sutra is introduced in connexion with the expression, one who neglects his sacred duties,' which occurs in Sûtra 25.
27. Vasishtha III, 9 note, 10. This Sätra is added in explanation of the term 'the offence of neglecting a Brâhmana.'
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