Vinaya Texts

SR No.: 007684
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T W Rhys Davids, Hermann Oldenberg
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1881
Total Pages: 2523
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 47 MB

Page 1928

1,111.
SUMMARY OF THE CONTENTS.
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107. In this (work) the sacred law has been fully stated as well as the good and bad qualities of (human) actions and the immemorial rule of conduct, (to be followed) by all the four castes (varna).
108. The rule of conduct is transcendent law, whether it be taught in the revealed texts or in the sacred tradition; hence a twice-born man who possesses regard for himself, should be always careful to (follow it.
109. A Brâhmana who departs from the rule of conduct, does not reap the fruit of the Veda, but he who duly follows it, will obtain the full reward.
110. The sages who saw that the sacred law is thus grounded on the rule of conduct, have taken good conduct to be the most excellent root of all austerity.
111. The creation of the universe, the rule of the sacraments, the ordinances of studentship, and the respectful behaviour (towards Gurus), the most excellent rule of bathing (on return from the teacher's house),
107. 'The good and bad qualities of (human) actions,' i. e. according to Medh., Gov., Kull, and Nand. "the good and the bad results of actions,' or according to Râgh. and Nár.'the prescribed actions which are good and the forbidden ones which are bad.'
108. My translation of atmavân, 'who possesses regard for himself,' follows Medh. and Kull. Gov, explains it by 'of excellent disposition,' Nár. by endowed with firmness,' and Ragh. by 'who believes in a life after death.'
109. Vedaphalam, the fruit of the Veda,' i.e.'the rewards for the acts prescribed by the Veda' (Medh., Gov., Kull., and Nâr.).
110. Vas. VI, 1-8. "The rule of conduct or good conduct' (âkâra), mentioned here and in the preceding verses, comprises the numerous usages prescribed partly in the Veda and partly in the Dharmasastras, such as anointing oneself with butter on the occasion of particular sacrifices or sipping water on certain occasions.
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