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 1960

II, 161.
STUDENTSHIP.
59
156. A man is not therefore (considered) venerable because his head is gray; him who, though young, has learned the Veda, the gods consider to be venerable.
157. As an elephant made of wood, as an antelope made of leather, such is an unlearned Brahmana; those three have nothing but the names (of their kind).
158. As a eunuch is unproductive with women, as a cow with a cow is unprolific, and as a gift made to an ignorant man yields no reward, even so is a Brâhmana useless, who (does) not (know) the Rikas.
159. Created beings must be instructed in (what concerns) their welfare without giving them pain, and sweet and gentle speech must be used by (a teacher) who desires (to abide by) the sacred law.
160. He, forsooth, whose speech and thoughts are pure and ever perfectly guarded, gains the whole reward which is conferred by the Vedanta.
161. Let him not, even though in pain, (speak words) cutting (others) to the quick; let him not injure others in thought or deed ; let him not utter speeches which make (others) afraid of him, since that will prevent him from gaining heaven.
156. Når. and Nand. read sthaviro bhavati, K. sthaviro gñeyo for vriddho, 'venerable.'
157. Vas. III, 11; Baudh. I, 1, 10. 158. Rikas, i.e. the Veda (Gov., Nár.).
159. Ap. I, 8, 25-30; Gaut. II, 42. This and the following verses refer in the first instance to the behaviour of the teacher towards his pupils ; see also below, VIII, 299-300.
160. The Vedanta are the Upanishads, and the reward meant is 'final liberation' (Gov., Kull., Nâr., Nand., Râgh.). Medh., however, prefers to take Vedanta in the sense of the maxims or teaching of the Veda,' and thinks that the reward includes all rewards for Vedic rites.
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