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XXVII, 1.
SECRET PENANCES.
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muttering sacred texts shines with a brilliant lustre.
14. The destruction of those who fulfil the duty of daily study, who constantly restrain themselves, who mutter prayers and offer sacrifices has never been known (to happen).
15. Let him who is desirous of purification repeat, though he be charged with all sins, the divine (Gâyatri), at the most one thousand times, or one hundred times as a medium (penance), or at least ten times (for trivial faults). · 16. A Kshatriya shall pass through misfortunes which have befallen him by the strength of his arms, a Vaisya and Sudra by their wealth, the highest among twice-born men by muttered prayers and burnt-oblations.
17. As horses (are useless) without a chariot, as chariots(are useless) without horses, even so austerity (is useless) to him who is destitute of sacred learning, and sacred learning to him who practises no austerities.
18. As food mixed with honey, or honey mixed with food, even so are austerities and learning, joined together, a powerful medicine.
19. No guilt taints a Brâhmana who possesses learning, practises austerities, and daily mutters sacred texts, though he may constantly commit sinful acts.
CHAPTER XXVII. 1. If a hundred improper acts, and even more, have been committed, and the (knowledge of the)
14. Manu IV, 146. XXVII. 1-2. Manu XI, 247.
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