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IV, 2.
PENANCES.
317
panied by (the recitation of) the Vyâhritis and of the syllable Om, repeated daily, purify after a month even the slayer of a learned Brâhmana.
30. That is the highest austerity, that is the best description of the sacred law. That, indeed, is the best means of removing all sin.
PRASNA IV, ADIVAVA 2. 1. We will separately explain the various penances for the several offences, both heavier and lighter ones.
2. Let him prescribe whatever may be befitting for each (case),—heavier penances for great (crimes), and lighter ones for trivial (faults).
3. Let him perform the penances according to the rule given in the Institutes of the Sacred Law.
4. He who is about to accept gifts, or he who has accepted gifts, must repeatedly recite the four Rikverses (called) Taratsamandis.
5. But in case one has eaten any kind of forbidden food, or that given by a person whose food must not be eaten, the means of removing the guilt is to sprinkle water (over one's head) while one recites the Taratsamandi Rikas.
6. But we will, hereafter, declare another rule for (the expiation of) the murder of a learned Brâhmana, whereby (men) are freed also from mortal sins of all (kinds). . 7. Let him (perform), during twelve nights, sup
4. Gautama XXIV, 2. The gift is, of course, one which ought not to be accepted.
5. Rig-veda IX, 58. Mârganam, literally. 'rubbing,' means sprinkling the head with a handful of water.-Govinda.
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