Humanism of Haribhadra

Author(s): Christian Lindtner
Publisher: Z_Nirgranth_Aetihasik_Lekh_Samucchay_Part_1_002105.pdf and Nirgranth_Aetihasik_Lekh_Samucchay_Part_2

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The Humanism of Haribhadra
241
based on common opinion, but according to the meaning of another statement (in the same book], it is justified [to eat meat) :
5.
If the priests desire so, a duly authorized (priest] may eat consecrated meat even if he has to kill living beings.
6.
If [the opponent says] that there is nothing wrong in this, (then we reply) that it does not follow that he abstains from doing so [i.e. from eating meat] by not eating meat on other occasions. This is because it has been proclaimed as a fault not to eat [meat] in this [book, namely Manusmrti 5.35 :]
7.
"If a duly authorized priest does not eat meat, then, after his death, he will become an animal for twenty-one rebirths".
8.
If to abstain from [eating meat] is the same as being a religious mendicant, then the lack of (positive) result coming from not understanding this, is a fault of his. He is certainly not free from faults [if he does not abstain from eating meat) !
XIX. Eight Verses Reprehending Drinking Liquors
1.
Moreover, liquor is a cause of heedlessness and at once destroys a sound mind. It is like a disorder of friendly relations. To object that there is nothing wrong with this is outrageous !
2.
There is no need to waste many a word on this, for it can be seen with one's own eyes. Even at present the problem with (alcohol] is that it also makes one look like a big fool.
According to tradition also, a sage who had reached the inner light and whose tapas was great, nevertheless, due to liquor, was seduced by some heavenly maidens. So, like a fool, he went to hell.
4.
A certain sage practised tapas, but then Indra became afraid and sent some goddesses to seduce him. And so they approached him...
Politely they propitiated him as he stood there facing the women. They told him to enjoy either liquor and meat or sex, according to choice.
6.
Thus addressed by them he saw that both were causes of hell: The sevil] in the form of liquor (at least) was preceded by a pure motive.