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174
LAWS OF MANU.
V, 31.
destined to be his food, commits no sin; for the creator himself created both the eaters and those who are to be eaten (for those special purposes).
31. “The consumption of meat (is befitting) for sacrifices,' that is declared to be a rule made by the gods ; but to persist (in using it) on other (occasions) is said to be a proceeding worthy of Rakshasas.
32. He who eats meat, when he honours the gods and manes, commits no sin, whether he has bought it, or himself has killed (the animal), or has received it as a present from others.
33. A twice-born man who knows the law, must not eat meat except in conformity with the law; for if he has eaten it unlawfully, he will, unable to save himself, be eaten after death by his (victims).
34. After death the guilt of one who slays deer for gain is not as (great) as that of him who eats meat for no (sacred) purpose.
35. But a man who, being duly, engaged (to officiate or to dine at a sacred rite), refuses to eat meat, becomes after death an animal during twentyone existences.
36. A Brâhmana must never eat (the Aesh of) animals unhallowed by Mantras; but, obedient to the primeval law, he may eat it, consecrated with Vedic texts.
37. If he has a strong desire (for meat) he may make an animal of clarified butter or one of flour, (and eat that); but let him never seek to destroy an animal without a (lawful) reason.
34. Of one who slays deer for gain,' i. e. of a professional hunter of the Sabara or other low castes.
35. Vas. XI, 34. 37. Sange, 'if (he has) a strong desire (for meat),' (Kull., Râgh.),
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