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LAWS OF MANU.
VI, 64.
on its wanderings through ten thousand millions of existences,
64. On the infliction of pain on embodied (spirits), which is caused by demerit, and the gain of eternal bliss, which is caused by the attainment of their highest aim, (gained through) spiritual merit.
65. By deep meditation let him recognise the subtile nature of the supreme Soul, and its presence in all organisms, both the highest and the lowest.
66. To whatever order he may be attached, let him, though blemished (by a want of the external marks), fulfil his duty, equal-minded towards all creatures; (for) the external mark (of the order) is not the cause of (the acquisition of) merit.
67. Though the fruit of the Kataka tree (the clearing-nut) makes water clear, yet the latter) does not become limpid in consequence of the mention of the (fruit's) name.
68. In order to preserve living creatures, let him always by day and by night, even with pain to his body, walk, carefully scanning the ground.
69. In order to expiate (the death) of those creatures which he unintentionally injures by day or by night, an ascetic shall bathe and perform six suppressions of the breath.
65. Nand. omits this verse. The highest aim' is the recognition of the Brahman'(Kull.), and the good fortune of attaining that falls only to the lot of those who have accumulated a rich store of merit.
66. Instead of dashito 'pi, though blemished (by a want of the external marks of the order),' (Kull., Nand., Râgh.), Medh., Gov., Når., and K. read bhơshito 'pi, though adorned (with garlands and the like).'
69. Regarding the term 'suppression of the breath,' see Vas. XXV, 13, and Wilson, Vishnupurâna, V, p. 231 (ed. Hall).
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