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I ADHYAYA, 3 PÂDA, 39.
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And at the same time the absence of such ceremonies in the case of Sudras is stated: In the Sadra there is not any sin, and he is not fit for any ceremony' (Manu X, 126); and 'The fourth caste is once born, and not fit for any ceremony' (Manu X, 4).
37. And on account of the procedure, on the ascertainment of the non-being of that.
That a Sadra is not qualified for knowledge of Brahman appears from that fact also that as soon as Gautama has convinced himself that Gåbåla, who wishes to become his pupil, is not a Sudra, he proceeds to teach him the knowledge of Brahman.
38. And on account of the prohibition of hearing, studying, and performance of (Vedic) matter.
The Sadra is specially forbidden to hear and study the Veda and to perform the things enjoined in it. 'For a Sodra is like a cemetery, therefore the Veda must not be read in the vicinity of a Södra ; ' "Therefore the Sadra is like a beast, unfit for sacrifices.' And he who does not hear the Veda recited cannot learn it so as to understand and perform what the Veda enjoins. The prohibition of hearing thus implies the prohibition of understanding and whatever depends on it.
39. And on account of Smriti.
Smriti also declares this prohibition of hearing, and so on. "The ears of him who hears the Veda are to be filled with molten lead and lac; if he pronounces it his tongue is to be slit; if he preserves it his body is to be cut through.' And He is not to teach him sacred duties or vows.'- It is thus a settled matter that the Sadras are not qualified for meditations on Brahman.
We must here point out that the non-qualification of Sadras for the cognition of Brahman can in no way be asserted by those who hold that a Brahman consisting of pure non-differenced intelligence constitutes the sole reality; that everything else is false ; that all bondage is unreal;
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