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I, 99.
99. A Brahmana, coming into existence, is born as the highest on earth, the lord of all created beings, for the protection of the treasury of the law.
100. Whatever exists in the world is the property of the Brahmana; on account of the excellence of his origin the Brâhmana is, indeed, entitled to it all.
101. The Brahmana eats but his own food, wears but his own apparel, bestows but his own in alms; other mortals subsist through the benevolence of the Brahmana.
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LAWS OF MANU.
102. In order to clearly settle his duties and those of the other (castes) according to their order, wise Manu sprung from the Self-existent, composed these Institutes (of the sacred law).
103. A learned Brahmana must carefully study them, and he must duly instruct his pupils in them, but nobody else (shall do it).
104. A Brâhmana who studies these Institutes (and) faithfully fulfils the duties (prescribed therein), is never tainted by sins, arising from thoughts, words, or deeds.
105. He sanctifies any company (which he may enter), seven ancestors and seven descendants, and he alone deserves (to possess) this whole earth.
106. (To study) this (work) is the best means of securing welfare, it increases understanding, it procures fame and long life, it (leads to) supreme bliss.
100. 'On account of the excellence of his origin,' i. e. because he sprang from Brahman's mouth.
103. The verse is not intended to exclude Kshatriyas and Vaisyas from the right of studying the Manusamhitâ, but merely from teaching it.
104. Samsitavratah, 'who faithfully fulfils the duties,' is based on Gov.'s full explanation etadarthâvabodhena samsitavrato visish/ayamaniyamah san, with which Medh. closely agrees.
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