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II, 26.
SOURCES OF THE LAW; SACRAMENTS.
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20. From a Brâhmana, born in that country, let all men on earth learn their several usages.
21. That (country) which (lies) between the Himavat and the Vindhya (mountains) to the east of Prayaga and to the west of Vinasana (the place where the river Sarasvati disappears) is called Madhyadesa (the central region).
22. But (the tract) between those two mountains (just mentioned), which (extends) as far as the eastern and the western oceans, the wise call Åryâvarta (the country of the Aryans).
23. That land where the black antelope naturally roams, one must know to be fit for the performance of sacrifices; (the tract) different from that (is) the country of the Mlekkhas (barbarians).
24. Let twice-born men seek to dwell in those (above-mentioned countries); but a Sadra, distressed for subsistence, may reside anywhere.
25. Thus has the origin of the sacred law been succinctly described to you and the origin of this universe; learn (now) the duties of the castes (varna).
26. With holy rites, prescribed by the Veda, must the ceremony on conception and other sacraments be performed for twice-born men, which sanctify the body and purify (from sin) in this life) and after death.
21. The place where the river Sarasvati disappears lies in the Hissar districts. Prayaga, i.e. Allahâbåd.
22. Vas. I, 9; Baudh. I, 2, 10. 23. Vas. I, 13-15; Baudh. I, 2, 12-15; Yagñ. I, a. 25. Gov. explains dharma,' the sacred law,' by 'spiritual merit.' 26-35. Gaut. VIII, 14-20 ; Vi. XXVII, 1-12; Yâgñ. I, 10-13. 26. Medh. mentions another explanation for the first words, With holy rites, accompanied by the recitation of Vedic texts,' and Gov. thinks that vaidika' is to be taken in both meanings.
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