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LAWS OF MANU.
II, 185.
strangers, let him go to one of those named above, taking the last-named first;
185. Or, if there are no (virtuous men of the kind) mentioned above, he may go to each (house in the) village, being pure and remaining silent; but let him avoid Abhisastas (those accused of mortal sin).
186. Having brought sacred fuel from a distance, let him place it anywhere but on the ground, and let him, unwearied, make with it burnt oblations to the sacred fire, both evening and morning.
187. He who, without being sick, neglects during seven (successive) days to go out begging, and to offer fuel in the sacred fire, shall perform the penance of an Avakirnin (one who has broken his vow).
188. He who performs the vow (of studentship) shall constantly subsist on alms, (but) not eat the food of one (person only); the subsistence of a student on begged food is declared to be equal (in merit) to fasting.
189. At his pleasure he may eat, when invited, the food of one man at (a rite) in honour of the
186. 'From a distance,' i.e. from a lonely place in the forest not defiled by any impurities.' Vihâyasi, anywhere but on the ground,' means lit. in the air,' and is explained variously by on the roof of the house' (Medh., Gov., Kull.), on a platform and the like' (Nar.), 'in the open air' (Nand.), 'in any pure place except on the ground' (Râgh.). The purpose is, as most commentators think, to preserve the wood from defilement. But, according to others,' quoted by Medh., with whom Nand. seems to agree, the object is to let it become dry in the open air.
187. Vi. XXVIII, 52; Yâgñ. III, 281. The penance for an Avakîrnin is mentioned below, XI, 119-120.
188. Yågñ. I, 32.
189. Yâgñ. I, 32. Observing the conditions of his vow,' i.e. avoiding honey, meat, and the like. Rishivat, like a hermit' (Medh., Gov., Nár., Nand.), or "like an ascetic' (yati, Kull.).
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