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II, 245.
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law even from the lowest, and an excellent wife even from a base family.
239. Even from poison nectar may be taken, even from a child good advice, even from a foe (a lesson in) good conduct, and even from an impure (substance) gold.
240. Excellent wives, learning, (the knowledge of) the law, (the rules of) purity, good advice, and various arts may be acquired from anybody.
241. It is prescribed that in times of distress (a student) may learn (the Veda) from one who is not a Brahmana; and that he shall walk behind and serve (such a) teacher, as long as the instruction lasts.
242. He who desires incomparable bliss (in heaven) shall not dwell during his whole life in (the house of) a non-Brâhmanical teacher, nor with a Brahmana who does not know the whole Veda and the Angas.
243. But if (a student) desires to pass his whole life in the teacher's house, he must diligently serve him, until he is freed from this body.
244. A Brahmana who serves his teacher till the dissolution of his body, reaches forthwith the eternal mansion of Brahman.
STUDENTSHIP.
245. He who knows the sacred law must not present any gift to his teacher before (the Samâvartana); but when, with the permission of his teacher, he is about to take the (final) bath, let him procure
240. Striyo ratnâni, 'excellent wives' (Kull., Râgh.), means according to Medh. and Gov. ' wives and gems.'
241. Ap. II, 4, 25; Gaut. VII, 1-3; Baudh. I, 3, 41-43.
243. Ap. II, 21, 6; Gaut. III. 5-6; Vas. VII, 4; Baudh. II, 11, 13; Vi. XXVIII, 43; Yâgñ. I, 49.
245. Ap. I, 7, 19; Gaut. II, 48-49; Vi. XXVIII, 42; Yâgñ. I, 51.
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