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208
LAWS OF MANU.
VI, 50.
50. Neither by (explaining) prodigies and omens, nor by skill in astrology and palmistry, nor by giving advice and by the exposition (of the Sâstras), let him ever seek to obtain alms.
51. Let him not (in order to beg) go near a house filled with hermits, Brâhmanas, birds, dogs, or other mendicants.
52. His hair, nails, and beard being clipped, carrying an alms-bowl, a staff, and a water-pot, let him continually wander about, controlling himself and not hurting any creature.
53. His vessels shall not be made of metal, they shall be free from fractures; it is ordained that they shall be cleansed with water, like (the cups, called) Kamasa, at a sacrifice.
54. A gourd, a wooden bowl, an earthen (dish), or one made of split cane, Manu, the son of Svayambhu, has declared (to be) vessels (suitable) for an ascetic.
55. Let him go to beg once (a day), let him not be eager to obtain a large quantity (of alms); for an ascetic who eagerly seeks alms, attaches himself also to sensual enjoyments.
50. According to Når. and Râgh., angavidya, 'palmistry' (Medh., Kull., Nand.), means "the science of grammar and the other five Angas of the Veda.' Gov. takes nakshatrângavidyâ as a determinative compound, meaning astrology. Anusâsana,' giving advice' (Medh., Gov., Kull., Râgh.), means according to Nár. and Nând.
teaching the Veda.' Vâda, the exposition (of the Sâstras),' (Gov., Kull.), means according to Medh. and Nâr.' disputations;' according to Nand. and Râgh. 'the science of dialectics. This verse, which occurs also in Vas. X, 21, is historically important, as it shows that in ancient as in modern times, ascetics followed worldly pursuits and were the teachers or advisers of the people.
55. 'Let him not go oftener to beg'is Gov.'s explanation, instead of let him not be eager to obtain a large quantity of alms.'
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