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XI, 235. PENANCES; THE POWER OF AUSTERITIES. 477
228. By confession, by repentance, by austerity, and by reciting (the Veda) a sinner is freed from guilt, and in case no other course is possible, by liberality.
229. In proportion as a man who has done wrong, himself confesses it, even so far he is freed from guilt, as a snake from its slough.
230. In proportion as his heart loathes his evil deed, even so far is his body freed from that guilt.
231. He who has committed a sin and has repented, is freed from that sin, but he is purified only by (the resolution of) ceasing (to sin and thinking) 'I will do so no more.'
232. Having thus considered in his mind what results will arise from his deeds after death, let him always be good in thoughts, speech, and actions.
233. He who, having either unintentionally or intentionally committed a reprehensible deed, desires to be freed from the guilt of) it, must not commit it a second time.
234. If his mind be uneasy with respect to any act, let him repeat the austerities (prescribed as a penance) for it until they fully satisfy (his conscience).
235. All the bliss of gods and men is declared by the sages to whom the Veda was revealed, to have
228. Âpadi, 'in case no other course is possible,' i. e. 'if the offender is unable to perform penances or to recite Vedic texts.'
His body,' i. e. the soul in his body' (Medh., Gov., Kull., Nand.), or the subtle body' (Nar.).
231. Instead of naivam, 'sợ no (more),' Nâr. reads nainah ("I will) not sin (any more),' and K.'s reading nainam points to the same var. lect. Gov., Nand., and the best MS. of Medh. read naitat kuryât punar iti, and the translation would then be 'but he is purified (only) by ceasing (to sin), thereby that he does so no more.'
235. To have austerity for its root, austerity for its middle, and
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