Shikshapatri (Shlocks 126-150)

Shlock 126

English

They shall not sell food–grains received by them from their followers but old food grains may be exchanged for new ones, for such an exchange is not considered as sale.

Gujarati

અને પોતાના જે શિષ્‍ય, તેમણે ધર્મ નિમિત પોતાને આપ્‍યું જે અન્‍ન તે વેચવું નહિ, અને તે અન્‍ન જુનુ થાય તો તે જુનુ કોઇકને દઈને નવું લેવું, એવી રીતે જે જુનાનું નવું કરવું, તે વેચ્‍યુ ન કહેવાય.

Explanation

The peddy and other grains given by the disciples, as they are surplus on their family needs, should not be sold out in a business act. Gautam Smriti says, 'Earth, peddy, oat, goat, horses, bullocks, cows and oxen should not be sold even by a brahmin.' It is said in Raj Dharma chapter of Mahabharat, 'Goat is fire, lamb is water, horse is sun, Earth is grains, Dhanush (bow) is a holy-fire and Soma (wine), these should not be sold. Because by selling Goat etc, one is selling fire and other deities. And these two Acharyas with their large families, if conserves food-grains, would be supportive in their religious acts of offering alms to the needy, poors and brahmins in adverse times of a draught. Therefore, they should keep away from selling food-grains. Now, in the place of not selling, He tells of what should be done. Stale grains, the grains of past year can not be retained for a longer time as it would develop insects and germs on passage of time. In circumstances as such, stale grain shall be exchanged with a fresh one, by selling stale and buying fresh grain from that money. This is sort of exchange and retention of exchanged one, therefore, it is not a sale. And as such, it does not attract any drawback . Such act protects the religion of a householder. Smritis have said, 'The exchange is just and proper, but it is improper to look for profit.

Shlock 127

English

They shall perform worship(puja) of Shri Ganpati and Hanuman on the 4th day of the bright half of the month Bhadrapad and on the 14th day of the dark half of the month of Aswin respectively.

Explanation

The fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada is famous as Siddhi Vinayak Chaturthi. On this day, the worship and prayer shall be offered to Lord Ganapati - the destroyer God of troubles. An earthen idol of Lord Ganapati shall be installed and worshipped with Sindur, sacred grass, and sweet - balls. This worship and Poojan does not attract the fault of worshipping other God, as Ganapatiji is one of the incarnations of Lord Shri Krishna.This has been explained in detail in the previous part of this scripture. Bhavishyottar Puran prescribes this day for worship and Poojan of Lord Ganapati : 'An earthen or Gold-idol of Lord Ganapati shall be worshipped by wise people on the fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada month. The idol shall be given a bath of oil of white til in the morning and in noon time, within personal capacity. Ganapatiji shall be worshipped with sacred grass and sweet-balls. One who worships in such manner, becomes free from all the pains and never faces any hardship. He then attains desired fruits.' Now says about determining such fourth day. Fourth day with the sight of the third day is better. If there are two days of the fourth in the fortnight, then such first fourth day shall be considered for Poojan of Ganapatiji - or should be taken such fourth day which has Abhijit lunar mansion. If such fourth day belongs to next day, in such cases noon time shall be a preferred time. These are the observations from Vratotsava Vidhi. And on the fourteenth day of the dark half of Ashwin month, the Poojan of Lord Hanuman - the ambassador of Lord Rama should be performed. This day is known as Narak Chaturdashi. Lord Hanuman is eternal and greatest among the monkeys and is envoy of Lord Rama. He is Ekantik Bhakta of Lord Rama. Lord Hanuman shall be worshipped. The worship shall be offered with oil, Sindur, Aakada (Swallow-wort plant) flowers etc as Poojan of Mahavir increases love for Lord Rama . Bhagwan Ramchandra has said, 'Those who worship you on fourteenth day shall not be consigned to hell and shall be dearer to Me.' This fourteenth day should be counted after 36 Gharis (a ghadi means 24 minutes) from Sunrise. The worship of both these Gods is a general religious duty of all our householder devotees.

Shlock 128

English

I have enthroned both of them with a view to protect and preserve our religion. They shall initiate those disciples who are desirous of salvation. (Mukti.)

Gujarati

અને અમારે આશ્રિત જે સર્વે સત્‍સંગી તેમના ધર્મની રક્ષા કરવાને અર્થે એ સર્વેના ગુરુપણાને વિષે અમે સ્‍થાપન કર્યા એવા જે તે અયોધ્‍યાપ્રસાદ અને રઘુવીર તેમણે મુમુક્ષ જનને દીક્ષા આપવી.

Shlock 129

English

They shall maintain discipline among the disciples and see that they (disciples) follow the precepts accordingly and perform their religious duties within their precincts. They shall honour the saints and shall study the Vedas and Shastras with reverence.

Gujarati

અને પોતાના આશ્રિત જે સર્વે સત્‍સંગી તેમને અધિકાર પ્રમાણે પોતપોતાના ધર્મને વિશે રાખવા અને સાધુને આદર થકી માનવા તથા સચ્‍છાસ્‍ત્રનો અભ્‍યાસ આદર થકી કરવો.

Explanation

And those two Acharyas should found properly the followers and disciples in their respective religion. Here is a hint to the effect that failing which the sins of disciples shall come to the Guru. Shankh Smriti says, 'If the religion is not taugh properly, the sins of subject shall come to the king, the sins of disciples shall come on the Guru, and the sins of wife shall come on her husband.'

Those - the sons of My brothers should respect Sadhu Purush, means Poojan Archan should be offered by them to Sants (Saints). Poojan-worship of Sadhu gives desired fruits- rewards. Mundakopanishad says, 'The man, who is pure in his innermost, whatsoever desires and wishes in his pure mind attains all such desired objects, fruits and glory. Therefore, those who are desirous of ultimate good, should offer Poojan to Sants, otherwise, the Poojan offered to Bhagwan become futile. Shrimad Bhagwat has said, 'The one who has consciousness in his body, has worldly wisdom in his family, has sense of respect in earthly objects, has sense of respect towards water, but if he has no respect for the saint, should be known as donkey.' 'Oh Brahman ! Therefore worship those Brahm Rishis. You are worshipping me by their worship. There is no greater devotion than that by which I could be worshipped.' 'The man who worships Shri Hari with great faith but does not worship other devotees is an elemental devotee.' 'I can not be attained without of my devotees.' etc. etc. They should read and study the Vedas and scriptures as the both have suggested above. This study is consisted of your parts : to studyit, to think on it, to learn it by heart and to sanctify it. The study of the scriptures attained by serving a Guru, is not attainable by the other means. 'Not to serve, to act hastily and the self praise are the three enemies of education and learning.' Thus Vidurji has said that not to serve a Guru, acts like a great enemy of the knowledge. ' As the person digging a ditch with an implement receives water, similarly a person serving to his Guru receives knowledge . ' Thus, Manu Maharaj also gives great importance to the service extended to one's Guru. It is said in Kalpalata, 'The knowledge is earned by serving a Guru, or by wealth, or by knowledge or by good acts of past births.' Here in, last three are attain able by extending respect, therefore, it is said that it should be done with due respect. The knowledge is not inspired without study and therefore, study should be done with due respect. Lazyness is the cause of disliking, therefore lazyness should be removed, this act of removing lazyness is called respect. Smritis have said, 'the death with the help of lazyness and food, destroys a Brahmin.' Therefore, Vidurji has treated lazyness and others as drawbacks : 'Lazyness, affection, smartness, talkativeness, state of astonishment, ego, lack of detachment these seven are the enemies for a student.' He says that the student is not required to consider his pain on removal of his lazyness and doing his study. 'How, a desirous of comforts get Vidya ? How a student get the pleasure ? A learner can not have the pleasure. 'Either a seeker of the knowledge should give away his knowledge or should give away his pleasures for seeking knowledge.' Thinking on the learning point and learning by heart the study units should be undertaken in the later part of the night, because intellect becomes sharper during later part of the night. Intellect of the student becomes blunt on their sleeping in day time. Repeated learing in the later part of the night refreshes a learner, as per smritis. Manu Maharaj has said, 'one should not return to the sleep after study of Brahm-Vidya in a later part of night.' Gautam has said, 'one should not turn to sleep after a study during later part of the night.' Naradji has narrated in Samskar Mayukh the obstacles in ones study : Gambling, card game, desire for a stroll in a garden, women, sleepiness and sleep, these six are obstacles in acquiring knowledge. One who like a serpent is scared of the people one who is scared of the sweet dishes as like a fear of death, and one who is scared of the women as like a fear of an evilspirit, would earn the knowledge. As mentioned above now about the method and degree of quitting the sleep. Bhaskaracharya has said, 'Spiritually wise shall quit sleep for whole day prefixed and suffixed with both Sandhyas. Thus one should take the interpretation as given by Smritis, but should not take it as quitting sleep forever. The same Acharya has determined the period prohibitive for study and learning. 'One should not study at midnight and should not study on such days prohibited by scriptures.' The Shlokas prescribe the act of learning. It should be understood that such study should be of Good scriptures. One should study Vedas and should acquire knowledge of it. Shrutis have said, 'Though there may be no cause, but a Brahmin should learn the Vedas with its all six parts, and should know it.' Bhagwat says, 'The penance and knowledge both are benedictory for a Brahmin.' Smriti says, 'In his early age, a Brahmin should study good scriptures at proper time and with proper wisdom, otherwise he will descend from his higher status.' Daan Khand of Mahabharat says that a Brahmin ignorant of Vedas, is like a blind. Shrutis and Smritis have been called the two eyes of a Brahmin, if one from these two is missing in him, will make him blind of one eye and if both those are missing will make him total blind.' Kamandak has said, 'Cows see through a smelling, Brahmins see through their knowledge of Vedas, kings see through their spies, and a common man sees through his eyes.' 'The scriptures are the eyes for a Brahmin.' Vidurji says, 'Eight Virtues graces a man : Intellect, lineage, control on sense organs, study, valour, brevity, donation within personal limits and knowledge of personal deeds.' It is said in the Kashikhand of Skanda Purana that the spiritual status as a true Brahmin can not be attained without learning and study : A wooden elephant, an artificial deer and a Brahmin without knowledge exist only as a name.' Therefore, the study and knowledge of the scripture is a must, as they fulfill all four goals of one's life.

Shlock 130

English

They shall perform with proper rites and ceremonies, the worship of Shri Laxmi–Narayan and other icons of Lord Shri Krishna, installed by Me in big Temples.

Explanation

Big temples means great temples and shrines, but as there is word 'etc'. suffixed to this, small temples too are to be considered. Those temples where I have installed the idols. The idols of Lord Laxminarayan and as there is 'etc' suffixed to Lord Laxminarayan, Lord Narnarayandev and others are to be known as included in it. Here the reason of mentioning Lord Laxminarayan is that, he himself has written this scripture of Shikshapatri by sitting in front of Lord Laxminarayandev. Therefore, the doubt of receding glory of other Gods should not arise. He himself has proved elsewhere the equality amongst the Gods. Therefore, one should serve to all these forms with a greater love. Such service should be extended without flouting the procedures prescribed by Shri Vitthalnathji. One may have a large number of servants, but the one should extend such service himself to the God. God himself has said about the duties of his devotees and has mentioned that such service should be extended with great respect and Namskar (bowing to give respect) should be offered to God by all the limbs, and should serve at his home his God like a humble servant. Also it is said that, such His devotees should not show affection elsewhere and should serve Shri Rukminiji and others in like manner.

Shlock 131

English

They shall courteously and according to their means give food–grains and alms to a person who has come to seek food to the temple of Lord Shri Krishna.

Explanation

Anybody - known or unknown person but hungry and in need of food, if comes in the temple, should be served with food within capacity. It means that raw or cooked food should be served to him as per available sources. Atri Smriti says : No guest shold be kept hungry at the own place or at the place of others. Food also is a denotation of water, because both these live together.' Aditya Purana says : Scholars have praised donating food and grains, because food is the cause of life. Therefore, donating food is donation of life. The wise people should donate food everyday, and should donate it without any a test or checking. That is the advice from Swayambhu Manu. Lord Brahma pleases with food. And such food pleases Lord Kamala Pati - Shri Bhagwan, Shivaji and Indra. Therefore, the wise people knowing Vedas have suggested donation of food. Donation of water valued equally with a donation of food. Water is the life for all living bodies.' Rewards of donating food have been mentioned in Skand Puran : The donor of food receives Vimaan (aero-plane) shining like a golden sun and surrounded by Apsaras (celestial damsel). Nothing is greater than donating food in this world. Living bodies are born of food and survive on food. There is no doubt in regard to that. No donation is greater in this world than a donation of life, and all these Lokas survive-live-on the food, they are the fruits of the food. All three Lokas reside in the food, and the food is the fruit of the donation of the people. Therefore, there had been no donation greater than donation of food and there would be no donation greater than donation of food even in the farthest future. More details on donating should be inspected in Anushasan Parva of Mahabharat.

Shlock 132

English

They shall establish "Pathashalas" (Educational institution) and appoint Brahmin Scholars in them, to propagate Vedas and Shastras which are called here as Sat-Vidhya. This is the act of greatest piety.

Gujarati

અને વિદ્યાર્થી ભણાવ્‍યાની શાળા કરાવીને પછી તેમા એક વિદ્વાન બ્રાહ્મણને રાખીને પૃથ્‍વીને વિષે સદવિદ્યાની પ્રવૃતિ કરાવવી, કેમ જે વિદ્યાદાને કરીને મોટું પુણ્ય થાય છે.

Explanation

Pathashala - means an appropriate residency for the students. Should establish such residency. Should appoint Brahmin scholars with appropriate salary and conduct such activity on earth for spreading true-knowledge and true-education. Such activity earns Punyas. As donating eyes to a blind earns punya, in like manner, this too earns the Punyas. In Dan Hemadri chapter of Garuda Purans it is said, 'Those who educate Brahmins by appointing scholars with salary do not exclude any donation required for attaining four ultimate goals of life. A man fulfills all his desires by donating food, oil, clothing and alm to the students. There is no doubt in it.' Agni Purana says, 'Oh king ! Those who donates to the students a daily service of lamp, bedding and food would earn the fruits of performing a holy-fire.'

Shlock 133

English

The wives of these Acharyas with the concurrence of their husbands shall initiate and give Mantra of lord Shri Krishna to females only but never to any male.

Gujarati

અને હવે એ અયોધ્‍યાપ્રસાદ અને રઘુવીર એ બન્‍નેની જે પત્‍નીઓ તેમણે પોતપોતાના પતિની આજ્ઞાએ કરીને સ્‍ત્રીઓને જ શ્રીકૃષ્‍ણનાં મંત્રનો ઉપદેશ કરવો પણ પુરુષોને ન કરવો.

Explanation

After assigning specific religious duties of the sons of His two brothers, now in following two Shlokas, describes specific religious duties of their wives. Their means, of Ayodhyaprasadji and Raghuvirji. Their wives means, of their wives namely Sunanda and Virja. They, under the permission from their husband, should initiate Shri Krishna-mantra Deeksha to the women surrendered at their refuge. There is 'etc' suffixed to Shri Krishna-mantra Deeksha to the women surrendered at their refuge. There is 'etc' suffixed to Shri Krishna - mantra, therefore, the religious preaching - pertaining to married woman and widowed both-should be preached.

Now 'the initiation of Deeksha from a Vaishnava Guru' etc. sentences authorizes only a Guru for such Krishna mantra (eight lettered hymn) deeksha, then here in this such an authority for Mantra deeksha has been entrusted to wives of Acharyas. What is the ground for such authority ? Here are the Smritis and Shrutis for such support : 'Wife is the one half of his body,' 'Place husband and wife before the fire,' 'One half of his body is his wife.' 'Retain my speech with mental concentration,' 'Retaining your heart in my austerity.' 'My psyche follows your psyche.' 'May Lord Prajapati unite us.' 'Retaining your vital air by my vital air.' 'Bones by bones,' 'Flesh by flesh' and 'Skin by skin' gets the nourishment,' etc-etc. Shruti-Smritis and Grihya Sutras are indicative of bodily unison of husband and wife, similarly it indicate union in action, therefore, the initiating deeksha or preaching by wife of Acharya stands good as initiating deeksha or preaching by Acharya himself. Thus, there is no drawback or fault. Otherwise, if Acharya preaches to women and Acharya's wife if preaches to men, would attract a serous drawback as woman is like fire and man is like a pot of butter oil, and such togetherness would definitely attract serous troubles as has been said in the scriptures and would bring them down from their spiritual heights. Therefore, Acharya's wife should take permission from Acharya and then, should initiate Shri Krishna Mantra Deeksha to devotee women. And Acharya should entrust his wife through His preaching to her, such initiation by his wife to devotee women. There is no drawback in this order. With proper understanding of the core of all scriptures, the religious decorum established by Shri Dharmdev is being practiced. Know this well. Desist from independent preaching. Parashar Muni has said, 'The woman who preaches, donates, performs pilgrimage or austerities without any order or permission from her husband earns no fruit of it.

Shlock 134

English

They shall never touch nor speak with nor show their faces to any male who is not their nearest relative.

Gujarati

અને વળી તે બે જણની જે પત્નિઓ તેમણે પોતાના સમીપ સંબંધ વિનાના જે પુરુષ, તેમનો સ્‍પર્શ કયારેય ન કરવો અને તેમની સાથે બોલવું નહિ ને તેમને પોતાનુ મુખ પણ ન દેખાડવું. (એવી રીતે ધર્મવંશી આચાર્ય અને તેમની પત્‍નીઓ તેમના જે વિશેષ ધર્મ તે કહ્યા).

Explanation

Not of near relations. Means those who are either very distantly related or are not related at all. They should not talk to such man and should not touch them. They should not show their face to such man. The events, wherein such vision may be possible, therein they would either cover their face or would turn off their face from such men. This is a just approach for a Guru's wife, failing which there may be the fear of a fall due to events of Darshan and worship taking place frequently during religious celebrations. Manu Smriti says that even a faithful and virtuous woman falls due to company of other man. Therefore, avoid such eventuality by conscious efforts. Word 'etc' is suffixed to Acharya's wife, therefore, the women belonging to Dharm Kool should desist from speaking to and touching men.

Shlock 135

English

My male followers who are householders shall not touch widows who are not their nearest relatives.

Gujarati

હવે ગૃહસ્‍થાશ્રમીના જે વિશેષ ધર્મ તે કહીએ છીએ: અમારે આશ્રીત જે ગૃહસ્‍થાશ્રમી પુરુષ તેમણે પોતાના સમીપ સંબંધ વિનાની જે વિધવા સ્‍ત્રીઓ તેમનો સ્‍પર્શ ન કરવો.

Explanation

Now in this special Shloka tells special religious duties of the householders. My followers, those who are in second Ashrama - Grihastha Ashrama (householders) - should not touch widows who are not in nearer relation but are very distantly related or not at all related to them. Nearly related means such relation in which a defilement takes place on her death. Widows means such women, whose husband his expired. Such ladies - widows - should not be touched by a householder devotee . Because their touch is inauspicious. In Skand Purana, great Rishi Agastya has said, 'In all inauspicious objects, a widow is most inauspicious, therefore, if she is not in nearer relation, a wise man should not touch a widow.' Further, in the same scripture, it is said, 'The blessings of a widow are like poison of a snake, if seen her on a departure out side, it definitely brings one's death.' As Shloka has 'etc' suffixed to touch,therefore, a conversation or ligher talk too should not take place with such woman.

Shlock 136

English

They shall never stay alone in a lonely place even with their young mother, sister or daughter, except in emergencies and shall never give away in alms their wives to anybody.

Gujarati

અને તે ગૃહસ્‍થાશ્રમી પુરુષ તેમણે યુવા અવસ્‍થાને યુકત એવી જે પોતાની મા, બહેન અને દિકરી તે સંગાથે પણ આપત્‍કાળ વિના એકાંત સ્‍થળને વિષે ન કહેવું અને પોતાની સ્‍ત્રીનું દાન કોઇને ન કરવું.

Explanation

Young mother means mother who is in her stage of youth. Mother, sister and daughter with them. The man should not stay alone with them in a lonely place except in the adverse times. Means, during adverse times, when there is no alternative place to stay at, one may stay with them in such lonely place in accordance to place and time, but at the barest minimum. Even if there is no lonelyness, the company of woman is always a tantalizing affair. It may rock the steadiness of mind in such loneliness. Therefore, a spiritually wise should not create such occasion. Shrimad Bhagwat has said, 'Realy, the woman is like fire and man is like a pot filled with butter-oil. One should not stay alone even with his daughter, if on call of time, such loneliness has become a need of time, it should scaled off to bare minimum.' 'One should not share a single seat with his mother, sister or daughter, because the bunch of the senses is so powerful that it has defeated great scholars.' Moreover, the Kashi Khand of Skand Purans says, 'Don't stay in seclusion with your mother, sister or daughter, because the senses are tempting the scholars.' A Man should not donate his wife as a donation, because such act of donating breaks faithfulness of one's wife and such act generates the sin. Therefore, she can not be given to anybody. In Dan Mayukh of Skand Purana, it is said, 'Evan in the greatest trouble, one should not donate these nine things : whole wealth if he has progeny, his wife, one who is in his refuge, deposits of others, securities, income of the clan, securities taken for others, women's property and son's property. An unwise, who donates any from these nine, has to undergo an atonement for self purification.

Shlock 137

English

They shall never keep close relation with a woman who has any kind of relation with a king.

Explanation

'Those' stands for 'my followers'. Know this well. The women who have open or secret connections with rulers or such occasions with the ruler, means the connections like visiting harem of a ruler. One should not talk to such woman, should not come close to them. No relations should be kept with such lady. Rajdharm Teeka says that a woman who has connection with a ruler through a queen, through a messenger or independently, should not be dealt with.

Shlock 138

English

They shall receive the guests who come to their house and offer them food etc. with hospitality as far as they can. And they shall offer Poojas to Gods and Shraddha to the ancestors (parents and grand parents dead) as prescribed in the Shastras.

Gujarati

અને તે ગૃહસ્‍થાશ્રમી તેમણે પોતાને ઘેર આવ્‍યો એવો જે અતિથિ તેને પોતાના સામર્થ્ય પ્રમાણે અન્‍નાદિકે કરીને પુજવો અને વળી હોમાદિક જે દેવકર્મ અને શ્રાદ્વાદિક જે પિતૃકર્મ તે જેતે પોતાના સામર્થ્ય પ્રમાણે યથાવિધિ જેમ ઘટે તેમ કરવું.

Explanation

''They' means householders. Atithi means the one who has arrived suddenly or unexpectedly without any fixed date or time but with a desire for food. There is difference between Atithi and Abhyagata. Atithi the unexpected visitor has no fixed time or day for his visit. He comes all of a sudden and with an exception for food and eatables. Word Atithi indules all types of beggars and expectants of food. Skand Puran says : A traveller on his path, one whose food stocks have finished, a learner, a supporter of a Guru, an ascetic, and a celibate, these six are called religiously sustain on alms. Those should be given satisfaction by offering food and water within personal capacity. Kashi Khanda says : Punyas earned by donating a cow equals the punyas earned by offering food and water to a deserving beggar of alm. Parashar Smriti says: He pleased his God by offering Poojan with love to the Atithi. Bhagwat says : Poor and gentle householders are fortunate, as their houses, water, food, seats, earth householder himself, his wife and children earns the pleasure of serving to Sat-Purushas. The palatial houses and wealth if not graced by lotus fee of saintly persons, become like trees with ancient burrows. The householders descends to the depth of hell and house becomes like a burrow of jackal, if an Atithi arrived to his house is not welcomed even with a bowl of water. Insulting an Atithi, consigns one to hell. It is said, 'A householder jealous and devilish towards an Atithi, attracts sin for his eyes and when consigned such householder to hell, and vultures, and other big birds tear apart his eye-balls by theis steel like beak.' 'If an Atithi turns back with disheartened spirit from the place of a householder, the punyas of such householder could be destroyed in no time. Smriti says : 'One should undergo ablative chandrayan Vratt, if he eats food without offering it to those ascetics and celibates eating cooked alms.' Aapad Dharma chapter of Shanti Parva supports even welcome of an enimy : 'If an enimy has come to the house, he should be welcomed properly, as like a tree not withdrawing his shade from such man who has come there to cut it.' Godly means the acts related to God - offerings and worship to Lord Brahm, Vaishvadeva etc rituals. Shraddha means offering of water, food and other things to the Brahmins in honour of manes - to please manes. These rituals and acts should be performed as per personal capacity - and as per personal right of doing so. For example if father is alive than as per that capacity and right and if not surviving, then in light of that capacity and right. Also refer Dharma Shastra to know about the justness of the act during an ailment and during a good physical state. An unintelligent man who is not performing acts towards Gods and manes in accordance to his wealth loses all his punyas and consigns himself to the hell, there is no doubt in it. Here, according to Shudra Kamalakar, the householders of Shudra community, should utter only the names in the rites to Gods and manes as they are not authorized to chant Vedic hymns . Spiritually wise Parashar says about Shraddha : Shudras should satisfy Brahmins by uncooked food, then should offer Poojan to them and after rites to the manes, such shudra householder should offer food to the people of his own caste. According to Kamalakar, such Brahmin boy who have not been given sacred threads, women and shudra etc should be given a side cloth for Savya and Apasavya sacred-threads. The shudras should not ask Brahmins to cook food and have it there at that place during the rites to manes at the place of a Shudra, but the Shudra instead of offering cooked food, should offer uncooked double food to the Brahmins in riluals to manes. Vishnu and Ushanas have said, 'Satshudras are not allowed to offer cooked food in rites to manes, as such food to the Brahmins attract sins for a Satshudra and destroys his rewards of rites to manes.' Sumant has said, 'Shudras should perform Shraddha always with uncooked food.' 'Uncooked food should be double in quantity and gold should be four times in amount.' Shadatrishan school in Dharma Pradeep says : 'The uncooked food of the offering to brahmins to please shudras mane if accepted by a Brahmin from a shudra , does not make any harm to such Brahmin with a family.' 'Uncooked food which comes from shudra for the rites to manes, should be accepted by a Brahmin as a one day meal and should be taken in that much quantity, but such offering should not be consumed in a routine or in the daily rituals.' Angira Muni has said in Shuddhi Tattva, 'Shudra's grains arrived in a Brahmin's house is always pure and holy.' Parashar Muni has said, 'Shudras grains remain as the grains belonging to Shudrit, until a Brahmin touches it. Brahmin should sprinkle purifying water on the grains from a Shudra brought to his house and should accept it.

Shlock 139

English

All my followers during their lifetime shall serve their parents, Guru and ailing person, according to their ability.

Explanation

My followers should serve their real and step mother, father, Guru (preceptor) for whole life, within their capacity. Manu Maharaj has said, 'the pains and troubles tolerated by the parents on birth of a child can not be repaid by a service for the century. Therefore one should please his parents and his Acharya - preceptor. All penance merges in the pleasure of those three. The service extended to these three is called penance.

These three Vedas are called three fires. Bhagwan has said in Bhagwat, 'The man can not repay the obligations even in a century of his manes, who have given him the body and have nourished it. The son who has wealth and has physical power, if fails in looking after his ancestors, eats his own meat, after the death. 'The man who is strong and powerful, but shall be like a living dead, if he does not look after his aged parents, faithful wife, younger son, preceptor and a surrendered one. To serve his preceptor and father is a religious duty of a virtuous son. All these are the words of the deities, in relation to service. Skand Puran has said, 'The perceptor and father should be served regularly. The man who does not serve them as per his personal capacity suffers hellish pain in Raurav Hell. In Mitakshara treatise of Vyavaharadhyaya of Yagyavalkya it is prescribed by Narada that the son opposing his parents should not be given his due share of succession. 'The real son who has become a minor sinner or, an opponent of the father or, a fallen one or has become inpotent can not receive a share in the property of his father, then how could a step son could get a share? Further, serve to the ailing people, within personal capacity. Ailing includes weapon injuries, and its pain. Parashar Smriti says,' The people suffering due to pains of illness, fire and weapons should be served mercifully within one's personal capacity by the food, water, medicine and personal services. Yagyavalkya has compared the service of helping an ailing man with the donation of a cow. Both these earn equal amount of Punya: to carry a tired person, to serve a sick person, to worship God, to offer an honoured wash to sacred feet of a Brahmin and to clean left-overs are the acts equivalent to Go-daan.

Shlock 140

English

They shall follow vocation just befitting to their class and Ashram. Those who follow agriculture for maintenance shall not castrate their bullocks.

Gujarati

અને વળી પોતાના વર્ણાશ્રમને ઘટિત એવો જે ઉદ્યમ તે પોતાના સામર્થ્ય પ્રમાણે કરવો અને કૃષિવૃતિવાળા જે ગૃહસ્‍થ સત્‍સંગી તેમણે બળદિયાના વૃષણનો ઉચ્‍છેદ ન કરવો.

Explanation

(My followers) Befitting their Asharam (life stage) and Varna (caste) means Brahmin etc castes and householders (Grihastha) etc life stages. In accordance to both these, - befitting both these. One should earn wealth. They should not use more strength or energy in earning if they are weak energy wise. And should not use less energy or strength in earning if they are strong and energetic. Failing which, they would be drawn up to suicide under criticism and insults from the people. Yagyavalkya has said, 'One should act in confirmation to his age, intelligence, words, meaning, scriptures and personal acts and should maintain a criticism free and forcefree tendency.' Vidurji has said, 'Those are wise and intelligent who think in the term of their personal capacity, act as per their strength, does not desire for impossible, does not grieve for a perished one and are not imbalanced in the state of great troubles'. The acts performed by God and saints should not be practiced by a religious minded man, and such man should not pass derogatory comments on listening about such acts. 'Oh King! The man who thinks enough and acts within his capacity with complete knowledge attains benediction.' Above are the words of advice from Parashar Muni. And Laghu Chanakya says: An imroper beginning of a task a conflict with the relations, a competition with a stronger one and trust in a women are the four gates of death.' Here word task or work is not limited to worldly acts, but should be considered in a larger perspective of improving life after death. Vidurji has said, 'The work through a day should be such that it gives peaceful sleep for a night and work of the first eight months of an year should be such that it gives pleasure in the rest four months of monsoon.' Such acts should be performed in the first phase of life, which give pleasure in the last phase of life. And such acts should be performed during the life, that gives pleasure in the life after death. Those who are living on agriculture or farming, means those who are Vaishya (traders and business community) and Brahmins also, should not indulge in an act of cutting testicles of a bull. Respected Parashar has said, 'The bull with a steady body, healthy, fully satisfied, and with testicles but not impotent or startling should be used in farming.

Shlock 141

English

They shall, at proper seasons save and store money and food-grains sufficient to their future requirements, according to their ability. Those who own cattle shall store sufficient stock of fodder also.

Gujarati

અને તે ગૃહસ્‍થ સત્‍સંગી તેમણે પોતાના સામર્થ્ય પ્રમાણે સમયને અનુસરીને જેટલો પોતાના ઘરમાં વરો હોય તેટલા અન્‍ન-દ્રવ્‍યનો સંગ્રહ જે તે કરવો, અને જેના ઘરમાં પશુ હોય એવા જે ગૃહસ્‍થ તેમણે પોતાના સામર્થ્ય પ્રમાણે ચાર્યપૂળાનો સંગ્રહ કરવો.

Explanation

As per annual capacity of consumption, they should accumulate food, grains and wealth. They should do it within their personal capacity and strength. That should be done at an appropriate time for doing so. The time when food - grains are produced and being sold, at that time those should be stored for the annual requirements. Otherwise, may have to spend more in later time to fulfill the needs of family, as the food grains shall be costlier in a later time. In similar way, the money should be received and accumulated at a proper time. Those who have been domesticating cattle, should accumulate and store fodder for future provision. That should be purchased and stored at a convenient time, when prices are less. This does not require any proof or support as the results are visible by a householder.

Shlock 142

English

Cows and other cattle shall be maintained only if they can take care properly with fodder, water etc. but not otherwise.

Explanation

Cow etc. means animals like cow, horse, buffalo etc all domesticated animals. As this contains 'etc', birds like parrot and others are to be included. And fodder etc should be treated as the food required by such birds etc. For example, a fish would need some cooked grains, soaked flour or such things in small amount. Birds would be needing some grains. Thus according to their food habits, the fodder is to be kept available. Like food - fodder - the water too should be made available to all such animals. If one has the capacity to provide fodder and water as required daily by an animal, one should domesticate the animals, but if one can not provide so to the animals regularly, should stop domesticating the animals. If it is not possible to fulfill their requirements in food and water, such animals should be given away to others for to domesticate them. Majesty of the man vanishes with the pains of hunger, thirst, physical pain and odd placement of the animals. The thirsty animals tied to a nail, physically matured daughter and stuffless deities destroy the punyas of a householder man. These are the evils described in the scriptures. The ways to taks care of animals may be referred in Parashara Smriti.

Shlock 143

English

They shall never enter into any transaction regarding land and/or money even with their own sons and friends, without putting it in writing with proper attestation.

Explanation

'With witness' means in physical presence and with signature of that person. It should be in written form. Nothing should be transacted without these two conditions. Not even with a son, a friend or a relative. Land and money means fields, farms, houses, housing land, money and precious things neither are to be given nor to be taken without a witness and a written procedure. Here it is meant that first a document should be made and thereafter such transaction should be carried out. Thus a witness has been defined by Yagyavalkya: There should be atleast three witnesses possessing virtues like penance, donation, noble family, truthfulness, religious, strait forward, father of a male child, and rich, also should be either a Shrot and Smarta in their religious rituals. Their caste and class should be in accordance to transactees. For example in case of a enthroned King, the witnesses should be the Kings. In case of a Brahmin, the witnesses should be a Brahmin. Yagyavalkya explains the attributes of a documents of such transaction: one who is expert in finance, and with natural interest, when deals with a rich man, such dealing may be called document. This document must contain names, year, month, fortnight, day, date, caste, class and companions. Father's names also should be noted. At the end of such document, the debtor himself in his handwriting must write: As stated above in this document. I am the son of Mr. So and So. I accept this fact. The witnesses too, should write in their own handwriting that they are witness to this transaction and should place their fullname with their father's name. And the debtor if not literate, should stand there with someone, other than those who are witness to it, and through that man should write his witness. Now Laghu Chanakya says about the attributes of a writer: The writer of such a document should be intelligent, smart, steady, brief and political.

Shlock 144

English

They shall make transaction regarding money to be paid in connection with marriage of themselves or others, in writing with proper attestation; but shall never do it orally.

Explanation

In marriage of himself and in marriage of others, the money or property given as dowry should not be given without witness and document. In no case such transaction should be made orally. First of all, a document should be made to that effect with the witnesses and marriage procedures should only be undertaken thereafter, failing which a conflict will lake place between the parties.

Shlock 145

English

They shall always spend only within the limit of their income. They shall keep it in mind clearly that non-adherence to this policy will lead to distress.

Gujarati

અને પોતાની ઉપજનું જે દ્રવ્‍ય તેને અનુસારે નિરંતર ખરચ કરવો પણ તે ઉપરાંત ન કરવો અને જે ઉપજ કરતા વધારે ખરચ કરે છે તેને મોટું દુઃખ થાય છે એમ સર્વે ગૃહસ્‍થોએ મનમાં જાણવું.

Explanation

Income means the money and wealth produced. It should be monitored well. It should be spent or used with its proper relation and reference to the income. In other words, the expenses should be made with proper context of the amount of income. There should be neither a misery nor an over spending resulting into a debt. The expenses made without considering the bulk of income, invite great pains. The troubles created by the man from whom some thing has been borrowed or purchased and not paid back or returned to him, becomes unbearable for a borrower. Know this well. Therefore, a householder should spend less than his income. It is a perfect suggestion. Moreover, seasoned thinker Chanakya has said, 'It is a wise step to spend less than the income.' The one who has income of the four, if spends five or six, definitely invites a fall from his religion. Kamandak Niti-Shastra says: one who brings things from here and there and thus overspends, has to consume poison to kill himself, due to the pressure form the lenders.

Shlock 146

English

Recollecting their income and expenses incurred during routine and/or special transactions, they shall daily write clearly in their own hands, an account thereof.

Explanation

In all his dealing in income and expenses, one should recall very well each such dealing each such day of dealing and should note it down neatly and in legible handwriting himself. It should be in good Akshara (meaning : alphabets - letters). Word Akshar thus, has two meanings one is 'writings' and another is 'Moksha' (emancipation). It should be written by himself, not by others. Getting it noted by others may cheat him. In Rajdharma treatise in Niti Shastra, it is said that cheater document-writers write the documents in a language of dual meaning and in illegible handwriting that deceive an owner by taking away his money.

Shlock 147

English

They shall offer to Shree Krishna one tenth of the income received through their occupations. Householders with limited sources of income may offer one twentieth of it.

Gujarati

અને તે ગૃહસ્‍થાશ્રમી સત્‍સંગી તેમણે પોતાની જે વૃતિ અને ઉદ્યમ તે થકી પામ્‍યુ જે ધન ધાન્‍યાદિક તે થકી દશમો ભાગ કાઢીને શ્રીકૃષ્‍ણભગવાનને અર્પણ કરવો. અને જે વ્‍યવહારે દુર્બળ હોય તેમણે વીશમો ભાગ અર્પણ કરવો.

Explanation

The economic activities (and earning that of ) which is carried out without disturbing own religion. The money earned through such economic activity or business or other profession includes money, food grains and agricultural products like cotton and grass-fodder, as there is word 'etc' suffixed to word earning. The tenth part of such earning. As per Kaiyyat the word 'Samkhya' (number) itself is a word giving complete meaning like word 'Tribhag'. And thereafter, poet Magh, while describing lines on forehead has used word "Trilochanam" in the fourth line of that Shloka. Poet Harsh too uses "Tribhaga". In his Sarvakashaya treatise, Poet Mallinath uses "Tridivadavaantare". Such tenth part should be dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna, should be given to the personal God in the temple. And those who are weak economically, means those who have lasser income and greater expenses, should give twentieth part of their income. The money does not become pure if such tenth or twentieth part of earning is not given to God. Shrimad Bhagwat has said, 'The people, desirous of manifoldned increase in their income and wealth should donate money to Lord Shri Krishna - who is soul of all living beings, blissful and complete in Himself. Yagyavalkya Muni has said in his Jivika Vritti: Vaishya (class of traders and businessmen) and Kshatriya (class of worriers) too should do holy-fires, study Vedas and give donations. Moreover, the Brahmins should receive such donations, should organize holy-fires and should teach Vedas. In addition, the Kshatriyas, should in their major responsibility or duty, protect people and Vaishyas should deal in money lending, agriculture, farming, trading, animal husbandry etc. Shudras should serve to the twice-born classes, and if the earning through such service is not enough for his living, should do trading or sculpturing in interest of twice-born class. Deval Rishi has listed some other jobs for Shudras: The ethical duties of Shudras - to serve twice - borns, to discard sinful acts, to grow saplings of paddy, to breed domestic animals, to carry luggage and goods, to buy and sell, to draw and paint, to dance, to sing, to play musical instruments. Moksha Dharma says, 'By doing the works not attracting criticism, or by earning the wealth by the knowledge earned on paying money for that or by doing the works prescribed by Brahmarshi or by getting precious stones from the mountains, or by getting the wealth from deities by pleasing them through holy-fires, a householder should earn wealth and should perform his householder duties by such earning. The works fixed by Brahmarshi means the holy-fires etc activities prescribed by Yagyavalkya Muni and other great Rishis. Precious stones from a mountain means - diamond and other jewels, gold, and natural medicines. As per Shrimad Bhagwat such wealth received from the mountain, is purified by donating it to Lord Shri Krishna. The earth with the time, the child with a bath, wealth without of holy fire purified by ablution, sense organs by the penance, Brahmins with a Yagya, things with a donation it, mind by the satisfaction and soul becomes purified with inner knowledge. Shuddhi Vivek says: wealth becomes pure by a donation. The donation should be made to a proper person. Daan khanda says: Donate to a just person. And such justification is most proper for Lord Shri Krishna. Lord Shri Krishna is the best as a receiver of the donation, as per Bhagwat. Naradaji says in Shrimad Bhagwat, 'Oh King! Lord Shri Hari is the only entity pervading whole cosmos - mobile and immovable. Among Devarshi's and Sanakas and other. Sat Purusha, the worship as the greatest and just goes to Bhagwan , Bhagwan is most worship able among everything. Moreover, Brahmins too have been ranked at the equal level as devotees of Bhagwan. 'Oh King! In men, know the Brahmins as the best, as they have attained knowledge of Vedas by penance , knowledge and satisfaction. The Vedas are the limbs of Shri Hari.' Daan Mayukh describes measurement of such donation.' Three parts of wealth should be considered for livelihood and two parts should be considered for religious works, because life is uncertain.' Hemadri interprets this in following manner: Whole wealth should be divided in five equal parts and then three parts of this wealth should be considered for livelihood and rest two parts should be considered for religious works, in accordance to the wealth. Bharat says about weak and misers: Those who have ten cows should donate one cow, those who have a hundred cows should donate ten cows, those who have a thousand cows should donate one hundred cows, they all earn equal punya. Hemadri has said that as given in the example of cows, wealth too should be considered on the same line. Those who are weaker than these people, Parashar has suggested like this: A farmer becomes fault free if he gives sixth part to the king, twentieth part to God and thirty third part to a Brahmin.' Here word 'farmer' applies to everybody. A part, in the like manner, if not been given away, then the use of such impure earning or wealth destroys his devotion, religion and knowledge and miseries of such man never ends.

Shlock 148

English

They shall perform ceremonial observance of all Vratas, such as Ekadashi and other according to their means as laid down in the Shastras, for such observance yields desired results.

Explanation

The Vrattas in which Ekadashi is main Vratta. The word 'etc' suffixed to word Ekadashi, therefore, one lac wicks, one lac Pradakshina (circling God's inner temple with meditational prayer), chanting Namaskar hymn and Purasharan etc are included in these Vrattas. These Vratta give desired fruits to the doer of these Vratta. The closing ceremony means the rituals to be performed at the end of Vratta to complete it. According to Vrattark and Vratraj procedure, one should conclude Vratta by donating cow and gold etc, after offering sumptuous food to Brahmins, should offer worship - Poojan to his personal God in accordance to the scriptures and within his personal capacity. If one fails to conclude Vratta according to scriptural procedure, the Vratta becomes futile. Nandi Purana says that Vratta should be ceremonial concluded either in the beginning or in the middle or in the end of Vratta. The Vratta is not fruitful without closing ceremony. Where there is no specified procedure of closing ceremony or concluding ceremony, the Vratta in such cases should be concluded by offering Maha Pooja to Bhagwan, sumptuous food to the Brahmins with donation of a cow and gold.

Shlock 149

English

They themselves or through someone else shall perform or get performed with love the worship (puja) of Shri Mahadev with leaves of Bilva tree (Angle marmaloss) in the month of Shravan.

Explanation

Either the devotee himself or a holy Brahmin on the behalf of the devotee, should perform with respect and with Poojan items such as Bilva tree leaves as main thing, the Poojan of Lord Shiva in sacred month of Shravana. Shiva-Puran says for this: The devotees worshipping Lord Shiva during Shravana month with Mahabhishekam and tender leaves of Bilva tree attain everything in this Loka and in the Loka other than this. This Poojan Vidhi is permissible through a holy Brahmin, but in no case, the month of Shravan should go without such Poojan-worship of Lord Shiva . Padma Purana says: Lord Vishnu should be worshipped with lotus flower and Tulsi leaf during sacred month of Kartika, and Lord Shiva should be worshipped with tender leaves of Bilva tree in the month of Shravana. while offering Bilva-Patra, the hymn of Lord Shiva's sacred name should be chanted with each, such offering. The man worshipping Lord Shiva with devotional fervor and in this manner, attains Moksha with divine bliss. For more details on this topic one may refer to Shravan Mahatmya. For those who are weak, for them, upanmanyu says: Those who do darshan of Lord Shiva in pradosh period of Shravan, attain all desired fruits of Shiva Poojan.

Shlock 150

English

They shall not borrow money from their Acharya or from the temple of Lord Shree Krishna nor shall they borrow from them any utensils, ornaments or garments or such other things for their personal use.

Gujarati

અને પોતાના જે આચાર્ય તે થકી તથા શ્રીકૃષ્‍ણ ભગવાનનાં જે મંદિર તે થકી કરજ ન કાઢવું, અને વળી તે પોતાના આચાર્ય થકી અને શ્રીકૃષ્‍ણનાં મંદિર થકી પોતાના વ્‍યવહારને અર્થે પાત્ર, ઘરેણા અને વસ્‍ત્રાદિક જે વસ્‍તુ, તે માગી લાવવા નહિ.

Explanation

Angira Muni has said: "No debt should be made unless there is risk to the life, and should stay away from the wealth of God, by treating it like poison." For social affairs means for marriage ceremony and other social celebrations. Utensils means huge cooking-ware used in community Kitchen. Ornaments means ear rings and other ornaments and jewelry, clothes and vehicles. May be all these together or separate as single item, may be from Acharya or from a temple, but should not be taken or borrowed. Because such borrowing for a time being is like incurring a debt. This is the core of the meaning. Shloka has suffixed etc to the list of items, therefore the things, even like bricks, should not be borrowed. Yama Raja says in Prayashchitam: The householders should not take bricks, stones, timber, steel etc from the temple for their houses, if they take such things, they have to undergo hellish pains.' Further it says, 'A householder should not take cloth, utensils, money or grain etc anything from his God or preceptor or a brahmin or a penant but if such things are given in return of any service, then there is no objection. Also there is no objection if those have been given with due insistence. To give with insistence means to give it forever.