Sunday, September 2, 2007

Apastamba-sutra Part 36

1. Near the bed (a Bali must be offered) with (a Mantra) addressed to Kâma (Cupid).
2. On the door-sill (a Bali must be placed) with (a Mantra) addressed to Antariksha (the air). 2
3. With (the Mantra) that follows (in the Upanishad, he offers a Bali) near the door.
4. With the following (ten Mantras, addressed to Earth, Air, Heaven, Sun, Moon, the Constellations, Indra, Brihaspati, Pragâpati, and Brahman, he offers ten Balis, each following one to the east of the preceding one), in (the part of the house called) the seat of Brahma.
5. He shall offer to the south (of the Balis offered before, a Bali) with a Mantra addressed to the Manes; his sacrificial cord shall be suspended over the right shoulder, and the (palm of his right hand shall be turned upwards and) inclined to the right.
6. To the north (of the Bali given to the Manes, a Bali shall be offered) to Rudra, in the same manner as to the (other) gods. 6
7. The sprinkling with water (which precedes and follows the oblation) of these two (Balis, takes place) separately, on account of the difference of the rule (for each case).
8. At night only he shall offer (the Bali to the Goblins), throwing it in he air and reciting the last (Mantra). 8
9. He who devoutly offers those (above-described), to the rules, (obtains) Balis and Homas), according eternal bliss in heaven and prosperity.
10. And (after the Balis have been performed, a portion of the food) must first be given as alms. 10
11. He shall give food to his guests first, 11
12. And to infants, old or sick people, female (relations, and) pregnant women. 12
13. The master (of the house) and his wife shall not refuse a man who asks for food at the time (when the Vaisvadeva offering has been performed).
14. If there is no food, earth, water, grass, and a kind word, indeed, never fall in the house of a good man. Thus (say those who know the law). 14
15. Endless worlds are the portion (of those householders and wives) who act thus.
16. To a Brâhmana who has not studied the Veda, a seat, water, and food must be given. But (the giver) shall not rise (to do him honour).
17. But if (such a man) is worthy of a salutation (for other reasons), he shall rise to salute him.
18. Nor (shall a Brâhmana rise to receive) a Kshatriya or Vaisya (though they may be learned).
19. If a Sûdra comes as a guest (to a Brâhmana), he shall give him some work to do. He may feed him, after (that has been performed).
20. Or the slaves (of the Brâhmana householder) shall fetch (rice) from the royal stores, and honour the Sûdra as a guest.
21. (A householder) must always wear his garment over (his left shoulder and under his right arm).
22. Or he may use a cord only, slung over his left shoulder and passed under his right arm, instead of the garment.
23. He shall sweep together (the crumbs) on the place where he has eaten, and take them away. He shall sprinkle water on that place, turning the palm downwards, and remove the stains (of food from the cooking-vessels with a stick), wash them with water, and take their contents to a clean place to the north (of the house, offering them) to Rudra. In this manner his house will become prosperous.
24. It is declared in the Smritis that a Brâhmana alone should be chosen as teacher (or spiritual guide).
25. In times of distress a Brâhmana may study under a Kshatriya or Vaisya.
26. And (during his pupilship) he must walk behind (such a teacher).
27. Afterwards the Brâhmana shall take precedence before (his Kshatriya or Vaisya teacher).

http://grihyasutras.blogspot.com/2007/09/apastamba-sutra-part-37.html

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