Monday, September 3, 2007

Apastamba-sutra Part 58

1. A (king) who, without detriment to his servants, gives land and money to Brâhmanas according to their desires gains endless worlds. 1
2. They say (that) a king, who is slain in attempting to recover the property of Brâhmanas, (performs) a sacrifice where his body takes the place of the sacrificial post, and at which an unlimited fee is given.
3. Hereby have been declared (the rewards of) other heroes, who fall fighting for a (worthy) cause.

Village administration

4. He shall appoint men of the first three castes, who are pure and truthful, over villages and towns for the protection of the people. 4
5. Their servants shall possess the same qualities.
6. They must protect a town from thieves in every direction to the distance of one yogana.
7. (They must protect the country to the distance of) one krosa from each village.
8. They must be made to repay what is stolen within these (boundaries).
9. The (king) shall make them collect the lawful taxes (sulka). 9
10. A learned Brâhmana is free from taxes,
11. And the women of all castes,
12. And male children before the marks (of puberty appear),
13. And those who live (with a teacher) in order to study,
14. And those who perform austerities, being intent on fulfilling the sacred law,
15. And a Sûdra who lives by washing the feet,
16. Also blind, dumb, deaf, and diseased persons (as long as their infirmities last),
17. And those to whom the acquisition of property is forbidden (as Sannyâsins).
18. A young man who, decked with ornaments, enters unintentionally (a place where) a married woman or a (marriageable) damsel (sits), must be reprimanded.
19. But he does it intentionally with a bad purpose, he must be fined. 19
20. If he has actually committed adultery, his organ shall be cut off together with the testicles.
21. But (if he has had intercourse) with a (marriageable) girl, his property shall be confiscated and he shall be banished.
22. Afterwards the king must support (such women and damsels),
23. And protect them from defilement.
24. If they agree to undergo the (prescribed) penance, he shall make them over to their (lawful) guardians.

Next part
http://grihyasutras.blogspot.com/2007/09/apastamba-sutra-part-59.html

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