The Law of Manu - Monier Williams

I now endeavor to give, as literally as possible, a metrical version of some of Manu’s most noteworthy precepts, selected from different parts of the Code, under the four heads of Achara, ‘rules of conduct;’ Vyavahara, ‘rules of government and judicature;’ Prayas-chitta, ‘penance;’ Karmaphala, ‘rewards and punishments of acts.’

Achara, ‘rules of conduct’

A Brahman from exalted birth is called

A god among the gods, and is a measure

Of truth for all the world, so says the Veda (XI.84).

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Knowledge¹, descending from her home divine

Said to a holy Brahman, I am come

To be thy cherished treasure, trust me not

To scorners, but to careful guardians,

Pure, self-restrained, and pious; so in them

I shall be gifted with resistless power (II.114,115).

***

The man with hoary head is not revered

As aged by the gods, but only he

Who has true knowledge; he, though young, is old (II.156).

***

End Notes:

1. In II. 117 knowledge is divided into three parts –– 1, Laukika, `secular;’ 2. Vaidika, `Vedic;’ 3. Adhyatmika, `spiritual’ or that which relates to soul.

© "Indian Wisdom or Examples of the Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Doctrines of the Hindus" by Monier Williams, published by Rupa & Co, 7/16 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110 002.

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