4. And let those Naish.thika Brahmaçârîs (that is to say, those
Brahmans who continue Brahma-çârîs or celibates all their lives),
the chief among whom is Mukundânanda, and those G.rihasthas
(householders), such as Mayârâma-Bha.t.ta, and other of my
followers;
5. And let those women, whether wives or widows, who have become
my disciples, and the whole number of holy men (Sâdhus), such as
Muktânanda and others;
6. Let all these (persons) constantly give heed to my prayers
for their perpetual continuance in their own proper duties--(my
prayers) offered up with repetition of the name K.rish.na
(Nârâya.na), and in accordance with the sacred scriptures.
(Literally--Let my benedictory words which keep them in their own
duties be always read by all these persons accompanied by
repetition of the name of K.rish.na, and approved by the
Šâstras.)
7. Let this Letter of directions, which has important objects
(to be hereafter enumerated), and which promotes the welfare of
all living beings, be studied with perfect concentration of mind
by all these (persons).
8. Those (virtuous) persons who conform to the good usages
enjoined by the sacred Šâstras will always enjoy great happiness
both in this world and in that which is to come.
9. But those evil-minded persons who wilfully transgress such
(good usages) will certainly suffer great misery in this world as
well as in the next.
10. Therefore let all of you who are my disciples always remain
careful and well-contented in the observance of this (Book of
directions).
11. Let no followers of mine ever intentionally kill any living
thing whatever--not even a louse, flea, or the most minute
insect.
12. The killing of any animal such as a goat, etc., for the
purpose of sacrificing to the Gods and Pit.ris, must not be
practised; because it is declared, that abstinence from injury to
others is the highest of all duties.
13. The killing of any human being in any way, at any place, for
any object, (even) for the sake of acquiring a wife, wealth, or
political supremacy, is wholly prohibited.
14. Suicide at a sacred place of pilgrimage, or from passion,
either by hanging, or by poison in consequence of the commission
of a criminal act [Footnote: A father sometimes kills himself
because a criminal act has been committed by a member of his
family], is prohibited.
15. Flesh meat should never be eaten, not even that which
remains of a sacrifice. Spirituous liquor of any kind should
never be drunk, not even that presented to the Gods.
16. If an unlawful act has been committed anywhere by one's self
or any other person, no member either of one's own or any other
person's body should be on that account mutilated with a weapon
of any kind through anger.
17. All theft is prohibited, even that which is committed under
pretence of contributing to religious purposes; nor must such
things as wood and flowers that have an owner ever be abstracted
without his permission.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account