Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 275

ABUNDANT CHARITY INCULCATED
235
Truth
confidence in them, and loading them with gifts.
and justice are the foundations on which all his actions
should be based. His leisure moments should be given
up to reading the Dhanur-veda 1 and other sacred works
which he has the right to study, and he should regulate
Humane and
his conduct by the customs of his caste.
generous, he must never refuse to do good to any one,
whoever he may be, and it should be said of no one that
he left a Kshatriya's presence unsatisfied. The best and
3
most honourable way in which he can spend his wealth
to give abundant alms to Brahmins, to build temples
with gopurams, to erect rest-houses and other buildings
for public use on the high-roads, to repair those that are
falling into decay, to sink wells and make reservoirs and
tanks, and to establish chutrams (almshouses for Brahmins)
in many places.
He should do his best to rule his country
with equity, and should keep a careful watch lest he act
unjustly.
He must give to all his subjects their due, and
never exact from them more than what rightfully belongs
In short, his duty is to model his conduct in every-
to him.
thing on the rules laid down in the Dhanna-sastra.'
is
CHAPTER
VII
—
—
—
—
of cleansing the Teeth.
Sandhya, Part — Rules relating to Ablu-
tions. — The Correct Order of Daily Avocations. — Rules to be
followed when Eating and when going to Bed. Sandhya, Part
— Mantrams of which the Sandhya composed. Sandhya for
Morning, Noon, and Evening. — Conclusion. — General Remarks.
The second, or Grahadha, Status of Brahmin. Rules of Life which the
Brahmin Grahastha should daily follow. Introduction. Forms to
be observed when relieving Nature and when Washing. Manner
I.
II.
is
The
greater part of the matter contained in this chapter
not perhaps appear very interesting to some readers.
However, the subject, considered from a philosophical
point of view, seemed to me to be curious, and I think
that many will forgive the prolix details that I am about
to give for the sake of learning more exactly what the
customs of the Brahmins really are. I have gleaned these
will
details
of Brahmin
them in parts
from the great book
karma.
I shall classify
1
ritual called Nittia-
and
This Veda treats of the science of archery.
sections, as
Ed.
is