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Ramanuja List Archive: Message 00091 Feb 2004

 
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Dear Shri Lakshmi Narasimhan:

One quick clarification on a thing you claimed:

"> Moreover, if those who belong to the 3 varnas claim that 
> sandhyavandanam is a Nithya Karma and needs to be performed as 
> a "ritual" and is a mandate, let me put forth a question. Brahmanas 
> are not supposed to earn, live a luxurious life etc. They must beg 
> and eat (Bhavathi Bhikshaam Dehi?!). "

>From my limited understanding of dharma sUtras, it seems you are 
confusing duties of brahmacharya (an ashrama) with duties 
of 'brAhmaNa' (a varNa). Begging is ordained for all dvijas entering 
brahmacharya Ashrama (not just brAhmans). 

brAhmaNas (as a matter of fact, all other varNas) upon entering 
grhasthAshrama can very well earn money. During untoward situations, 
they can resort to the professions of lower varNas (Apaddharma). 
{Guidelines for how to earn money lawfully is specified in Dh. Su., 
and that is a different topic}. Leading a non-luxurious, pious life 
however still holds.

Regards,
Kasturi Rangan







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