Repairing to that very asylum
whither he had lived in his former birth, he practised very severe
penances. As the consequence of all this, O foremost of kings, that
Brahmana succeeded in attaining to the highest success. He became an
object of veneration with all the ascetics that dwelt in that asylum. In
this way, O best of monarchs, that regenerate Rishi fell into great
distress. Unto Sudras, therefore, the Brahmanas should never give
instructions. Hence, O king, the Brahmana should avoid imparting
instructions (to such as are low-born), for it was by imparting
instruction to a low-born person a Brahmana came to grief. O best of
kings, the Brahmana should never desire to obtain instruction from, or
impart instruction to, a person that belongs to the lowest order.
Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas, the three orders, are regarded as
twice-born. By imparting instruction unto these, a Brahmana does not
incur any fault. They, therefore, that are good, should never discourse
on any subject, for imparting any instruction, before persons of the
inferior order. The course of morality is exceedingly subtile and
incapable of being comprehended by persons of uncleansed souls. It is for
this reason that ascetics adopt the vow of silence, and being respected
by all, pass through Diksha (initiation) without indulging in speech.
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