Excerpts from Apastamba dharma sUtra

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Dear bhAgavatAs,

Here are a few excerpts from Ap. Dh. Su., with Buhler's translation

and wherever applicable, my insertion for clarification with ("

and "). (Buhler considers the line starting with "athAtO...." as the

first sUtra. I am following Buhler's indexing scheme.

 

1.1.1.9

upanayanam vidyArthasya srutita: samskAra: |

 

The initiation ("upanayanam") is the consecration in accordance with

the texts of the Veda, of a male who is desirous of (and can make use

of) sacred knowledge.

 

1.1.1.10

sarvEbhyO vEdEbhya: sAvitryanUchyata iti hi brAhmaNam |

 

A Brâhmana d("brAhmaNa passage") declares that the Gâyatrî is learnt

for the sake of all the (three) Vedas.

 

1.1.1.27.

There is no dereliction (of duty, if the initiation takes place), in

the case of a Brâhmana before the completion of the sixteenth year,

in the case of a Kshatriya before the completion of the twenty-second

year, in the case of a Vaisya before the completion of the twenty-

fourth year. (Let him be initiated at such an age) that he may be

able to perform the duties, which we shall declare below.

 

1.1.1.28

If the proper time for-the initiation has passed, he shall observe

for the space of two months the duties of a student, as observed by

those who are studying the three Vedas.

 

{The meaning is, he shall keep all the restrictions imposed upon a

student, as chastity, &c, but that he shall not perform the fire-

worship or service to a teacher, nor study. Manu II, 39; XI. 192,

Yâgñ. I, 38; Weber, Ind. Stud. X, 101.}

 

1.1.1.32

He, whose father and grandfather have not been initiated, (and his

two ancestors) are called 'slayers of the Brahman.'

 

{Brahman, here means 'Veda,' and those who neglect its study may be

called metaphorically 'slayers of the Veda.'}

 

1.1.1.33

Intercourse, eating, and intermarriage with them should be avoided.

 

1.1.1.34

If they wish it (they may perform the following) expiation;

 

<expiation left out for brevity>

 

1.1.2.1

For as many years as there are uninitiated persons, reckoning (one

year) for each ancestor (and the person to be initiated himself),

 

1.1.2.2

(They should bathe daily reciting) the seven Pâvamânis, beginning

with 'If near or far,' the Yagushpavitra, ('May the waters, the

mothers purify us,' &c.) the Sâmapavitra, ('With what help assists,'

&c.), and the Angirasapavitra ('A swan, dwelling in purity').

 

{The seven Pâvanânîs are seven verses which occur Rig veda IX, 67, 21-

27. Yagushpavitra=Taitt. Samh. I, 2, 1, 1. The Sâmapavitra is found

Sâma-veda I, 2, 2, 3, 5.Ângirasapavitra=Rig-veda IV, 40, 5.}

 

1.1.2.4

After that (such a person) may be taught (the Veda).

 

1.1.2.5

But those whose great-grandfather's (grandfather's and father's)

initiation is not remembered, are called 'burial-grounds.'

 

1.1.2.6. Intercourse, dining, and intermarriage with them should be

avoided. For them, if they like, the (following) penance (is

prescribed). (Such a man) shall keep for twelve years the rules

prescribed for a student who is studying the three Vedas. Afterwards

he may be initiated. Then he shall bathe, reciting the Pâvamânis and

the other (texts mentioned above, I, 1, 2, 2).

 

 

Observations:

Please pay attention to the 10th sUtra of first patala, first prashna

and first kanda. Not undergoing the upanayanam not only excludes one

from the performance of religious duties, it also debars one's

offsprings from performing those. The offspring atones for the sin of

the ancestor by observing brahmacharya for each year for each

ancestor and reciting mantras etc. etc. (The upanayanam is not

an 'empty ritual' - During the initiation, the student receives the

gAyatrI upadEsham.)

 

Regards,

Kasturi Rangan