History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v2.c20.102

v2.c20.102

The smṛtis teach that brāhmaṇas doing certain things are to be treated as śūdras. For example, Baud.²⁹² Dh. S. (II. 4. 20) requires a religious king to employ brāhmaṇas who do not perform the morning and evening adoration (*saṁdhyā*) in doing work appropriate to śūdras. Vas.²⁹³ Dh. S. (III. 1-2) says that brāhmaṇas who are not śrotriyas (learned in the Veda), who do not teach the veda or who do not kindle the sacred fires become reduced to the status of śūdras and quotes a Mānava śloka (Manu II. 168) 'that a brāhmaṇa who without studying the Veda works hard to master something else is quickly reduced while still living to the status of a śūdra together with his family.' Manu (VIII. 102 = Baud. Dh. S. I.