History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v4.c63.t2.914

v4.c63.t2.914

The special modes of maintenance prescribed for brāhmaṇas were receiving gifts, teaching the Veda and officiating as priests (Gaut. X. 2, Āp. Dh. S. II. 5. 10. 5, Manu X. 76, I. 88, Vas. II. 14, Yāj. I. 118). But it was recognised from very ancient times that if a brāhmaṇa could not maintain himself by following the above modes of earning wealth he could in a season of distress pursue the avocations peculiar to a kṣatriya or vaiśya (Gaut. VII. 6-7, Baud. Dh. S. II. 2. 77-81, Vas. II. 22, Manu X. 81-82, Yāj. III. 35)¹⁸⁵⁴. Vide H. of Dh. vol. II. pp. 118-133 for detailed treatment of this matter and for the restrictions imposed even when brāhmaṇas were allowed to follow the avocations of kṣatriyas and vaiśyas. The Kalivarjya prohibition is merely one on paper. From ancient times till now brāhmaṇas have pursued all sorts of avocations and hardly any importance has been attached to this dictum.