History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c71.s1.161

v5.c71.s1.161

Manu XI. 46 provides that a sin unintentionally committed isexpiated by the recitation of Vedic texts as prayers, but that which men in their folly commit intentionally is expiated by prāyaścitta Manu II 85-87 (which are the same as Vās. 26 9-11 and Viṣṇu Dh S 55. 10-21) lay¹⁰⁸ down: 'the performance of *japa* is ten times more efficacious than the sacrifices (like Darśapūrṇamāsa) prescribed by the rules (of the Veda), *japa* when carried on inaudibly is a hundred times superior (to sacrifices) and mental revolution of mantras is a thousand times superior The four pākayajñas¹⁰⁹ (Vaiśvadeva, *bali*, daily *śrāddha*, and honouring guests) together with the Vedic sacrifices do not come up to even the 16th part of *japa*. A brāhmaṇa attains perfection (the highest goal) by *japa*; he may or may not engage in other duties (such as Vedic sacrifices), a brāhmaṇa befriends all creatures'. Great eulogy is bestowed on the inaudible *japa* of the Gāyatrī *mantra* (Ṛg III. 62 10) for which pp. 303-305 of H of Dh. vol. II may be consulted Where no particular number is specially mentioned the recitation of a mantra is to be performed a hundred times.¹¹⁰