History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c71.s1.165

v5.c71.s1.165

Manu110a XI. 261-262, Vas 27 1-3, Aṅgiras 101 and other works go so far as to assert that the fire of Veda study consumes guilt caused by evil deeds just as a fire burning strongly consumes even green trees or that a brāhmaṇa who remembers Ṛgveda (studied by him) is not tainted by any guilt, though he may have destroyed the three worlds and have eaten the food of any person whatever But these are simply laudatory (*arthavādas*) and are not to be taken literally, as Vas. 27. 4¹¹¹ (= Aṅgiras 102) gives the warning 'one should not become addicted to (or take pleasure in committing) evil deeds relying on the power of the Veda (stated in some smṛti passages). (The effects of) actions done through ignorance and negligence are alone consumed (by Veda study) and not those of other actions (intentionally done).'