[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930) › v7.c91.86.4 # History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c91.86.4 History of Dharmaśāstra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c91.86.4 - **Language:** English ### [v7.c91.86.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c91.86.4) the sages regard that brāhmaṇa as \*pātra\* who studies the four Vedas with their \*aṅgas\* (auxiliary lores like phonetics, grammar &c), who is active in doing six acts (viz abstaining from wine and meat, observing the bounds of morality, purity, study of the Veda, sacrifices, making gifts). Even a single eminent brāhmaṇa endowed with intellect, Vedic learning, good conduct and character saves the whole family; one should bring from afar a brāhmaṇa on hearing that he is possessed of good qualities and is approved by good men and should welcome him and honour him in all ways'. Yāj. furnishes¹⁵⁰⁸ a brief but striking definition of a worthy brāhmaṇa 'not by Vedic learning alone nor by \*tapas\* (austere life) alone worthiness arises; that person is declared to be \*pātra\* (worthy recipient for a religious gift) where both these (i. e Vedic learning and tapas) and good conduct exist'. Manu provides that religious gifts given to a brāhmaṇa who has not studied the Veda or who is avaricious or deceitful are fruitless and lead the donor to hell (IV. 192-194). The Bhagavadgītā also (17 22) condemns a gift given to an unworthy person as \*tāmasa\* (affected by tamas, arising from ignorance or delusion). - [Previous: v7.c91.86.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c91.86.3) - [Next: v7.c91.87](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c91.87) - [Up: v7.c91.86](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c91.86) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c91.86.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c91.86.4) · Pramāṇa