Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c15.16

c15.16

To every one, theory prescribes a way of life which accords best with the duties he has to discharge. It inculcates a life of poverty and austerity to priests, scholars and educationists of whom the Brāhmaṇic order was composed or ought to be composed. The Mahābhārata, Manu and other authorities would like Brāhmaṇas to know several ways of livelihood and teach them to those concerned, but for themselves they must spurn all wealth and confine themselves to their special vocations.³ It seems to have been assumed that colossal fortunes or great material responsibilities would prove too burdensome to them and would fatally interfere with the special calling to which their lives are devoted. They must be free to cultivate the higher interests untrammelled by worldly cares. Their lives must be missionary, not mercenary. The reward for piety and learning is not money but honour on earth and, of course, bliss in Brāhmaṇas.