Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c10.s1.77

c10.s1.77

After finishing the worship, the members of the three higher castes, especially the Brahmans, should study the religious books (Śāstras) themselves or teach others; for the Śruti and the Smṛti are said to be the two eyes of the twice-born. After daily study, one should make an effort to earn one's livelihood; but if this is not necessary, one should join the assembly of good men and listen to their virtuous talk. The various modes of earning livelihood are classified in the Bhāgavata (vii. 11. 18-19) as (i) Ṛtāmṛta, gleaning things here and there (uñchaśila) and receiving them unsolicited (ayācita), (ii) Mṛta, constant begging (Nitya-Yācñā), (iii) Pramṛta, agriculture (Karṣaṇa), (iv) Satyānṛta, merchandise (Vāṇijya). A Vaiṣṇava should prefer these to waiting upon a low and wicked person, which is rightly called 'dog-subsistence' (Sva-vṛtti), fit only for a low toady. But the really pure livelihood (Śuklā Vṛtti), for a Brahman, consists of gifts (Pratigraha), receipts from priestly service or presents from a worthy disciple; for a Kṣatriya, it consists of military service (Yuddhopakāra), application of power (Daṇḍa) and legal practice (Vyavahāra); for a Vaiśya, the worthy means are agriculture (Kṛṣi), merchandise (Vāṇijya) and preservation of cattle (Go-rakṣā) : for the Śūdra, service to people of higher castes is the best way of livelihood. The best wealth is that which is inherited, which has been received by friendly gift or which comes with the wife as her dowry. In this connexion it is laid down that food and certain things should not be accepted from the Śūdra. The Vaiṣṇava should accept food from a Vaiṣṇava, but not from a non-Vaiṣṇava, even if he is a Brahman. It will be seen from all this that the system of caste and consequent restriction of food and gift are not altogether rejected. If it is impossible to support oneself in the ways described above, one may accept things from men of those castes and professions from whom acceptance is not disallowed by the Śāstras. Some authorities advice muttering of the Mūla-mantra with firm faith in the deity without caring for livelihood.