Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.261

c16.261

When all these five Abstentions are practised, irrespective of the limits of caste (Jāti), region (Deśa), time or even vows, and in every way and always, they rank as *Mahāvratas*. The *Bhāsvatī* cites instances where these abstentions are limited. A fisherman injures only fishes and none else. A butcher may say, ‘I will not slay in a holy place.’ Or one may say, ‘I will not slay on the fourteenth day nor on an auspicious day.’ Or another may say, ‘For the sake of gods and Brāhmaṇas, and not otherwise, I will slay.’ The Kshatriyas will also say that they will practise violence only in battle. But the Yogī is not bound by these social conventions and considerations. His practice of virtue is unqualified and absolute.