[896] He should then enter the other modes of
life, having cleansed himself by his acts. He should settle in that place
which he may ascertain to be the most sacred spot on earth, and he should
strive in all matters that lead to fame, for attaining to a position of
eminence. The fame of Brahmanas increases through penances that are very
austere, through mastery of the various branches of knowledge, through
sacrifices, and through gifts. Indeed, a person enjoys endless regions of
the righteous (in the next world) as long as his deeds or the memory
thereof lasts in this world. A Brahmana should teach, study, officiate at
other people's sacrifices, and offer sacrifices himself. He should not
give away in vain or accept other people's gifts in vain. Wealth,
sufficient in quantity, that may come from one who is assisted in a
sacrifice, from a pupil, or from kinsmen (by marriage) of a daughter,
should be spent in the performance of sacrifice or in making gifts.
Wealth coming from any of these sources should never be enjoyed by a
Brahmana singly.[897] For a Brahmana leading a life of domesticity there
is no means save the acceptance of gifts for the sake of the deities, or
Rishis, or Pitris, or preceptor or the aged, or the diseased, or the
hungry.[898] Unto those that are persecuted by unseen foes, or those that
are striving to the best of their power to acquire knowledge, one should
make gifts from one's own possessions, including even cooked food, more
than one can fairly afford.
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