50 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
One may not give advice to a Shudra, nor (give him) the remains (of food) or of butter that has been offered.
And one may not teach him the law or enjoin upon him religious observances.
For he who tells him the law and he who enjoins upon him (religious) observances, he indeed together with that (Shudra) sinks into the darkness of the hell called Asamvrita. [1]
One should never recite (the Vedas) indistinctly or in the presence of a Shudra; nor having recited the Veda at the end of the night, (though) fatigued may one sleep again.” [2]
(vi)
This is what the Manu Smriti says :
“A Brahmin may take possession of the goods of a Shudra with perfect peace of mind, for, since nothing at all belongs to this Shudra as his own, he is one whose property may be taken away by his master. [3]
Indeed, an accumulation of wealth should not be made by a Shudra even if he is able to do so, for the sight of mere possession of wealth by a Shudra injures the Brahmin.” [4]
(vii)
Here is the advice of the Manu Smriti to the king :
“He who can claim to be a Brahmin merely on account of his birth, or he who only calls himself a Brahmin, may be, if desired, the declarer of law for the king, but a Shudra never.
If a king looks on while a Shudra gives a judicial decision, his realm sinks into misfortune, like a cow in a quagmire.
A realm which consists chiefly of Shudras and is overrun by unbelievers and destitute of twice-born men is soon totally destroyed, oppressed by famine and disease.” [5]
(viii)
(A) The Apastamba Dharma Sutra says:
“And those who perform austerities, being intent on fulfilling the sacred laws. And a Shudra who lives by washing the feet (of the Brahmin).
1 Chapter IV, Verses 78-81. 4 Chapter X, Verse 129.
2 Chapter IV, Verse 99. 5 Chapter VIII, Verses 20-22.
3 Chapter VIII, Verse 417.