THE SHUDRAS : THE BRAHMANIC .... STATUS OF THE SHUDRAS 53
And serves the higher (castes).
From them he shall seek to obtain his livelihood.
He shall use their cast-off shoes.
And eat the remnants of their food.
A Shudra who intentionally reviles twice-bom men by Criminal abuse, or criminally assaults them with blows, shall be deprived of the limb with which he offends.
If he assumes a position equal to that of twice-born men in sitting, in lying down, in conversation or on the road, he shall undergo (corporal punishment)” [1]
(D) The Manu Smriti follows suit and says :
“But if a Brahmin through avarice, and because he possesses the power, compel twice-born men, who have received the initiation (into the caste order), to do the work of a slave when they do not wish it, he shall be fined six hundred panas by the king.
But a Shudra, whether bought or not bought (by the Brahmin) may be compelled to practise servitude, for that Shudra was created by the selfexistent merely for the service of the Brahmin.
Even if freed by his master, the Shudra is not released from servitude; for this (servitude) is innate in him; who then can take it from him. [2]
Just in proportion as one pursues without complaining the mode of life (practised) by the good, so free from blame, he gains both this and the otherworld. [3]
Now the supreme duty of a Shudra and that which ensures his bliss is merely obedience toward clelebrated priests who understand the Veda and live as householders.
If he be pure, obedient to the higher (castes), mild in speech, without conceit, and always submissive to the Brahmin, he attains (in the next transmigration) a high birth. [4]
Now a Shudra desiring some means of subsistence may serve a Kshatriya, so(is the rule); or the Shudra (if) anxious to support life, (may do so by) serving a wealthy Vaishya.
But he should serve the Brahmins for the sake of heaven, or for the sake of both (heaven and livelihood); for by him (for whom) the word Brahmin (is always) uttered is thus attained the state of completing all he ought to do.
Chapter X. Sutras 50, 56-59 and Chapter XII, Sutras 1,7.
Chapter VIII, Verses 412-414.
Chapter X, Verse 128.
Chapter IX, Verses 334-335.