Manusmriti The Greatest Knowledge: Code of Social Conduct
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The Manusmriti is the laws of Manu. It is the most important religious book for the Hindus. It is to be followed by all Hindus irrespective of their castes or creeds. It is a law of all the social classes. The Manusmriti is believed to be the words of Brahma, the Lord. Maharaja Manu is the standpoint of reference for all future Dharmshastras that followed it.
The Manusmriti translated as the "Laws of Manu" or the "Institutions of Manu" is the most important and authoritative Hindu Law Book (Dharmshastra) which served as a foundation work on Hindu law and Jurisprudence in ancient India. Until the modern times, it was the standard reference for adjudicating civil and criminal cases by both the rulers who patronized Vedic faith and the people who practised Hinduism. Hinduism has many law books. Of them, the Manusmriti is certainly the most popular and authoritative work.
The people of ancient India believed in the order and regulation of the world as the manifestation of God's will and intent. They believe in the clear victory of the divine forces over the demonic. Hence, the laws governing the conduct of individual and regulating the Hindu society were formulated by many scholars and sages in ancient India since the earliest time. Their works are today available to us as Dharmshastras, of which the work of Manu (The Manusmriti) is considered the most important and widely used.
The Manusmriti projects an ideal society. It projects ideal human conduct. It gives the ideal base to establish an orderly society. It teaches us to lead a divine centred and happy life. To promote these ideals and enforce divine will, it proposes numerous laws to minutely govern human life and conduct as applicable to their social classes, duties and responsibilities. Its purpose is to inculcate discipline in people. It provides a basis for the rulers to enforce lawful conduct. It ensures the order in progression of the world through righteous conduct and observation of obligatory duties by individuals who have chosen for themselves the life of a householder or that of a renouncing.
Ram Nivas Kumar
About The AuthorThe author belongs to the knowledge city Nalanda. He has written several educational books. Most of them are dedicated to the students and the youth of India. His books are as such:1. Art of Conversation : Easy To Learn2. Etiquette And Manners : Learn Like This (Approved by the NCERT, New Delhi.)3. Personality Development : A Piece Of Learning4. Dr. Rajendra Prasad : A Multi-Dimensional Statesman Of India5. Swami Vivekananda : His Teachings To All6. Manusmriti The Greatest Knowledge : Code Of Social Conduct7. RSS The Pride of Nation : Mission and Vision8. Learning of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam : An Impetus To The Youth9. Atal The Invincible : A Grand Parliamentarian10. Teachings Of Srimad Bhagwat Purana : Deliverance Sri Pawan Dev Thakur11. A Practical Guide To Library Management12. Learning On Happy And Healthy Married Life : A Guide To Married Couples13. Simple Verbs Advanced Usages : A Love For English14. Abhinandan The Real Hero : A Story On Indian Fighter Pilot15. Magnetize Your Manners And Enhance Your Business Personality : Tips For The Professionals, and16. Teachings Of The Dalai Lama : A Sense Of Humanity.He is an M.A. in English, Library & Information Science, and Journalism & Mass Communication. He received his education from Nalanda, Patna, Madras (Chennai), Mysore, Meerut and Delhi. Also, he made a research on English Phonetics at self-study and received a letter of appreciation from the University of London, UK.MESSAGEShri Ram Nivas Kumar is a rising star in the sky of English literature. He is an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna as well. By the grace of God, he has written about one dozen educational books. Almost all his books are dedicated to the students and the youth of India. Now, he has composed of a book on the learning of Sanatana Dharma which deserves full praise. His present book is meant for the people who believe in the eternal dharma which is a perennial source of knowledge people have ever learnt and followed.This book is based on Srimad Bhagwat Purana and my deliverances in katha pandals on worldly and spiritual matters. The author seems to have taken much pain in writing this book. He has covered a number of topics on manners and good behaviour to be followed by all. He depicts a true picture of ancient Indian idealism by narrating the stories of Dhruva and Prahalada. He has mentioned a number of pieces of sacred learning. Teachings of the Gita are also included. The book contains vivid knowledge on world spirituality. It is inspirational for the whole world.I appreciate the thought and mind-set of the author. He is actually indulging in spreading good learning amongst people living in India and abroad. Shri Ram Nivas Kumar has performed a commendable job by presenting this book. His noble endeavours are highly appreciated.I bless him to bloom in every sphere of life and pray the Almighty to shower upon him the best blessings.-Pawan Dev ThakurSpiritual Leader and Motivator, Vrindavan, India.WORDS OF EXPRESSIONShri Ram Nivas Kumar is a sincere and dedicated official working at All India Radio, Patna. He is a rising star in the sky of English literature. He has written about one dozen educational books. Almost all his books are dedicated to the students and the youth of India. Now, he has composed a book on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda which deserves full praise.His present book is meant for the people belonging to all strata of society irrespective of caste or creed. The book has a wide range of teachings on almost all aspects of a civilized society. It is a perennial source of knowledge especially for the students and the youth.The author seems to have taken much pain in writing this book. He has covered a number of topics on manners and good behaviour that Swami Vivekananda delivered his teachings on. The book contains vivid knowledge on worldly affairs. It is inspirational for the whole world. The author depicts a true picture of an ideal society in his book.I appreciate the thought and mind-set of the author. He is spreading the learning of Swami Vivekananda amongst the people living in India and abroad. Shri Kumar has performed a commendable job by presenting this book. His noble endeavours are highly appreciable.I bless him to bloom in every sphere of life and pray the Almighty to shower upon him His best blessings.Ved PrakashDeputy Director General (E)All India Radio, PatnaABOUT THE AUTHORProf. Ram Nivas Kumar is a rising star in the sky of English literature. He has authored about ten educational books till date. Almost all his books are dedicated to the students, the youth and the Indian Army. His present book "Dr. Rajendra Prasad: A Multi-dimensional Statesman of India" is his core dedication to the students of India.In the present book, the author depicts the picture of his Excellency Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first head of India Republic, and role model of Indian students. He describes the simplicity, educational career, life and achievement of Dr. Rajendra Prasad in simple words. His statesmanship and role of a freedom fighter are clearly mentioned in the book. The students of India must read it at least for once and adopt his ideologies. This small book may find a good place in the understanding of the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.We appreciate the thought and mind set of the author Shri Ram Nivas Kumar. His commands over English and authority on English writing are gaining a boost day by day. He has now become the most beloved writer in the eyes of the youth.We wish him all success in his work. We hope the youth and the students might be benefited by his writing. May God help him continue his writing!-Prof. Devavrat AkelaHOD (English), Bihar University,Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India.WORDS OF EXPRESSIONThe book "Dr. Rajendra Prasad: A Multi-dimensional Statesman of India" written by a well-known author Shri Ram Nivas Kumar is dedicated to the students of India. Well, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a democratic and socialist leader and a great educationist during the post period of India's independence movement. He had keen interest in ideal politics. His theories and ideas gave many a way of new learning and living. Moreover, he had been an ideal personality for the vast youth of India.Our developing India requires momentum and such of these books are providing what we need. This book would surely help our rising stars. And, it may be read by other generations, too. The author has put all his commands and focus of mind into the paper through his pen. Hope, the book will prove a friend of all.The author Shri Ram Nivas Kumar has written several books. He has been working for the students of India since long. His works for the uplift of society through his books are marked at large length. He wants to spread knowledge among his followers. Last but not the least; he has been indulging in society making and the development of India.We wish the author all success.-Dr. Pramod Kumar SinhaHOD (English), Rameshwar College,Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India.SELF EXPRESSIONThe first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, was a brilliant politician, successful advocate, effective author and a high quality orator. He had been a student of penetrative mind since his childhood. Once a British examiner commented upon him and wrote on his answer sheet – “Examinee is better than examiner.”Rajendra Babu undoubtedly was a man of excellent personality who had made a special place among the masses of India. Dr. Rajendra Prasad emerged as a popular and eminent figure of entire India.The litterateur Shri Ram Nivas Kumar aptly describes him using the most common words. His way of writing is very admirable as he used simple sentences to describe the facts. The book is very easy to understand for everyone. Language of the book is easily acquirable and fluent for common people. To enrich English literature, the role of this book is immense. This book will play significant role for emerging youth of India which will also motivate the Indian society in whole. We wish and pray to God for the continuity of the writing of the scholar Shri Ram Nivas Kumar.May his writing keep motivating the people particularly the students and the youth!-Dr. Seema RaniPoetess & Academician, Patna, India.MESSAGEWe are happy to know that Mr. Ram Nivas Kumar has written a book titled "Dr. Rajendra Prasad: A Multi-Dimensional Statesman of India." This book seems to be very useful for the students from all corners. The language of the book is so simple. The author has written on Dr. Rajendra Prasad who was a great scholar, writer, leader, social servant and multi-dimensional person. The book deserves full praise for the noble efforts of the author. Well, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, is inspirational for the whole world.In the modern age, people should know more about Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the legendary person of the world. This book is a brilliant initiative to encourage young minds to explore their creative potential. The book is an important vehicle of communication which creates awareness in the society. Hope, this book will inspire all the readers especially the students. In a nutshell, Mr. Ram Nivas Kumar has performed a commendable job by presenting this book.We heartily congratulate everyone associated with this book. We wish the editorial team and the author all the best for their noble endeavours.With best wishes,Hari Narayan GuptaPoet & Litterateur
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Manusmriti The Greatest Knowledge - Ram Nivas Kumar
PREFACE
It occurred to me high that a group of Hindu society is reeking with discontent in the matter of long prevailing caste system in India. Some people feel proud to be of the highest class and some are ashamed of being placed at the low. Hence, they must know the true fact of the caste system. They say—The Manusmriti is the holy book that made their position low.
So, we tried hard to let them know the actual position of all castes mentioned as Varnas in the Manusmriti. We have compiled the main teachings of the Manusmriti in a simple descriptive way.
Well, the Manusmriti in original is written in Sanskrit language in verses. We attempted to transcribe it in English in a simple and conversational language so that even a general student of English may get at the true meaning of the verses easily.
The book is written for the general learning of the facts mentioned in the Manusmriti. We picked out some most important and common teachings from all the twelve chapters of the Manusmriti in brief. It is meant for all people belonging to all strata of society of all castes and creeds. The contents written in this book are mere illustrative and not exhaustive.
Though, we took utmost care while translating into English, there may be minor differences in transliteration. For exact and the most accurate and elaborate meaning, readers are suggested to go with the original text wisely.
Readers, especially women and the downtrodden are requested to go through this book with open mind and unbiased thoughts in their interest. They are sure to get at the true meaning of the teachings.
Hope, the people at large would take more interest in reading this book and would try to understand the social structure at the time of origin of organized human race.
—Ram Nivas Kumar
CONTENTS
Introduction
Structure of the Manusmriti
All the Four Vedas
Untouchable Castes and Varna System
Teachings of the Manusmriti
Chapters I-XII
Conclusion
––––––––
1
INTRODUCTION
The Manusmriti is the laws of Manu. It is the most important religious book for the Hindus. It is to be followed by all Hindus irrespective of their castes or creeds. It is a law of all the social classes. The Manusmriti is believed to be the words of Brahma, the Lord. Maharaja Manu is the standpoint of reference for all future Dharmshastras that followed it. According to the Hindu tradition, the Manusmriti records the words of Brahma, the Supreme Creator. It is also called the Manava Dharmshastra. This Dharmshastra is a genre of Sanskrit text. It refers to the treatise (Shastra) on Hinduism. The textual corpus of Dharmshastra was composed in poetic verses. They are the parts of the Hindu Smritis.
WHO WAS MANU?
In Hindu mythology, Shraddhadeva Manu (Sanskrit—Manu Shraddhadeva) is the current Manu. He is the progenitor of the current humanity. In later texts, Manu is the title or name of mystical sage ruler of the earth, or alternatively the head of mystical dynasties that begin with each cyclic Kalpa(aeon) when the universe is born anew.
MEANING OF THE NAME MANU
Manu is a proper noun. He is the arch-type first man of Hindu methodology. He is the first survivor of the great flood. He is the Father of the human race. He is also a legendary author of one of the most famous Codes of Hindu Religious Law, the Manusmriti (Laws of Manu). This law is composed in Sanskrit in poetic verses.
MEANING OF MAN AND MANUAL
The Latin root word man
means hand.
This root word is the origin of a number of English vocabulary words including manuscript, manufacture and manicure. It is easy to remember that Man
means hand
. The word manual
is through the root word man
which is an adjective that describes a task done by hand.
The Manusmriti translated as the Laws of Manu
or the Institutions of Manu
is the most important and authoritative Hindu Law Book (Dharmshastra) which served as a foundation work on Hindu law and Jurisprudence in ancient India. Until the modern times, it was the standard reference for adjudicating civil and criminal cases by both the rulers who patronized Vedic faith and the people who practised Hinduism. Hinduism has many law books. Of them, the Manusmriti is certainly the most popular and authoritative work.
Manu in Hindu tradition is considered to be the first of Brahma’s son. He is considered progenitor of human race. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the age of the Manusmriti. The laws of Manu might have been known to the Vedic people for long time before they were codified into their present form. The work that we have today as The Manusmriti
might have reached its final form thousands of years ago.
The people of ancient India believed in the order and regulation of the world as the manifestation of God’s will and intent. They believe in the clear victory of the divine forces over the demonic. Hence, the laws governing the conduct of individual and regulating the Hindu society were formulated by many scholars and sages in ancient India since the earliest time. Their works are today available to us as Dharmshastras, of which the work of Manu (The Manusmriti) is considered the most important and widely used.
Unlike the Vedas, the Hindu law books fall into the category of intellectual or scholarly works (Smritis). They are distilled and codified through observation, experience, analysis, and the study of the Vedas keeping in view the best interest of the humanities and society. However, they are not entirely free from the flaws of humans. They are also not free from castes or racial bias. Hence, they are vulnerable to criticism from the modern standpoint.
The Manusmriti projects an ideal society. It projects ideal human conduct. It gives the ideal base to establish an orderly society. It teaches us to lead