manusmriti

LAWS OF MANU
Serving the Teacher
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182. Let him fetch a pot full of water, flowers, cowdung, earth, and Kusa grass,
as much as may be required (by his teacher), and daily go to beg food.
183. A student, being pure, shall daily bring food from the houses of men who
are not deficient in (the knowledge of) the Veda and in (performing) sacrifices, and
who are famous for (following their lawful) occupations.
184. Let him not beg from the relatives of his teacher, nor from his own or his
mother’s blood-relations; but if there are no houses belonging to strangers, let him go
to one of those named above, taking the last-named first;
185. Or, if there are no (virtuous men of the kind) mentioned above, he may go to
each (house in the) village, being pure and remaining silent; but let him avoid
Abhisastas (those accused of mortal sin).
186. Having brought sacred fuel from a distance, let him place it anywhere but on
the ground, and let him, unwearied, make with it burnt oblations to the sacred fire,
both evening and morning.
187. He who, without being sick, neglects during seven (successive) days to go
out begging, and to offer fuel in the sacred fire, shall perform the penance of an
Avakirnin (one who has broken his vow).
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