Chapter 29

Viṣṇu Smriti 29

He who, having performed the upanayana and given the vows, teaches the Veda, one should know him to be an ācārya (spiritual preceptor). // Vi_29.1 //

But he who teaches him for a fee, or a part of the Veda, one should know him to be an upādhyāya (a paid teacher). // Vi_29.2 //

He who performs the sacrificial rites for another, one should know him to be an ṛtvij (a priest). // Vi_29.3 //

One shall not employ one who has not been examined. // Vi_29.4 //

Nor teach one. // Vi_29.5 //

Nor initiate one. // Vi_29.6 //

He who speaks unrighteously, and he who asks unrighteously, / One of the two dies, or incurs enmity. || Vi_29.7 ||

Where there is neither dharma nor wealth, nor service of that kind, / There knowledge should not be sown, like good seed in a barren field. || Vi_29.8 ||

Knowledge once came to a Brāhmaṇa and said, "Protect me, I am your treasure. / Do not impart me to one who is envious, insincere, or uncontrolled; thus I would become powerless." || Vi_29.9 ||

"Whom you know to be pure, attentive, intelligent, and endowed with celibacy, / Who will not betray you in any way—to him impart me, to that guardian of treasure, O Brāhmaṇa." || Vi_29.10 ||