Chapter 2

Vishnu Smriti 2

Om. The Brāhmaṇa, the Kṣatriya, the Vaiśya, and the Śūdra—these are the four varṇas (social orders). // Vi_2.1 //

Of these, the first three are the twice-born (dvijāti). // Vi_2.2 //

For them, the series of rites performed with sacred formulas begins with conception and ends at the cremation ground. // Vi_2.3 //

And their duties (dharma) are as follows: // Vi_2.4 //

The duty of a Brāhmaṇa is teaching. // Vi_2.5 //

The duty of a Kṣatriya is constant practice with arms. // Vi_2.6 //

The duty of a Vaiśya is the tending of cattle. // Vi_2.7 //

The duty of a Śūdra is service to the twice-born. // Vi_2.8 //

For the twice-born, sacrificing for others and studying the Veda are also duties. // Vi_2.9 //

Now, their means of livelihood are as follows: // Vi_2.10 //

For a Brāhmaṇa, officiating at sacrifices for others and accepting gifts. // Vi_2.11 //

For a Kṣatriya, the protection of the earth. // Vi_2.12 //

For a Vaiśya, agriculture, cattle-rearing, trade, money-lending, and cultivation. // Vi_2.13 //

For a Śūdra, all the crafts. // Vi_2.14 //

In times of distress, one may adopt the livelihood of the next lower varṇa. // Vi_2.15 //

Forbearance, truthfulness, self-control, purity, charity, restraint of the senses, Non-violence, service to one's preceptor, visiting sacred places, compassion, || Vi_2.16 ||

Straightforwardness, freedom from greed, reverence for gods and Brāhmaṇas, And freedom from envy—this is declared to be the common dharma for all. || Vi_2.17 ||