Chapter 52

Vishnu Smriti 52

A gold-thief, proclaiming his deed, shall offer a club to the king. // Vi_52.1 //

He becomes pure by being killed or by being released. // Vi_52.2 //

Or he shall perform the mahāvrata for twelve years. // Vi_52.3 //

And a misappropriator of a deposit. // Vi_52.4 //

And a misappropriator of grain and wealth, a kṛcchra penance for a year. // Vi_52.5 //

For the misappropriation of a man, a woman, a well, a field, or a pond, the cāndrāyaṇa penance. // Vi_52.6 //

Of things of little value, the sāṃtapana penance. // Vi_52.7 //

Of things to be eaten and enjoyed, a vehicle, a bed, a seat, a flower, a root, or a fruit, the drinking of pañcagavya. // Vi_52.8 //

Of grass, wood, trees, dry food, molasses, clothes, leather, or meat, he shall fast for three nights. // Vi_52.9 //

Of gems, pearls, coral, copper, silver, iron, or bronze, he shall eat grain-husks for twelve days. // Vi_52.10 //

For the misappropriation of cotton, silk, or wool, he shall subsist on milk for three nights. // Vi_52.11 //

For the misappropriation of an animal with two hoofs or one hoof, he shall fast for two nights. // Vi_52.12 //

For the misappropriation of birds, perfumes, herbs, ropes, or wickerwork, he shall fast for a day. // Vi_52.13 //

Having by some means returned the stolen property to the owner, / He shall then perform the penance to remove his sin. || Vi_52.14 ||

Whatever a man takes from others without restraint, / Of that very thing he shall be deprived, wherever he may be born. || Vi_52.15 ||

Since life, dharma, and desire are established in wealth, / Therefore, with all effort, one should avoid the destruction of wealth. || Vi_52.16 ||

He who is intent on harming living beings, and he who is intent on harming wealth, / Of the two, he who is intent on harming wealth obtains great suffering. || Vi_52.17 ||