Who Should be Taught the Vedas?
Searles

Wed Sep 13 01:12:40 2000
Here's part of the Laws of Manu (the first man) found in Vedic literature from India.  I present it here because of the similarities between Druids and Brahmins (who were the priestly caste of the Indians).  Perhaps we can see some wisdom for ourselves within these words?  I will follow this message with another that has only a few of the words changed.  Perhaps that one can be edited until it applies appropriately to Drai/ocht in this modern day and age?*p*109. According to the sacred law the (following) ten (persons, viz.) the*br*teacher's son, one who desires to do service, one who imparts knowledge,*br*one who is intent on fulfilling the law, one who is pure, a person connected*br*by marriage or friendship, one who possesses (mental) ability, one who*br*makes presents of money, one who is honest, and a relative, may be*br*instructed (in the Veda).*p*110. Unless one be asked, one must not explain (anything) to anybody, nor*br*(must one answer) a person who asks improperly; let a wise man,*br*though he knows (the answer), behave among men as (if he were) an idiot.*p*111. Of the two persons, him who illegally explains (anything), and him who*br*illegally asks (a question), one (or both) will die or incur (the other's)*br*enmity.*p*112. Where merit and wealth are not (obtained by teaching) nor (at least)*br*due obedience, in such (soil) sacred knowledge must not be sown, just*br*as good seed (must) not (be thrown) on barren land.*p*113. Even in times of dire distress a teacher of the Veda should rather die*br*with his knowledge than sow it in barren soil.*p*114. Sacred Learning approached a Brahmana and said to him: 'I am thy*br*treasure, preserve me, deliver me not to a scorner; so (preserved) I shall*br*become supremely strong.'*p*115. 'But deliver me, as to the keeper of thy treasure, to a Brahmana whom*br*thou shalt know to be pure, of subdued senses, chaste and attentive.'*p*116. But he who acquires without permission the Veda from one who recites*br*it, incurs the guilt of stealing the Veda, and shall sink into hell.*p*