12.282
Parāśara said.
Excellent conduct, when brought near with affection from the three higher classes and assigned to the inferior, always makes them righteous.
If a Śūdra does not have an established ancestral livelihood, he should not seek another means of livelihood, but should engage in service.
Association with the virtuous always brings splendor among the righteous, in every situation; association with the unvirtuous never does—this is my conviction.
Just as a substance is set alight by contact with the rising mountain, so too, even a person of low character shines by association with the virtuous.
The form of the white garment is determined by its color; in the same way, understand this principle from me.
Therefore, one should be attached to virtues, never to faults. The life of mortals here is indeed impermanent and unstable.
Whether in happiness or sorrow, the wise person who collects only auspicious things sees good things in this world.
A wise person should not engage in any action that is contrary to dharma, even if it yields great results; such an act is not considered truly beneficial in this world.
If a king, having seized thousands of cows, gives them away without ensuring their protection, he becomes a king in name only and is actually a thief.
The self-born Brahmā first created Dhātā, who is honored by the world; Dhātā then created a son who was devoted to sustaining all beings.
After worshipping him, the Vaiśya should perform acts of great prosperity; it should be protected by the Kṣatriyas and utilized by the twice-born.
When Śūdras, who are honest, free from deceit and anger, and who perform offerings to gods and ancestors, carry out cleaning in this way, dharma does not perish.
O King, when dharma is preserved, the people are happy; and because of their happiness, the gods in heaven rejoice.
Therefore, the king who protects is especially honored by righteousness. Likewise, the brāhmaṇa who studies and the vaiśya who is devoted to acquisition are also honored.
O best of men, a Śūdra who always serves with controlled senses—otherwise, one falls away from one's own duty.
Even cowries, which are specified as causing torment to life, if acquired justly and given, yield great fruit; what then of other gifts given by the thousands?
But the king who, having honored, gives to the twice-born, always enjoys abundant fruit of the same kind as that which he gives.
That which is given willingly with satisfaction, after being approached, and is considered blessed and praised, is said to be the best; but that which is given only when asked for, the wise call middling.
The sages who speak the truth declare that a gift given with disrespect or without faith is the lowest kind of charity.
A man, always immersed in various transgressions, should thus make effort so that he may be freed from doubt.
A brāhmaṇa shines by self-restraint, a kṣatriya by victory; a vaiśya by wealth, and a śūdra always shines by skill.
