13.025
The nature of a killer of Brahman.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O Bhārata, O king, you are worthy to tell me this in reality. By whom here is the killing of a Brāhmaṇa performed without harming? (13-25-1)
Bhīṣma said.
O king, having addressed Vyāsa in the past regarding what I had asked, I shall now fully explain that to you; therefore, listen here with full attention. (13-25-2)
O sage, you are the fourth of Vasiṣṭha; tell me the truth. By what, here, is the killing of a Brāhmaṇa prescribed, even without causing harm? (13-25-3)
Thus, when questioned, O great king, the son of Parāśara, who was skilled in dharma, spoke the highest truth without any doubt. (13-25-4)
If someone calls a Brāhmaṇa of meager means for alms and then afterwards tells him 'there is nothing,' know that person to be a killer of a Brāhmaṇa. (13-25-5)
O Bhārata, know that evil-minded person who takes away the livelihood of a neutral brāhmaṇa or a student here as a slayer of a Brāhmaṇa. (13-25-6)
O lord of the earth, know that whoever creates an obstacle to water for the thirsty people of the cowherd settlement is to be regarded as a slayer of a Brāhmaṇa. (13-25-7)
Whoever, without understanding, defiles the established Veda or a proper treatise made by sages, should be known as a slayer of Brahman. (13-25-8)
One who does not give his own beautiful and great daughter to a suitable groom should be known as a slayer of a Brāhmaṇa. (13-25-9)
One who is engaged in unrighteousness, deluded, and falsely causes deep sorrow among the twice-born—such a person should be known as a slayer of a Brāhmaṇa. (13-25-10)
Whoever takes away all the property, whether by sight, from one deprived of a brāhmaṇa, a lame person, or a dull-witted person, should be known as a slayer of a brāhmaṇa. (13-25-11)
Whoever, whether in a hermitage, forest, village, or city, abandons fire out of delusion, should be known as a slayer of a Brāhmaṇa. (13-25-12)
