# Apastamba Prasna 2, Patala  3, Khanda  6

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> APASTAMBA PRASNA II, PATALA 3, KHANDA 6.
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> 1. If he has any doubts regarding the caste and conduct of a person who has come to him in order to fulfil his duty (of learning the Veda), he shall kindle a fire (with the ceremonies prescribed for kindling the sacrificial fire) and ask him about his caste and conduct.
> 2. If he declares himself to be (of) good (family and conduct, the teacher elect) shall say, 'Agni who sees, Vayu who hears, Aditya who brings to light, vouch for his goodness; may it be well with this person! He is free from sin.' Then he shall begin to teach him.
> 3. A guest comes to the house resembling a burning fire.
> [6. 1. The person desirous to study addresses his teacher elect with the following Mantra: Bhagavan maitrena kakshusha pasya sivena manasanugrihana prasida mam adhyapaya, 'venerable Sir, look on me with a friendly eye, receive me with a favourable mind, be kind and teach me.' The teacher elect then asks: Kimgotro 'si saumya, kimakarah, 'friend, of what family art thou? what is thy rule of conduct?'
> 3. The object of this Sutra is to show the absolute necessity of feeding a guest. For, if offended, he might burn the house with the flames of his anger.]
> 4. He is called a Srotriya who, observing the law (of studentship), has learned one recension of the Veda (which may be current in his family).
> 5. He is called a guest (who, being a Srotriya), approaches solely for the fulfilment of his religious duties, and with no other object, a householder who lives intent on the fulfilment of his duties.
> 6. The reward for honouring (such a guest) is immunity from misfortunes, and heavenly bliss.
> 7. He shall go to meet such (a guest), honour him according to his age (by the formulas of salutation prescribed), and cause a seat to be given to him.
> 8. Some declare that, if possible, the seat should have many feet.
> 9. The (householder himself) shall wash the feet of that (guest); according to some, two Sudras shall do it.
> 10. One of them shall be employed in pouring water (over the guest, the other in washing his feet).
> 11. Some declare that the water for the (guest) shall be brought in an earthen vessel.
> [4. The object of this Sutra is to complete the definition of the term 'guest' to be given in the following Sutra. In my translation I have followed Haradatta's gloss. The literal sense of Apastamba's words is,. 'He who, observing the law, has studied one recension of each (of the four) Vedas, becomes a Srotriya.' Haradatta says this definition would be contrary to the current acceptation of the term. That argument proves, however, nothing for Apastamba's times.
> 5. Manu III, 102, 103; Yagn. I, 111.
> 6. Yagn. I, 109; Manu III, 101.
> 8. Haradatta states that this is also Apastamba's opinion.
> 11. According to Haradatta, Apastamba is of opinion that it should be brought in a pot made of metal.]
> 12. But (a guest) who has not yet returned home from his teacher shall not be a cause for fetching water.
> 13. In case a (student comes, the host) shall repeat the Veda (together with him) for a longer time (than with other guests).
> 14. He shall converse kindly (with his guest), and gladden him with milk or other (drinks), with eatables, or at least with water.
> 15. He shall offer to his guest a room, a bed, a mattress, a pillow with a cover, and ointment, and what else (may be necessary).
> 16. (If the dinner has been finished before the arrival of the guest), he shall call his cook and give him rice or yava for (preparing a fresh meal for) the guest.
> 17. (If dinner is ready at the arrival of the guest), he himself shall portion out the food and look at it, saying (to himself), 'Is this (portion) greater, or this?'
> 18. He shall say, ' Take out a larger (portion for the guest).'
> 19. A guest who is at enmity (with his host) shall not eat his food, nor (shall he eat the food of a host) who hates him or accuses him of a crime, or of one who is suspected of a crime.
> 20. For it is declared in the Veda that he (who eats the food of such a person) eats his guilt.
> [12. I.e. it is unnecessary to offer water for washing the feet to a student.
> 15. 'Ointment, (i.e.) oil or clarified butter for anointing the feet.'--Haradatta. Manu III, 107.
> 19. Manu III, 108.
> 19. Manu IV, 213; Yagn. I, 162.]
>
> — *Apastamba Prasna 2, Patala  3, Khanda  6*