[20] The Commentator qualifies this indefinite source of law, as applicable only where two or more lawful alternatives are presented.
[21] Further explained by the Commentator, the evidence or proofs of law; and he adds, the several proofs mentioned, where they clash, are of weight and authority according to their precedence, e.g. Śruti the highest, the mature desire the lowest, Manu, ch. 2, sl. 6, 12.
[22] Which means, having knowledge of the three Vedas. See Manu, ch. 12, sl. 110 to 113.
[23] To explain or enlarge upon this metaphysical phrase would be out of place in the present work. The curious student can refer to the Upanishads and the Vedánta.
[24] Which, in the time of our author, meant, the place of cremation. In the third book, sl. 1, 2, Yájnavalkya says:—A child under two years of age is to be buried, nor shall water be offered; every other deceased, being followed by his relatives to the place for disposal of the dead, shall there be burned.
It was certainly otherwise at the period of the Vedas (vide Die Todtenbestattung im indischen Alterthum. German Oriental Society's Journal, Vol. VIII. pp. 467—475): the paraphrase in the text is the meaning of the term used, smasána.
[25] Texts of the Vedas to be recited on solemn occasions. See analogous passage, Manu ch. 2, sl. 16.
[26] So we supply the hiatus in the text, in conformity with the opinion of the Commentator. Manu makes no allusion to the alternative, ch. 2, sl. 36.
[27] Induction into the character and privileges of his cast, by means of the sacred thread.
[28] who, being Kshattriyas, here represent the cast.