MANU, LAWBOOK OF. The Code or Lawbook of Manu is one of the most remarkable of the literary pro ductions of Brahmanism. The work seems to be due to a number of authors, some of whom perhaps lived in the fifth century B.C., others in the second century B.C. The Hindus ascribe it to Father Mann, their semi-divine ancestor. A number of modern scholars think it to be an elaboration of a code that was current among the Manavas who seem to have lived in a district in the North-west of India. According to the Code of Manu, " the root of all law is the Veda and the traditions of those who know the Veda." But a knowledge of the sacred texts and a participation in the holy ceremonies are permitted only to certain castes. " The enormity of all crimes depends on who commits them, and against whom they are committed. The three upper castes alone have religious privileges " (Hopkins). The four chief classes of men or castes are Brahmans (priests), Warriors, Agriculturists, and Slaves or Servants. The
philosophical views of the Code are not always in agree ment. The philosophies of the Vedanta School (see VEDANTISM) and of the Sankhya School (see SAN KHYA) are both represented. Some of the precepts of the Code of Manu, as given by Monier-Williams, are: " Even though wronged, treat not with disrespect thy father, mother, teacher, elder brother. . . . Say what is true, speak not agreeable falsehood. . . . Pride not thyself on thy religious works; give to the poor, but talk not of thy gifts. By pride religious merit melts away, the merit of thy alms by ostentation. . . . Thou canst not gather what thou dost not sow; as thou dost plant the tree so will it grow. . . . Contentment, patience under injury, self-subjugation, honesty, re straint of all the sensual organs, purity, devotion, know ledge of the Deity, veracity, and abstinence from anger. these form the tenfold summary of duty." See Monier Williams; D. W. Hopkins.