Shloka 15
मोक्षोपाय-निर्णयः
Determination of the Means to Liberation
तदा विसर्गमर्हा: स्युरितीदं धातृशासनम् | बिभ्रद् दण्डाजिन मुण्डो ब्राह्मणो5हति शासनम्
tadā visargam arhāḥ syur itīdaṃ dhātṛśāsanam | bibhrad daṇḍājina-muṇḍo brāhmaṇo 'pi hi śāsanam ||
„Dann sollen sie freigelassen werden“ — so lautet die Verordnung des Schöpfers. Selbst ein entsagender Brāhmaṇa, kahlgeschoren, mit Stab und Hirschfell, bleibt, wenn er Unrecht begeht, nach dem Gesetz der Strafe unterworfen. Die sittliche Lehre ist: Zuflucht und Reue können Milde verdienen, doch religiöser Schein entbindet niemanden von Verantwortung.
इुमत्सेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Mercy may be shown by releasing those who seek refuge with sincere resolve to abandon wrongdoing, as taught by the Creator; however, outward religious status or ascetic dress does not grant immunity—wrongdoing remains punishable.
Umatsena states a dharma-rule: certain offenders can be spared when they come under protection and vow reform, but he immediately adds a balancing principle—an ascetic Brahmin, despite renunciant marks (staff, deerskin, shaven head), is still liable to discipline if he commits sin.