आचार्या विद्यावन्तश्च पूजावेतनानि यथार्हं लभेरन्पञ्चशतावरं सहस्रपरम् ॥ कZ_०५.३.१८ ॥
ācāryā vidyāvantaś ca pūjāvetanāni yathārhaṃ labheran pañcaśatāvaraṃ sahasraparam
Guru dan orang berilmu hendaknya menerima honorarium dan upah sesuai kelayakan—paling sedikit lima ratus dan paling banyak seribu (paṇa).
It allows flexible valuation of expertise while setting a floor and ceiling to prevent both undervaluation (loss of talent) and fiscal excess.
Compensation includes symbolic recognition—status payments that reinforce loyalty and the prestige economy around knowledge.