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Translation of Sri P.B. Annangaracharyar Swami's Commentary

Shloka 2:
silam kimanalam bhavet analam audaram bAdhitum
paya:prasruti pUrakam kimu na dhArakam sArasam |
ayatnamalamallakam pathi pataccaram kaccaram
bhajanti vibudhA mudhA hyahaha kukshita: kukshita: ||

Meaning:
To satisfy hunger, is it not sufficient to gather grains from the fields and eat? If that is not available, could one not drink a handful water from a well? Is not a piece of dirty cloth lying in the wayside enough? Alas! In spite of this, these vidwans are praising these kings for the sake of their stomachs.

Sri PBA Swami's Commentary:
The fourth adhyaya of Manu Smriti teaches the way a Brahmin is supposed to live. It says that a brahmin can earn money only for protecting his family, performing his daily duties and his own survival. It also explains how this wealth has to be earned. Desikar is saying the same that he does not need to do more than that.

Vedanta Desikar Thiruvadigale Sharanam
Azhvar Emperumanar Jeeyar Thiruvadigale Saranam

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