Page:The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis II 1921 3-4.djvu/64

 318 OWEN BERKELEY-HILL

to the place set apart for this purpose, which should be at least a bowshot from his domicile.

II. Arrived at the place he will begin by taking off his slippers^ which he deposits some distance away, and will then choose a clean spot on level ground.

III. The places to be avoided for such a purpose are: the enclosure of a temple; the edge of a river, pond, or well; a public thoroughfare or a place frequented by the public; a light-coloured soil; a ploughed field; and any spot close to a banian or anyother sacred tree.

IV. A Brahmin must not at the time wear a new or newly- washed cloth.

V. He will take care to hang his triple cord over his left ear and to cover his head with his loin-cloth.

VI. He will stoop down as low as possible. It would be a great offence to relieve oneself standing upright or only half stooping: it would be a still greater offence to do so sitting on the branch of a tree or upon a wall. '

VII. While in this posture he should take particular care to avoid the great offence of looking at the sun or the moon, the stars, fire, a Brahmin, a temple, an image, or one of the sacred trees.

VIII. He will keep perfect silence.

IX. He must chew nothing, have nothing in his mouth, and hold nothing on his head.

X. He must do what he has to do as quickly as possible, and rise immediately.

XL After rising he will commit a great offence if he looks behind his heels.

XII. If he neglects none of these precautions his act will be a virtuous one, and not without merit; but if he neglects any of them the offence will not go without punishment.

XIII. He will wash his feet and hands on the very spot with the water contained in the chembu which he brought. Then, taking the vessel in his right hand, and holding his private parts in his left hand, he will go to the stream to purify himself from the great defilement which he has contracted.

XIV. Arrived at the edge of the river or pond where he pur-

1 Dubois and Beauchamp: Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, 3rd. Edition, p. 237.