The Institutes of Vishnu

Introduction: Explains the Vishnu-smṛti, its Dharma-sūtra character, Vedic school affiliation, relation to Manu and other law codes, interpolations, manuscript tradition, and translation method. Vishnu and the Goddess of the Earth: Mythic frame introducing Vishnu’s teaching of sacred law. The Four Castes / Duties of a King: Social hierarchy, caste duties, royal governance, taxation, justice, and administration. Weights and Measures / Criminal and Civil Law / Law of Debt: Legal standards, punishments, contracts, debt, pledges, and property. Writings / Witnesses / Ordeals: Legal documents, testimony, proof, and trial by ordeal. Inheritance / Funeral Ceremonies / Funeral Oblations / Impurity: Kinship, succession, death rites, ancestor offerings, and purity rules. Women / Sacraments / Studentship / Crimes / Hells / Transmigration / Penances: Domestic law, rites of passage, education, moral transgression, karmic consequence, and expiation. Duties of a Householder / Rules for a Snātaka / Self-restraint / Śrāddhas / Pious Gifts / The Hermit / The Ascetic / Meditation on Vishnu / Conclusion: Ethical discipline, ritual duties, renunciation, devotion, and liberation.