मनुमेकाग्रमासीनमभिगम्य

This is the very first verse of the first chapter of Manusmriti. It starts by setting the stage for the rest of the book.

Manusmriti is created in the style of a discourse(smriti), given by Manu. It was later compiled by his disciples in to an ethology or Treatise. This treatise came to be known as Manusmriti, also called मानव-धर्मशास्त्र or “Laws of Manu”.

Manusmriti is a discourse on Dharma, given by Manu, in response to the curiosities of Sages. For a long time Manusmriti served as a foundational legal and societal framework in Hinduism, outlining duties, rights, and conduct for individuals based on their varna and ashrama.

As with many things, there are some fans and some critics of Manusmriti. Both have their arguments but I want to read it with an open mind and document my understanding, while trying to contexualise its contents. This book was written and probably updated a long time ago, so it may represent the world view of its time. I do not want to live in that world. Similarly, I do not want to criticize the world view it represents, as I do not live and hence don't fully understand that world.

I understand that my opinions may change overtime but, what I do not want to do is to take someone else's opinion and colour my understanding based on that. Similarly, I do not want anyone to take my opinion and influence their understanding with it. Read the damn book yourself and make up your own mind. If you are still reading my ramblings, and you like it or dislike it and you feel that you have to love me or hate me about my opinions, then click here.

And finally, the verse. This first verse sets the stage. The great sages gather and visit Manu, who is sitting in concentration. The sages pay their respects, sit in front of Manu and say ...

As mentioned earlier, Manusmriti is setup in form of a discourse, where the great sages speak of their curiosities and queries, and Manu responds to give them the answers that are later compiled and become the book of Law. Probably the first book of law in the World.