I consider this precept best for me and I like to follow it. Between the death of a Brahmana and of my own, I would prefer the latter. To kill a Brahmana is a great sin, of which there is no expiation. It is best for me to sacrifice myself reluctantly instead of sacrificing a Brahmana reluctantly.
आत्मनस्तु मया श्रेयो बोद्धव्यमिति रोचते। ब्रह्मवध्याऽऽत्मवध्या वा श्रेयानात्मवधो मम॥ ब्रह्मवध्या परं पापं निष्कृति त्र विद्यते। अबुद्धिपूर्वं कृत्वापि वमात्मवधो मम॥