The Sun, and the Moon, Wind, and Earth, and Water and Fire, all the stars and planets and constellations, all else that is called by the name of creatures, and utterers of Brahma, all live and act in their respective spheres and are all respected as authorities. This work which you have composed shall be regarded by all persons, as a work of the highest authority. This is my order. Guided by this treatise, the Self-created Manu himself will declare to the world its duties and observances.
सूर्याचन्द्रमसौ वायुभूमिरापोऽग्निरेव च। सर्वे च नक्षत्रगणा यच्च भूताभिशब्दितम्॥ अधिकारेषु वर्तन्ते यथास्वं ब्रह्मवादिनः। सर्वे प्रमाणं हि यथा तथा तच्छास्त्रमुत्तमम्॥ भविष्यति प्रमाणं वै एतन्मदनुशासनम्। तस्मात् प्रवक्ष्यते धर्मान् मनुः स्वायम्भुवः स्वयम्॥