In the earliest times, people sustained themselves through the gifts of nature: they gathered roots, fruits, and shoots, nourishing their bodies with whatever fruit was available. The earth, in her bounty, produced herbs adorned with flowers and fruits, each blossoming according to its season. Yet, seeing the need for more reliable sustenance, the Lord devised a means of livelihood for all. From that moment, cultivated herbs began to flourish, and agriculture took root among the people. To maintain harmony, boundaries were established so that all might protect one another, and Kshatriyas were appointed to safeguard the rest. Thus, Brahma, the Creator, set forth the eternal truths, ensuring that reality and righteousness would be firmly established for all. However, those who had settled upon the earth sometimes destroyed what they had acquired, and there were those who found joy in service and in attending to various duties. Recognizing this, Brahma assigned each their respective actions and responsibilities. Yet, as time passed, delusion crept in, and people began to neglect the Dharma that had been set for them. Perceiving this with his wisdom, Brahma once again organized society. He allotted the duties of sacrifice, teaching, giving, and receiving gifts. To others, he gave the tasks of herding animals, engaging in trade, and cultivating the land. Once more, Brahma distributed common duties to Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, providing everyone with a livelihood suited to their nature and ensuring mutual cooperation. He remembered the ritualistic place of the twice-born as belonging to the descendants of Prajapati, while the Vaishyas were given the place of Maruta, each living by their own work. Thus, the stations of the castes were established for those who were virtuous and practiced their duties properly. With the castes in place, Brahma then set up the four ashramas, or stages of life, just as he had done before. Those who performed their prescribed duties and lived in the ashramas enjoyed the fruits of their actions. Brahma clearly laid out the Dharma for each ashrama: the householder's stage included all four castes, and its duties were soon to be explained in order, along with the necessary vows and disciplines. The essential duties for a householder were concisely gathered. For students seeking knowledge, service to their teacher and the practice of alms-seeking were prescribed. Forest-dwellers were instructed to observe the two twilights, bathe regularly, and perform the sacred fire ritual. Qualities such as vigilance, self-control, compassion for all beings, and forgiveness were extolled. This tenfold Dharma was declared by the Self-born Lord himself. Brahma described the proper places for those established in each stage: students dwelled with their teacher, householders lived in the prājāpatya way, and renunciants sought dissolution into Brahman. The stations of the other ashramas were all ultimately established in the station of Brahman. It was said that there are four ancestral paths, and for those who follow these paths, the moon serves as the gateway. When those who uphold the duties of their class do not increase, Brahma creates anew: from his own self, from his very body, beings equal to himself are brought forth. Then, he begins to create other mental offspring—those who become the accomplishers of Dharma, Artha, Kāma, Mokṣa, and the means of livelihood—thus ensuring the continuity of righteousness and the world.