In ancient times, the Lord established the four ashramas—stages of life—as they had been before. Those who faithfully performed their duties within these ashramas enjoyed the fruits of their actions. Brahma, the Creator, distinctly prescribed the dharmas, or righteous conduct, for each ashrama. Previously, the householder's ashrama had been established to include all four castes, providing a foundation for society. Now, let us understand these stages in order, along with their vows and disciplines. The duties of the householder are concisely gathered, forming their sacred path. For the student seeking knowledge, service to the teacher and the seeking of alms are prescribed as their duties. For those who dwell in the forest—the forest-dwellers—rituals at both twilights, regular bathing, and the fire ritual are to be observed. Vigilance, abstention from sensual pleasures, compassion for all beings, and forgiveness are also essential. This tenfold Dharma was declared by the Self-born, Brahma, who described the places of those established in each ashrama. For students, their place is with the teacher; for householders, it is called prājāpatya; for renunciants, dissolution into Brahman is their station. The stations of the other ashramas are also ultimately established in Brahman. There are four paths of the ancestors, and for those who follow these ancestral ways, the moon is considered the gateway. When beings who uphold the duties of their respective classes do not increase, Brahma, from his own self and body, created beings equal to himself. Then, he began to create other mental offspring—those who would accomplish Dharma, Artha, Kāma, Mokṣa, and the means of livelihood. By these, in accordance with the age and righteousness, the population of beings was increased. Brahma, meditating deeply, created various mental offspring from his own mind. In a previous kalpa, the first beings here were the progeny beginning with the gods. In the succession of Manvantaras, these beings were initially the youngest. At that time, they were joined by actions both virtuous and unvirtuous, which did not diminish. Gods, asuras, ancestors, yakshas, gandharvas, and humans—all were created for the nourishment of beings by the knower of the self. With the effects arising from his body, along with their causes, there emerged fourfold groups: gods, asuras, ancestors, and humans. From him, whose self was united, arose a portion consisting of darkness. From his lower part, the asuras were born as his sons. He cast off the body by which the gods had been created; because it was full of darkness, it became known as the night of threefold duration. Having created the asuras, Brahma assumed another body. He united with the mind-born, which was dear to him. Because he was shining and they were born from him, these beings were called gods. Thus, from that divine body, the deities were born. That body, once cast off by him, became the day. Having created the gods, Brahma assumed yet another body. Thinking of them as his sons, the Lord reflected, like a father, upon his creation.