Hear now a solemn account of transgressions and their expiations, as revealed in the sacred tradition. There are certain acts that bring great reproach upon a person. These include approaching those with whom union is forbidden—such as one’s father’s sister, mother’s sister, maternal uncle’s wife, or even one’s own daughter-in-law. Likewise, to approach the wife of one’s teacher or one’s own daughter is a grave violation, known as the sin of violating the teacher’s bed. Other serious offenses are enumerated: killing a cow, becoming an outcaste, theft, and neglecting debts. Further, receiving instruction from a servant or teaching for hire is condemned. Living by improper means among true Śūdras, Vaiśyas, or Kṣatriyas is also counted among these faults. Abandoning one’s father, mother, or friend, or selling ponds or gardens—these too are sinful. Giving away a maiden improperly, acting with deceit, or breaking a vow are likewise condemned. To forsake one’s own study, sacred fire, or relatives is also counted among these wrongs. All these are declared as minor sins. Now, listen to the means of expiation for such acts. If one has committed the terrible sin of killing a Brāhmaṇa, purity may be regained in twelve years by practicing austerity and eating little. Alternatively, one may offer oblations into the marrow, reciting the proper mantras in the prescribed order. If, for the sake of a Brāhmaṇa, one gives up one’s own life, or if a twice-born cow is thus sacrificed, freedom from distress is attained. Serving the goddess Sarasvatī or giving wealth to a worthy recipient is also a path to purification. If one has destroyed a fetus, the prescribed fee according to one’s class should be given to an Ātreya. When a Brāhmaṇa is present at a Soma sacrifice, he should observe a vow twice as severe as usual; he should wear garments of bark and matted hair, and subsist on clarified butter the color of fire. A Brāhmaṇa woman who consumes semen, urine, excrement, or intoxicating liquor is likewise to be considered impure. A twice-born who steals gold should give a pestle to the king and undertake the same penance. Alternatively, by giving gold equal to his own weight, the twice-born is purified. In the case of certain transgressions, the severed phallus and testicles should be cast away in the southwestern direction. Or, the Cāndrāyaṇa penance may be performed, or the Veda Saṃhitā recited for three months. Lying in a cowshed and following the cows, one is purified by the gift of a cow. Alternatively, subsisting on milk for a month or on parched grain brings purification. The vow prescribed for killing a Brāhmaṇa should be observed for three years. For killing a Śūdra, six months of penance is prescribed, or the giving of ten cows. For killing a cat, iguana, mongoose, animal, or frog, specific penances are laid down. For killing an elephant, five black bulls must be given; for a parrot, a two-year-old calf. If one cuts down a tree, shrub, creeper, or hero tree, one hundred recitations of the Ṛk are required for expiation. To obtain purity after certain acts, one may offer a donkey as a sacrificial animal in the southwestern direction. If a messenger sent by a teacher dies, the teacher should perform three kṛcchra penances. In dealing with enemies, one should approach them by giving grain, by affection, or by other suitable means. If one is falsely accused of a great or minor sin, to the highest degree, the matter is to be addressed accordingly. One who, without sanction, approaches his brother’s wife should perform the Cāndrāyaṇa penance. A celibate student, residing in a cowshed for one month, should undertake a vow of subsisting on milk. Even one who officiates at a sacrifice for an outcaste should perform the kṛcchra penance three times. He who rides a donkey or camel should practice the threefold regulation of breath. If you insult your teacher, utter "hum" at him, or defeat a Brāhmaṇa in debate, or if you threaten a Brāhmaṇa with a staff or strike him down, you must perform the kṛcchra or atikṛcchra penance. Where expiation is prescribed, proper atonement must be undertaken. Finally, know this: such faults are said to be near the planets, and therefore, one should abandon such a messenger. Thus, the ways of fault and purification are revealed, so that all may walk the path of righteousness.