Listen, O wise one, to the teachings that flow from ancient wisdom, illuminating the ways of living and the subtleties of human nature. There are certain things in life that, though they may appear harmless, are as dangerous as poison: for the poor, gatherings can be toxic; for the old, the company of a young woman brings peril; knowledge learned from a blade of grass is of little use; and food, when indigestion is present, acts as poison. Yet, a melodious song delights those whose voices are clear; a lofty seat pleases the lowly; a gift is cherished by the poor; and the earth herself finds joy in the presence of a young woman. Diseases take root in those who excessively drink water, eat hard foods, deplete their bodily elements, suppress natural urges, sleep during the day, or stay awake at night. Similarly, exposure to the midday sun, excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, inhaling smoke from cremation grounds, warming hands over fire, gazing at menstruating women, and engaging in all these together surely shorten one’s lifespan. There are six things that quickly take away life: dried meat, the company of old women, the morning sun, fresh curds, sexual intercourse at dawn, and sleep. Likewise, freshly churned ghee, grapes, young women, milk-based foods, hot water, and the shade of a tree are also swift agents of death. Yet, well water, the shade of a banyan tree, and a woman’s breast offer warmth in the cold and coolness in the heat. Three things immediately give strength: oil massage for children, good food, and rest. Conversely, travel, sexual intercourse, and fever quickly sap one’s strength. Dried meat, milk, and constant association with wives or enemies should never be consumed with kings, for they bring separation in an instant. Even Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, abandons those who wear dirty clothes, neglect their teeth, overeat, speak harshly, or sleep at sunrise and sunset—even if they wield the discus like Vishnu. Constantly cutting grass, digging the earth, wiping the feet, neglecting dental cleanliness, wearing dirty clothes, rough hair, sleeping twice daily, lying unclothed, overeating or laughing excessively, playing music on one’s own body or bed—all these bring ruin, even to the fortune of Keshava. Yet, prosperity that has long been lost can return to those who keep their heads and feet well washed, serve noble women, eat sparingly, avoid sleeping unclothed, and abstain from intercourse on forbidden days. Wearing any flower upon the head, especially the fragrant pāṇāḍara, wards off misfortune. The goddess of fortune resides in the western shadow of a lamp, the shadow of a bed or seat, and the dust from a washerman. But the morning sun, smoke from corpses, old women, fresh curds, and dust from sweeping should be avoided by those who desire a long life. The dust of elephants, horses, chariots, grains, and cows is auspicious, while that of donkeys, camels, and goats is inauspicious. The dust of cows, grains, and from a son’s body is highly praised and destroys great sins. But the dust of goats, donkeys, and that from sweeping is a great sin and causes severe impurity. Wind from a winnowing basket, water from washing the tips of nails, water from bathing clothes, water from washing hair, and dust from sweeping destroy previously acquired merit. One should never pass between two Brāhmaṇas, between a Brāhmaṇa and a sacred fire, between a married couple, between master and servant, nor between a horse and a bull. Who among the wise would place trust in women, kings, fire, serpents, the recitation of sacred texts, serving an enemy, or the enjoyment of pleasures? Do not trust the untrustworthy, nor trust even the trustworthy too much; for from trust, fear arises, and it can cut even at the root. If, after making peace with an enemy, one remains trusting, it is like sleeping atop a tree—one awakens only after falling. One should not be excessively gentle nor excessively harsh; the gentle are overcome by the gentle, and the harsh by the harsh. Neither should one be too straightforward nor too gentle; for straight trees are cut down, while crooked ones remain standing. Fruit-bearing trees bend, and virtuous people are humble; dry trees and fools neither bend nor yield, but break. Just as unasked-for sorrows come and go, so should a man seize opportunities, like a cat snatching its prey. With the noble, act first and last with great care and wealth; with the ignoble, act as you wish. A secret shared with six ears will be revealed; with four ears, it is preserved; but even Brahmā cannot know a secret kept between two. What use is a cow that neither gives milk nor is pregnant? What is the value of a son who is neither learned nor righteous? Even one good son, endowed with knowledge and intelligence, uplifts the family—just as the moon brightens the sky. Like a single blossoming, fragrant tree scents the whole forest, so does a good son bring honor to the entire family. What is the use of a hundred sons without virtue? One virtuous son dispels darkness, as the moon does—not a thousand stars. Indulge a child for five years, discipline him for ten; but when he reaches sixteen, treat your son as a friend. Yet, at birth a son takes away his father’s wife; as he grows, he takes his wealth; and at death, he takes his life—there is no enemy like a son. Some tigers have the faces of deer, and some deer have the faces of tigers; when their true nature is unknown, distrust is needed at every step. Among those who are patient, there is only one fault—no second can be found: people may think a patient person is weak. One must accept that pleasures are fleeting, and among the affectionate, the thoughts of the clever are never disturbed. O Śaunaka, when the father has died, the eldest brother becomes like a father; he should be the father and protector of all. He should behave equally toward all the younger ones, toward those who share equally in enjoyment and livelihood, and likewise toward the sons. Thus, these teachings guide one toward wisdom, prosperity, and harmony in the world, revealing the subtle truths of conduct, fortune, and family.