In accordance with the ancient rules, a Brahmin child is to be initiated either in the eighth month of pregnancy or in the eighth year after birth, as prescribed in one’s own family tradition. From that point, the young initiate lives by seeking alms, wholly devoted to his teacher, ever attentive and gazing upon the teacher’s face with reverence. For Brahmins, it is prescribed that they should wear the sacred thread of three strands, or alternatively, a garment of cloth. Any act performed contrary to these instructions is considered improperly done and not in accordance with dharma. The sacred thread or garment must be pure white, flawless, and excellent in quality. If such a thread is unavailable, then a garment made of cow-hide or the hide of the ruru-deer may be worn instead. The sacred thread must always be worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm, except during times of mourning, when it is worn around the neck. In rites for the ancestors, the thread is shifted over the right shoulder and under the left arm, which is known as the prācīnāvīta position. However, during the study of the Veda, while eating, and in the presence of Brahmins, the thread should always be worn over the left shoulder. This manner of wearing the thread is an eternal rule and must always be followed. If muñja grass is not available for the thread, then kuśa grass may be used, with one or three knots as prescribed. Alternatively, the thread may be fashioned from the wood of sacrificial trees or from other soft and unblemished materials. If one abandons the sacred thread out of desire, greed, fear, or delusion, he falls away from righteousness. After bathing, one should offer satisfaction to the gods, the sages, and the groups of ancestors. One must always be habituated to respectfully greeting elders, in accordance with righteousness. For the sake of long life and good health, laziness and similar faults must be avoided. When reciting one’s name, the final 'a' sound should be pronounced, and the first syllable should be elongated. A person who is not greeted by the learned is regarded as being like a Śūdra. During greetings, the right hand should touch the right, and the left hand should touch the left. One must first greet the person from whom knowledge has been received. However, such rules of greeting do not apply during rites for the gods and similar ceremonies. Upon meeting a Vaiśya, one should wish him prosperity; upon meeting a Śūdra, one should wish him health. Among men, the elder of one’s caste and the paternal uncle are to be regarded as teachers. Among women, the mother-in-law, the eldest paternal grandmother, and the nurse are considered teachers as well. One should honor these teachers through the actions of mind, speech, and body. One should neither sit together with them nor argue with them for personal reasons. Even if one is endowed with other virtues, anyone who harbors hatred for the guru falls from grace. Among these teachers, the first three are considered the best, and among them, the mother is to be most highly honored. The elder brother and the husband are also counted among the five teachers. These five should be especially honored by anyone who desires prosperity. The son should forsake all else and devote himself to serving them. Such devotion leads the son to attain all righteousness, and there is no way to fully repay these teachers—not by any means. Without their permission, no other duty should be undertaken. Thus has the essence of dharma been declared, which yields inexhaustible rewards after death. The devoted disciple enjoys the fruits of knowledge in this life and, after death, attains heaven. But if he fails in these duties, he falls into a terrible hell after death. In this world, honor arises for the giver because of the benefit rendered to others. Then, the venerable Manu declared to the assembled seekers those inexhaustible worlds that await the righteous. In the presence of elders and teachers, the younger should rise and respectfully say, “Here I am,” thus showing their humility and readiness to serve.