One who seeks purity and right conduct should begin by cleansing and touching the mouth with the base of the thumb. Next, joining the index finger and thumb, one should gently touch both sides of the nose. Alternatively, one may touch the head with the thumb, or touch both sides of the head. It is said that by performing these acts, the divine presence of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha is invoked. When one touches both eyes, the Moon and the Sun are pleased; likewise, by touching both ears, the Wind and Fire are honored. Touching the crown of the head brings a unique satisfaction and contentment to the person performing the act. However, one must be mindful that if the tongue comes into contact with the teeth or with objects attached to the teeth, impurity results. Objects that have been placed on the ground should be regarded as one with the earth, and should not be used without proper intention and care. Yet, as Manu has declared, there is no fault in consuming fruits, roots, or sugarcane, even if they have touched the ground. In such cases, one should place the substance on the ground, sip water, and sprinkle it, thus purifying it. This procedure is to be repeated as needed. When it comes to cloth and similar items, there is some flexibility; after touching them, one should sip water to maintain purity. After relieving oneself, the hand used to hold objects remains pure and is not defiled. It is proper to pass stool and urine during the day, but if necessary at night, one should face south. The head should always be covered while performing these bodily functions. Acts of purification, however, must never be performed in the presence of fire, in a cremation ground, or in places contaminated by urine or feces. Nor should purification be attempted while standing, in a place without shelter, on the summit of a mountain, among living beings, in pits, while walking, in fields, marshes, sacred fords, or at crossroads. It is also improper to perform purification on steps, while wearing shoes, holding an umbrella, or suspended in mid-air. Temples of the gods and places of water are likewise unsuitable, as is facing the sun, fire, or moon during the act. Purification should always be conducted with clean, freshly drawn water, and never with water from roads, barren places, or that which has been left over by another. Afterward, one should again touch water as previously described to complete the process. When called upon to study, a student should do so while looking at the teacher’s face. If told to be seated, one should sit facing the teacher. It is not proper to sit, eat, or stand with one’s back to the teacher, nor to sit as one pleases within the teacher’s line of sight. Imitating the teacher’s manner of sitting, speaking, or moving is to be avoided. In such situations, one should cover the ears or quietly move elsewhere, and never reply to the teacher or remain standing or seated in his presence without permission. Personal hygiene should be maintained by always cleansing and anointing the limbs. Out of respect, a student should never step upon the teacher’s seat, shadow, or anything similar. One must not depart without taking leave of the teacher, especially when engaged in something dear or beneficial. Noises and spitting must be strictly avoided in the teacher’s presence. The proper place for a student is below the teacher, seated on a mat or board, with full attention and devotion. When the teacher moves quickly, the student should follow; when the teacher goes somewhere, the student should accompany him. And when sitting together, it is proper to share stones or wooden seats, always with humility and respect.