The student who truly understands the meaning of what he studies attains the highest state. There is no recitation greater than the Gayatri; by knowing this, one finds liberation. The ceremony of Vedic study is remembered during the months of Ashadha or Proshthapada. At this time, the student should study in a pure place, with a concentrated mind. Alternatively, when the bright fortnight of Magha arrives, he may begin his study in the morning of the first day. The limbs of the Vedas, the ancient texts, and the Manusmriti are to be studied during the dark fortnight. Teaching and diligent practice must continue even as one studies. Yet, Prajapati declared that certain times are unsuitable for study. Study is prohibited during the wrong season or when clouds gather, and these are always considered improper times—even if the season itself is wrong. When lightning flashes, study is forbidden at night, just as it is during the day. For those who seek righteousness and merit, study is always forbidden in places where foul odors are present. Study is also prohibited when there is weeping or when people gather in crowds. One should not even contemplate study when impure, after eating, or after consuming food offered to ancestors. For three days, reciting the Veda is forbidden when impurity arises due to a king, Rāhu, or birth. As long as impurity remains in the body of a learned Brāhmaṇa, the Veda should not be recited. After eating meat or food from a house in mourning, one must not study. On the days of new moon, fourteenth day, full moon, and eighth day, study is not permitted. On the aṣṭakā days—both day and night—and during the nights at the end of the seasons, study is forbidden. The wise declare that three aṣṭakā days occur in the dark fortnight. Study should never be undertaken beneath the kovidāra or kapittha trees. When the teacher has died, three nights of impurity are observed. During these occasions, demons may cause harm, so one must avoid them. However, at the beginning of study, at the end of rituals, and during sacrificial mantras, study is permitted. One may also study on aṣṭakā days and when the wind is very strong. In other Dharmaśāstras, these rules are not prescribed for festival days. This guidance was once declared by Brahmā to the sages of purified mind. One who is deluded and outside the Veda should not be conversed with by twice-born men. If one stops at mere recitation, he sinks like a cow in the mud. Even if he knows the meaning, if he behaves like a Śūdra, he does not attain fitness for the vessel. The disciplined student should serve his teacher until release from the body. He should always study constantly, steadfast in Brahman and composed. Continual practice is essential, along with discipline and devotion to bathing with ashes. That which the divine Svāyambhuva Manu spoke—by following this, one attains the supreme, auspicious, and flawless state. Having studied and understood the meaning, the best of the twice-born should then bathe. After performing his vows, with a disciplined and capable self, he is fit to bathe. He should carry two sacred threads, water, and a water-pot. With golden earrings, the Veda, hair and nails cut, and in purity, he prepares himself. Except for gold, a Brāhmaṇa should wear a garland that is not red.