Those who engage in unrighteous actions, the scripture declares, immediately fall into sinful states—such is the inevitable fruit of their deeds. Thus, one must be careful in matters of worship: it is forbidden even to speak in praise of the Pañcarātra or Pāśupata doctrines. Nor should one allow one’s mind to dwell on those who take pleasure in reviling the twice-born, the respected custodians of sacred knowledge. To act in such ways leads only to downfall; therefore, with sincere effort, these errors must be avoided. Even greater, a million times more grievous than these, is the sin of denying true knowledge—atheism itself. When righteousness is neglected, a family becomes ignoble; so too, when Brahmins are transgressed against, or when non-scriptural dharma is practiced, or when proper conduct is not observed, families quickly perish. The wise are further cautioned: never dwell in a land ruled by Śūdras, nor in places crowded with heretics. Except for the region between the two oceans—the sacred land famed for its holy rivers—a twice-born should not take up residence elsewhere. It is only there, in that blessed place, that the twice-born may dwell. One should avoid living in other sacred places if they are near villages of outcastes, and should not live among the ignorant, the arrogant, outcastes, or those who associate with outcastes. Certain acts—officiating at sacrifices, teaching, sexual union, and eating together—are among the eleven faults known as the mixing of castes. Such mixing must be avoided with every possible effort. Where boundaries are marked with sacred ashes, mixing does not occur. Even a row of people is divided in six ways: by a door, a pillar, or a pathway, and so forth. During times of impurity, one should not engage in conversation, nor should one touch another at a vital spot. The learned are advised never to reveal the moon to others. One must always remember: do not do to others what is disagreeable to oneself. A foremost twice-born should refrain from speaking to those who have not performed the water-offering or who are impure. Reviling the Veda or the gods must be diligently avoided, for the scriptures offer no expiation for such grave offenses. Indeed, one who commits this sin is said to be tormented in Raurava for a hundred crore aeons. If one encounters such things, the right course is to cover one’s ears and depart, not even looking upon them. Harmony among one’s own people is essential; one should never engage in disputes within the family or community. To do so makes one equally at fault and, through falsehood, brings double blame. Those who falsely accuse others are themselves called killers of sons and cattle—such is the weight of their sin. The elders have pronounced that for false accusation, there is no expiation. Further, one should not point out what is hidden by clothing or not visible within. When impure, a wise person should not gaze at the sun, the moon, or the planets. One should not speak to another while one’s mouth is defiled by food or covered, nor to someone whose limbs are unbound, or who is mad or intoxicated, nor to a woman who is sneezing, yawning, or sitting as she pleases. It is forbidden to step over urine or to stand upon it. Food that is defiled, as well as honey, ghee, or sacrificial oblations placed upon black antelope skin, must never be offered. Finally, one should restrain anger, and avoid hatred and attachment. Envy, pride, grief, and delusion must also be shunned. In this way, by following these instructions, one protects oneself and one’s lineage, upholding righteousness and purity in thought, word, and deed.