Listen, O seeker, to the wise counsel imparted by the sages, for these teachings guide one toward purity of conduct and clarity of mind. A learned person, it is said, should never reveal the moon to another, preserving its sacredness. One must always remember: do not do to others what is disagreeable to yourself. The foremost among the twice-born should refrain from speaking to those who have not performed the water-offering or who are impure, maintaining the sanctity of speech and company. Carefully avoid reviling the Veda or the gods, for such transgressions find no expiation in the scriptures, O best of sages. Those who commit this grave error are condemned to suffer in Raurava for a hundred crore aeons, a fate most dire. When confronted with such irreverence, one should cover the ears and depart, not even casting a glance at those acts. Never should one engage in disputes with one’s own people, for by doing so, one becomes equally at fault and incurs double blame through falsehood. Those who falsely accuse others bring upon themselves the infamy of being called killers of their own sons and cattle. The elders have declared that there is no expiation for false accusation. If something is hidden by clothing or not visible within, one should not point it out, respecting privacy and modesty. A wise person who is impure should not gaze at the sun, the moon, or the planets, nor speak to another while defiled by food or with the mouth covered. Likewise, avoid conversation with those whose limbs are unbound, who are mad or intoxicated, or with a woman who is sneezing, yawning, or sitting as she pleases. Never step over urine, nor stand upon it. Do not offer food that is defiled, nor honey, ghee, or sacrificial oblations placed on black antelope skin. One must avoid anger, hatred, and attachment, as well as envy, pride, grief, and delusion, for these are obstacles on the path. Avoid association with the lowly or those of harsh intellect. Do not disrespect the distinguished, nor should a wise person curse oneself. Among rivers, do not call a river ‘river’, nor among mountains call a mountain ‘mountain’, preserving reverence for their uniqueness. Do not enter water naked or cross fire on foot, and never accompany someone impure to places where hair or private parts are exposed. One should never indulge in talk or actions concerning sexual organs, the belly, or frivolity, nor listen to such things. Do not strike water with feet or hands, nor learn the language of barbarians, or drag a seat with your feet. Massage may be performed, but only thoughtfully and not suddenly or without purpose. Avoid dancing, singing, or playing musical instruments, and do not please the gods with worldly or external hymns. Never lie down while impure, nor bathe while naked. Do not cut hair, nails, or body hair with the teeth, nor wake someone who is sleeping. Do not sleep alone in an empty house, nor carry sandals yourself, nor wash the feet with the foot itself. In the presence of wind, fire, teacher, brahmin, sun, or moon, never go outside to relieve yourself. Always avoid such acts at both twilights and at midday. Do not touch a seat or an image of a deity with the foot. Do not enter deep water or carry water without reason. Thus, by following these wise instructions, one preserves purity, respect, and harmony with the world, as taught by the sages of old.