In ancient times, the sages taught that the supreme energy, the divine power, arises from the three fundamental principles. This energy pervades all things, and those who seek the highest state must honor it through sacred practices. Among these, it is prescribed that a brāhmaṇa should always perform the Sandhyā worship, facing east with devotion. Without this daily observance, all other efforts and rituals bear no true fruit. It is said that, in former ages, those who faithfully worshipped during the sacred twilight hours attained the highest state of existence. On the other hand, anyone who neglects reverence to Sandhyā is destined to fall into many hells. By performing this worship as ordained, one attains the supreme deity in the yogic form. The wise should stand with focused attention, facing east, and recite the Sāvitrī hymn. This prayer is to be accompanied by various mantras drawn from the Ṛg, Yajur, and Sāma Vedas, all relating to the Sun, the source of light and wisdom. With these mantras, one should bow to the ground, touching the earth with the head in humility. The devotee offers salutations, saying: “O radiant one, O Sun, O embodiment of Brahman, I bow to you. As one of true greatness, I bow to you, O Kapardin. Salutations to Rudra, to the Sun; I have taken refuge in you. Salutations, salutations to Rudra; I have taken refuge in you. Salutations to you, Lord of Ambikā, salutations to the Lord of Umā. Salutations to the red-hued, to Bharga, to the thousand-eyed one. Salutations to you, wielder of the thunderbolt, O Tryambaka; salutations to you.” The worship continues with remembrance of the golden one, hidden within the house, who is the self of all embodied beings—Lord of all, the formidable one, bearing both masculine and feminine forms. To this fierce and ever-compassionate deity, the devotee offers refuge, always. It is further instructed that at dawn and at midday, one should bow to the Sun. The Sūrya-hṛdaya, revealed by Brahmā himself, is to be taught, for it is holy and beneficial, especially for Brāhmaṇas, and is practiced by gatherings of sages. In the proper manner, a sacred fire should be kindled, and oblations offered to Jātavedas, the fire deity. With special permission, further offerings are made as prescribed, always with an undistracted mind and restrained senses. If these offerings are made without proper discipline, they become fruitless and demonic, yielding no benefit in this world or the next. Flowers and other offerings should be presented, and elders among the assembly should be greeted with respect. Thereafter, the twice-born should devote themselves to diligent study of the Vedas, to the best of their ability, including the Vedic texts and their ancillary disciplines. In fulfilling his family’s various aims, the twice-born should use flowers, unbroken rice, sacred grass, sesame seeds, and pure cow dung in his rituals. Daily bathing is essential, whether in pits or flowing streams. If possible, one should bathe again after taking up five lumps, and cleanse the lower body and feet with three and six lumps respectively—this being the proper measure for purification with cow dung. After rinsing and sipping water as prescribed, one should bathe with a focused mind. Purified in body and mind, the devotee should meditate on the imperceptible, imperishable Viṣṇu. Thus, at the time of bathing, the wise are instructed to remember Nārāyaṇa. After rinsing the mouth, one should repeat the act, reciting the appropriate mantra if known: “You are the sacrifice, you are the vaṣaṭ-call, you are the waters, the light, the essence, the immortal.” In this way, through discipline, reverence, and remembrance, the seeker draws near to the divine essence that upholds all worlds.