Hear now the sacred instructions, as once revealed by Brahmā: the Sūrya-hṛdaya, a holy teaching practiced by assemblies of sages and especially beneficial for Brāhmaṇas, is to be imparted. To begin, one should kindle the sacred fire in the proper manner and offer oblations into Jātavedas, the fire deity, following all prescribed rites and with the necessary permissions. With a mind free from distraction and the senses well restrained, each offering must be made with utmost care. If these acts are performed carelessly or with a distracted mind, they become fruitless and even demonic, yielding no benefit in this life or the next. It is also proper to present flowers and similar offerings, and to greet the elders among the assembled with respect. After these duties, a twice-born should diligently study the Vedas to the best of his ability, focusing especially on the Vedic texts and their ancillary sciences. Thereafter, he should strive to fulfill the various responsibilities owed to his family. For the daily rituals, one should gather flowers, unbroken rice grains, sacred grass, sesame seeds, and pure cow dung. Each day, bathing is to be performed—whether in a pit or in flowing water. If possible, after collecting five lumps of cow dung, one should bathe again; for the lower parts of the body, three lumps suffice, while for the body and feet, six are used. This is the prescribed measure, and with it, the limbs are to be smeared for purification. After rinsing and sipping water as directed by the scriptures, one should bathe with a focused mind, purifying the thoughts and meditating upon the imperceptible, imperishable Viṣṇu. Thus, during the act of bathing, the wise are enjoined to remember the god Nārāyaṇa. Upon rinsing the mouth, one should do so again, 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.” Alternatively, the learned may recite the Sāvitrī or the Aghamarṣaṇa hymn, invoking the waters to flow forth with sacred utterances. While immersed in the water, the Aghamarṣaṇa hymn should be recited three times. Or, one may simply repeat the sacred syllable Om or remember the god Hari. By repeating Om three times in the water, all sins are washed away. When this sanctified water is placed upon the head, one is released from all offenses. The Aghamarṣaṇa hymn, too, is renowned for dispelling all sins and wrongs. Having sprinkled oneself, one should turn to behold the divine—he who removes all darkness. This act, especially when accompanied by the Sāvitrī mantra, is likened to the pure swan. Afterwards, the Sāvitrī should again be recited, for this is known as the recitation-sacrifice. According to one's ability, the Śatarudrīya, the Atharvaśiras, and hymns to the Sun should also be recited. If standing, one should perform these recitations with unwavering concentration, gazing at the sun, and using a rosary of akṣa beads—the best being those from the north. Throughout, the head and neck should remain steady, and the teeth should not be exposed. The recitation is best performed in a solitary and auspicious place. After conversing with others and bathing, the recitation should again be undertaken. The Sāvitrī mantras should be recited as best as possible, along with the Pavamāni hymns if desired. Otherwise, with a pure mind, one should sit upon clean ground or sacred darbha grass. Having performed ācamana as prescribed, he should undertake self-study to the extent of his ability. At the beginning of these sacred acts, the syllable 'Om' should be uttered, and at the conclusion, 'Salutations' should be offered, thus making oblations to the divine in the proper manner.