The scriptures warn that certain individuals must be diligently avoided, especially by those who seek righteousness and purity. Among these are betrayers of friends, deceivers, and above all, those who corrupt the sacred line of guests. Those who have turned away from contemplation of Brahman, the Supreme, are to be shunned with care. In particular, a brāhmaṇa who neglects the great sacrifices is counted among those who defile the guest lineage. Likewise, a brāhmaṇa who is dominated by ignorance or passion is also considered a corrupter of the line of guests. Anyone who engages in condemned acts must be carefully avoided. When the time comes to perform the sacred rites, the householder should gather all the twice-born and invite them along with virtuous people. If it is not possible to do so on the chosen day, then on the following day, he should invite those who possess the prescribed qualities. These worthy souls, meditating upon one another with pure intentions, come together with the swiftness of thought itself. Like the wind, they arrive, and after partaking in the offerings, they attain the highest state. All participants should remain disciplined and devoted to celibacy. The one performing the śrāddha must avoid carrying burdens, engaging in sexual intercourse, traveling, or reciting scriptures during the observance. If he disregards these rules, he risks falling into a terrible hell and may be reborn as a pig. Should he commit even greater sin, he may be born as a worm in excrement. Such a person incurs the sin of killing a brāhmaṇa and is reborn among animals. For that month, his ancestors must subsist on food made of earth, or even filth, suffering because of his actions. Therefore, the performer should be free from anger, devoted to purity, diligent in good deeds, and one who has mastered his senses. He should draw water from the southern tip of the sacred ground, taking the roots as well, ensuring its utmost purity. The place for the rite should be cleaned and secluded, smeared with cow dung for sanctity. The ancestors are always pleased by offerings made in such secluded and pure places. Any actions performed out of delusion should be restrained by the wise, and it is said that things without an owner must not be appropriated. Everything tainted by demons is purified by sesame seeds or by the touch of a pure person. According to his ability, the host should prepare abundant food and drink for sipping. Approaching the guests properly, he should offer them a tooth-cleaning stick. All vessels used should be made of udumbara wood, and the Vaiśvadeva rite must be performed first. Water for washing feet and for sipping should be offered in the proper sequence. Seats for the guests should be arranged facing east, each furnished with three darbha grasses. The darbha grasses, with their tips pointing south, should be sprinkled with water mixed with sesame seeds. Inviting the guests with the words, “Be seated,” he should offer each a separate seat, even for the divine maternal ancestors if present. However, there are five things that can cause excess, so one must not make elaborate or excessive arrangements. The host should be endowed with learning, good conduct, and free from any inauspicious marks. In the shrine of the deity, he should first make an offering, and then proceed with the rest of the ritual. Even if only a single learned Brahmin is present, he should be fed with reverence. Additionally, anyone among those seated at the śrāddha who desires food should also be fed. Thus, with great effort, all guests must be honored by the Brahmins at the śrāddha. If guests are not properly honored, they and the giver alike may be reborn as crows—there is no doubt. Cocks, pigs, and dogs must be kept far away from the śrāddha. One should also avoid the presence of those wearing blue or ochre garments, as well as heretics, in order to preserve the sanctity of the rite.