Listen to the teachings, O seekers of Sanātana Dharma, as the scripture unfolds its wisdom regarding the conduct and livelihood of the twice-born. It is said that one who desires a long and healthy life should refrain from consuming new grain, wine, or meat. Those who greedily pursue new grain or meat are motivated only by the wish to sustain their own bodies, neglecting higher duties. A householder should always honor the ancestors, especially during the Aṣṭakā rites and the recurring Anvaṣṭakā ceremonies, for such observances uphold the sacred lineage. Among the three classes of society, those dwelling in the householder stage bear special responsibility. If a householder neglects sacrifice, he is destined to fall into many hells—such as Kumbhīpāka, Vaitaraṇī, and the dreadful forest of sword-leaves. O Brahmins, such a person may be reborn into the family of outcastes, or in the womb of a Śūdra. Therefore, having established the sacred fire and purified the mind, one should worship the Supreme Lord. The eternal is best worshipped with the Agnihotra sacrifice, which should be performed always. One should not converse with fools, and even less with those who deny the existence of the divine. But if a person possesses true knowledge, he becomes worthy to drink Soma. With Soma, he should worship the god—the great lord of the Soma world. If he is equal in merit, he should worship the supreme with Soma. Dharma is the direct path to liberation, and its twofold form is found in Vedic rites and the rites of Smṛti. Of all rites, the Vedic is the most beneficial; thus, one should perform the Vedic rite. In the absence of Veda and Smṛti, the conduct of the learned serves as the third authority. Those are called learned Brāhmaṇas who are ever endowed with inner virtues. That alone is called dharma by the virtuous—not any other path, for this is the true understanding. From one source comes knowledge of Brahman, and likewise, knowledge of dharma. The Dharmaśāstra and Purāṇa are considered the highest authority regarding Brahman. Therefore, the twice-born should place their faith in dharma and the Purāṇa. Now, hear of the supreme dharma and the proper modes of livelihood for the twice-born. Moneylending, agriculture, and trade should not be undertaken independently. These are emergency measures, while the previously mentioned duties are primary. Moneylending is harsh and sinful, and must be avoided. Only in times of distress may the twice-born adopt the livelihood of a Kṣatriya. A Brāhmaṇa should never till the soil himself. If others are satisfied by the Brāhmaṇa’s conduct, his faults are removed without doubt. By cultivating only a thirtieth part for Brāhmaṇas, no sin is incurred. The cultivator is not associated with fault—this is certain. There are many other means of livelihood, such as knowledge, crafts, and similar pursuits. The sages have described two noble livelihoods: gleaning and picking. Food received without asking is like nectar; food begged for is as if lifeless. This may be practiced for three days, or even just for the next day. Among those who conquer the world, the one who surpasses others in righteousness is known as the best. Of the four modes, the fourth lives by the Brahmasatra. One should always offer pure oblations at the end of each half-year. The livelihood of a Brāhmaṇa should be straightforward, free from deceit, and pure. Alternatively, one may beg from a pure and self-restrained person, but should not satisfy oneself from that. By performing the prescribed rites for the gods and ancestors, one avoids rebirth in the womb of dogs. Such is the sacred guidance for the twice-born, illuminating the path of dharma and right livelihood.