गर्भाष्टमे ऽष्टमे वाब्दे स्वसूत्रोक्तविधानतः
In the eighth month of pregnancy or in the eighth year, according to the rule stated in one's own sutra—
भिक्षाहारो गुरुहितो वीक्षमाणो गुरुर्मुखम्
Living on alms, devoted to the teacher, looking at the teacher’s face—
ब्राह्मणानां त्रिवित् सूत्रं कौशं वा वस्त्रमेव वा
For Brahmins, the three-threaded cord, or a garment of cloth, is prescribed.
अन्यथा यत् कृतं कर्म तद् भवत्ययथाकृतम्
Whatever act is done otherwise, that becomes improperly performed.
तदेव परिधानीयं शुक्लमच्छिद्रमुत्तमम्
That alone should be worn—pure white, without blemish, and excellent.
अभावे गव्यमजिनं रौरवं वा विधीयते
In its absence, a garment of cow-hide or of ruru-deer is prescribed.
उपवीतं भवेन्नित्यं निवीतं कण्ठसज्जने
The sacred thread should always be worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm, except when it is worn around the neck in mourning.
प्राचीनावीतमित्युक्तं पित्र्ये कर्मणि योजयेत्
When the thread is placed over the right shoulder and under the left arm, it is called 'prācīnāvīta,' and should be used in rites for the ancestors.
स्वाध्याये भोजने नित्यं ब्राह्मणानां च सन्निधौ
One should always wear the thread over the left shoulder during study of the Veda, while eating, and in the presence of Brahmins.
उपवीती भवेन्नित्यं विधिरेष सनातनः
One should always wear the sacred thread in the prescribed manner; this is the eternal rule.
मुञ्जाभावे कुशेनाहुर्ग्रन्थिनैकेन वा त्रिभिः
In the absence of muñja grass, they say the thread may be made from kuśa grass, with one or three knots.
यज्ञार्हवृक्षजं वाथ सौम्यमव्रणमेव च
Or it may be made from the wood of trees suitable for sacrifice, or from soft, unblemished material.
कामाल्लोभाद् भयान्मोहात् त्यक्तेन पतितो भवेत्
If one abandons the sacred thread out of desire, greed, fear, or delusion, he falls from righteousness.
स्नात्वा संतर्पयेद् देवानृषीन् पितृगणांस्तथा
After bathing, one should offer satisfaction to the gods, sages, and groups of ancestors.
अभिवादनशीलः स्यान्नित्यं वृद्धेषु धर्मतः
One should always be accustomed to respectful greeting of elders, in accordance with righteousness.
आयुरारोग्यसिद्ध्यर्थं तन्द्रादिपरिवर्जितः
For the attainment of long life and health, one should avoid laziness and the like.
अकारश्चास्य नाम्नो ऽन्ते वाच्यः पूर्वाक्षरः प्लुतः
At the end of his name, the word 'a' should be pronounced, and the first syllable should be elongated.
नाभिवाद्यः स विदुषा यथा शूद्रस्तथैव सः
He who is not greeted by the learned is just like a Śūdra.
सव्येन सव्यः स्प्रष्टव्यो दक्षिणेन तु दक्षिणः
The right hand should touch the right, and the left hand should touch the left.
आददीत यतो ज्ञानं तं पूर्वमभिवादयेत्
One should first greet the person from whom he has received knowledge.
एवंविधानि चान्यानि न दैवाद्येषु कर्मसु
Other such rules do not apply in rites for the gods and similar ceremonies.
वैश्यं क्षेमं समागम्य शूद्रमारोग्यमेव तु
Upon meeting a Vaiśya, one should wish him prosperity; upon meeting a Śūdra, one should wish him health.
वर्णज्येष्ठः पितृव्यश्च पुंसो ऽत्र गुरवः स्मृताः
Among men, the elder of the caste and the paternal uncle are considered teachers.
श्वश्रूः पितामहीज्येष्ठा धात्री च गुरवः स्त्रियः
Among women, the mother-in-law, the eldest paternal grandmother, and the nurse are considered teachers.
अनुवर्तनमेतेषां मनोवाक्कायकर्मभिः
One should follow them through actions of mind, speech, and body.
नैतैरुपविशेत् सार्धं विवदेन्नात्मकारणात्
One should neither sit together with them nor argue with them for one's own sake.
उदितो ऽपि गुणैरन्यैर्गुरुद्वेषी पतत्यधः
Even if endowed with other virtues, one who hates the guru falls down.
तेषामाद्यास्त्रयः श्रेष्ठास्तेषां माता सुपूजिता
Among them, the first three are the best; among them, the mother is most highly honored.
ज्येष्ठो भ्राता च भर्ता च पञ्चैते गुरवः स्मृताः
The elder brother and the husband—these five are considered gurus.
पूजनीया विशेषेण पञ्चैते भूतिमिच्छता
These five should be especially honored by one who desires prosperity.