कदाचिदपि नाध्येयं कोविदारकपित्थयोः
Study should never be undertaken under the kovidāra or kapittha trees.
आचार्ये संस्थिते वापि त्रिरात्रं क्षपणं स्मृतम्
When the teacher has died, three nights of impurity are prescribed.
हिंसन्ति राक्षसास्तेषु तस्मादेतान् विवर्जयेत्
On these occasions, demons cause harm; therefore, one should avoid them.
उपाकर्मणि कर्मान्ते होममन्त्रेषु चैव हि
However, at the beginning of study, at the end of rituals, and during sacrificial mantras, study is permitted.
अष्टकाद्यास्वधीयीत मारुते चातिवायति
One may study on aṣṭakā days and when the wind is very strong.
न धर्मशास्त्रेष्वन्येषु पर्वण्येतानि वर्जयेत्
In other Dharmaśāstras, these rules are not prescribed for festival days.
ब्रह्मणाभिहितः पूर्वमृषीणां भावितात्मनाम्
This was formerly declared by Brahmā to the sages of purified mind.
स संमूढो न संभाष्यो वेदबाह्यो द्विजातिभिः
He who is thus deluded, and outside the Veda, should not be conversed with by twice-born men.
पाठमात्रावसन्नस्तु पङ्के गौरिव सीदति
One who stops at mere recitation sinks like a cow in the mud.
ससान्वयः शूद्रकल्पः पात्रतां न प्रपद्यते
Even if he knows the meaning, if he is like a Śūdra, he does not attain fitness for the vessel.
युक्तः परिचरेदेनमाशरीरविमोक्षणात्
One who is disciplined should serve him until the release from the body.
अधीयीत सदा नित्यं ब्रह्मनिष्ठः समाहितः
He should always study constantly, being steadfast in Brahman and composed.
अभ्यसेत् सततं युक्ते भस्मस्नानपरायणः
He should practice continually, being disciplined and devoted to bathing with ashes.
स्वायंभुवो यन्मनुराह देवः
That which the divine Svāyambhuva Manu spoke—
याति तत् पदमनामयं शिवम्
He attains that supreme, auspicious, and flawless state.
अधीत्य चाधिगम्यार्थं ततः स्नायाद् द्विजोत्तमः
Having studied and understood the meaning, then the best of twice-born should bathe.
चीर्णव्रतो ऽथ युक्तात्मा सशक्तः स्नातुमर्हति
Having performed his vows, with a disciplined self and capable, he is fit to bathe.
यज्ञोपवीतद्वितयं सोदकं च कमण्डलुम्
He should carry two sacred threads, water, and a water-pot.
रौक्मे च कुण्डले वेदं कृत्तकेशनखः शुचिः
With golden earrings, the Veda, hair and nails cut, and pure.
अन्यत्रकाञ्चनाद् विप्रोनरक्तां बिभृयात् स्त्रजम्
Except for gold, a Brāhmaṇa should wear a garland that is not red.
न जीर्णमलवद्वासा भवेद् वै विभवे सति
He should not wear old or dirty clothes if he has the means.
नोपानहौ स्त्रजं चाथ पादुके च प्रयोजयेत्
He should not use shoes, a garland, or sandals.
नापसव्यं परीदध्याद् वासो न विकृतं वसेत्
He should not wear a garment over the left shoulder, nor should he wear deformed clothing.
रूपलक्षणसंयुक्तान् योनिदोषविवर्जितान्
He should wear those adorned with proper form and marks, free from defects of origin.
आहरेद् ब्राह्मणो भार्यां शीलशौचसमन्विताम्
A brāhmaṇa should take a wife who is endowed with good conduct and purity.
वर्जयेत् प्रतिषिद्धानि प्रयत्नेन दिनानि तु
He should diligently avoid what is forbidden, at all times.
ब्रह्मचारी भवेन्नित्यं तद्वज्जन्मत्रयाहनि
He should always remain celibate, just as on the days of the threefold birth-rites.
व्रतानि स्नातको नित्यं पावनानि च पालयेत्
The initiated householder should always observe the vows and purificatory practices.
अकुर्वाणः पतत्याशु नरकानतिभीषणान्
One who does not do so quickly falls into terrifying hells.
कुर्याद् गृह्याणि कर्माणि संध्योपासनमेव च
He should perform the household rites and the worship at twilight.