Listen, O Devi, as the sacred teaching unfolds. When a person is overcome by anger, it brings ruin upon his very being—his lifespan shortens, his prosperity diminishes, knowledge fades, and even his good deeds are destroyed. For those who provoke the anger of such a person, their sacrifices become fruitless, bearing no reward. In this path, mere recitations and observances are of no avail if one does not uphold the right attitude toward the guru. One must never, by any effort, utter words that oppose the guru. Should one, blinded by delusion, speak so, he will fall into the dreadful hell called Raurava. Therefore, O virtuous ones, by mind, wealth, and speech, one must never act falsely toward the guru, nor ever reveal his faults. If one does so, his own virtues are diminished a hundredfold. But if one proclaims the virtues of the guru, he gains the fruits of all virtues. One should always strive to do what is beneficial and pleasing to the guru, whether instructed or not. Whether in the presence of the guru or in his absence, one should perform the guru’s work, acting for his welfare with thought, word, and deed. If one acts otherwise, he falls to a lower state and remains there. Thus, the guru is to be worshipped and honored at all times. Even when near him, one should speak only with permission, never turning away. Such a devoted one, ever intent on recitation, pleases the guru and becomes worthy to employ the mantra. Now, listen as I reveal the proper application and the purpose of using a perfected mantra. If one does not know the correct application, the mantra becomes weak. Each mantra must be applied according to its particular purpose, and such application yields results both in this world and the next. From proper use come long life, health, and constancy, as well as sovereignty, lordship, knowledge, heaven, liberation, consecration, and the removal of sin. At the time of bathing and during the two twilights, one should recite with the eleventh mantra. With purity, one should climb a mountain and recite one hundred thousand times without fatigue. In a great river, reciting two hundred thousand times bestows long life, especially when accompanied by offerings of durva grass, sesame, speech, guduchi, and medicinal pills. A wise person should perform a fire offering of ten thousand oblations with these, to increase lifespan, and recite two hundred thousand times near an ashvattha tree. On a day ruled by Saturn, by gently touching the ashvattha tree, one attains long life. Reciting one hundred and eight times grants freedom from the influence of Soma and death. Facing the sun with unwavering mind, one should recite one hundred thousand mantras. By reciting one hundred and eight times to the sun and making offerings, one is freed from disease. For the pacification of all ailments, one should offer palasha wood in the fire. After offering ten thousand oblations, illness is removed. By daily reciting one hundred and eight times and drinking water in the sun’s presence, within a month, all abdominal diseases are cured. On the eleventh day, one should eat consecrated food, and whatever is consumed—even poison—becomes like nectar. Reciting one hundred thousand mantras in the morning and offering one hundred and eight oblations brings perfect health. By daily approaching the sun and touching a beautiful pot filled with river water, after reciting ten thousand times and bathing, it becomes a remedy for diseases. Having recited twenty-eight times, a pure person should eat food each day. After offering as many palasha sticks in the fire, health is attained. Before a solar or lunar eclipse, one should fast according to the prescribed method. During the eclipse, one should remain focused and recite mantras in the river; at the end of the eclipse, recite mantras in a river flowing to the ocean. By reciting one thousand and eight times, Brahmins should drink the juice of brahmi and attain intelligence and mastery of all auspicious scriptures. The goddess Sarasvati then bestows eloquence among humans. In afflictions caused by planets and stars, one should recite ten thousand mantras with devotion and offer eight thousand oblations to dispel planetary afflictions. If troubled by a bad dream, one should bathe and recite ten thousand mantras. By offering one hundred and eight oblations with ghee, peace is quickly attained. During a lunar or solar eclipse, one should properly worship the linga. Whatever one desires, O Devi, one should recite ten thousand mantras with reverence before that deity, with a pure and controlled mind. Thus, all desired objects are attained, without doubt, whether among elephants, horses, or cattle breeds. When disease arises, one should become pure and offer oblations with firewood; after worshipping for a month as prescribed and reciting ten thousand mantras with devotion, prosperity and peace will surely follow. In times of calamity or trouble from enemies, one who is pure should offer ten thousand oblations, using palasha wood as fuel, and peace will be obtained. In the case of harm caused by sorcery, this is to be performed, O Devi, for the power will turn back upon the enemy, causing him distress. For the purpose of creating enmity, one should offer eight pieces of vaibhīta wood, and by reversing the letters of the mantra, with moist blood or poison, or anointed with both, it becomes the cause of enmity among men. Now, I shall declare the expiation for purification from all sins, and how a person intent on performing it properly becomes purified. Proper purification is the cause of attaining knowledge; if a person is not purified from sin, all actions are fruitless. Therefore, purification from sin must be performed for the sake of pure knowledge and prosperity. O auspicious one, meditate on me with joined palms. With water sanctified by eleven recitations of Śiva’s name, sprinkle yourself all around; or, by bathing one hundred and eight times, one is purified from sin.