Listen, dear one, to this sacred account of the cow that nourishes all beings, as revealed in the scriptures. Each of her four breasts embodies a vital utterance: ‘svāhā’, ‘svadhā’, ‘vaṣaṭ’, and ‘hanta’. The gods drink from the breast of ‘svāhā’, the ancestors from ‘svadhā’, and the sages, together with gods, spirits, and demons, partake of ‘vaṣaṭ’. Humans, ever in need, drink from the breast of ‘hanta’. Thus, O calf, this divine cow, formed from the essence of the three Vedas, sustains all creation. To destroy these sacred sources, to commit such grievous harm, is to plunge oneself into the deepest darkness and misery. But the one who, alongside his own calves and the gods and other beings, allows this cow to be nourished at the proper times, attains heaven. Therefore, my son, a human must daily nourish the gods, sages, ancestors, humans, and all creatures, just as he cares for his own body. Purified and protected, one should attentively make offerings to the gods, sages, ancestors, Prajapati, and others at the proper times. After worshipping the gods with fragrant flowers, one should offer to the sacred fire and distribute the prescribed portions. Within the house, offerings are made to Brahma and the Visvedevas; for Dhanvantari, the offering is placed in the northeast. Indra is honored in the east, Yama in the south, Varuna in the west, and Soma in the north. Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ receive offerings at the doorway, Aryaman outside, and household deities all around. Food is placed in the open for night-wandering beings and spirits, and for the ancestors, offerings are made facing south. The householder, with focused intent, takes water for purification and places offerings at designated spots, invoking the respective deities. After performing these household rites, the householder remains pure. To nourish all creatures, one should respectfully release food, scattering it on the ground for dogs, outcasts, and birds. This is known as the Vaiśvadeva rite, performed both morning and evening. After purification, the wise householder inspects the doorway, observing the eighth part of the hour; if a guest arrives, he honors them with food and water. A guest should be worshipped according to one’s means, with fragrance, flowers, and other tokens of respect. Friends or residents of the same village are not to be treated as guests in this ritual. But a person whose family and name are unknown, who arrives hungry, weary, begging, and possessing nothing, is called a Brahmin guest. Such a one should be honored to the best of one’s ability, without questioning his lineage, school, or studies. Whether his appearance is pleasant or unpleasant, he is to be regarded as Prajapati himself, for the guest’s stay is impermanent. When the guest is satisfied, the householder is freed from debts arising from human sacrifices. But if one eats without first giving, one partakes of sin. If a guest leaves with hope unfulfilled, the householder alone eats sin, and in another birth, filth. Even if only water or vegetables are given, whatever merit is gained belongs to the guest, while the sin remains with the householder. Therefore, a man should honor a guest with whatever means he has, and daily perform the śrāddha for the ancestors with food and water. He should feed Brahmins, or at least one Brahmin, in honor of the ancestors, offering first the best portion of the food. Alms should be given to wandering ascetics and students, with four mouthfuls as the measure, and the first portion offered. The wise say that the first portion is four times as effective as the rest; whether it is the meal or alms, the first portion is most potent. One should not eat without giving, according to one’s means, after honoring guests, household deities, relatives, and those who seek charity. The disabled, children, the elderly, the clever, and anyone afflicted by hunger should also be fed. A prosperous householder should feed his relatives, especially when a wealthy relative encounters one who has fallen into distress, for the sins of the fallen are shared by the prosperous. In the evening, after sunset, the guest should be honored according to rule, with a bed, seat, and food. In this way, the burden of household life is properly carried. On the shoulders of the householder rest the Creator, the gods, ancestors, great sages, guests, and relatives—all benefactors of welfare. The groups of animals, birds, and all other small creatures are satisfied. Here, O illustrious one, Atri himself composed verses for householders who honor the gods, ancestors, guests, and relatives. A householder, if he has the means, should offer food on the ground to dogs, outcastes, and birds, as well as to his wives and teacher. He should perform the Vaiśvadeva rite each evening and day, offering meat, rice, vegetables, and whatever else has been prepared in the house, but he should not eat any of it himself until he has made the proper offering according to rule. At this point, Krauṣṭuki spoke: “You have described the human creation that followed the stream-born beings. O Brahmin, now tell in detail how Brahmā created, and how he brought forth the various beings. How did he create the castes, and what are their qualities, O wise one? Tell also what duties are prescribed for the Brahmins and others.” Thus, the sacred duties of the householder are laid out, forming the foundation of righteousness and harmony in the world.