Listen, O noble one, to the ancient wisdom of the household and creation, as revealed in the sacred verses. Whenever a guest arrives at one’s home—be his presence pleasing or not—he must be regarded as Prajapati himself, for the guest’s very name reflects his impermanent stay. The householder who satisfies his guest is freed from the debts owed to humanity through sacrifice; but if he eats without first giving, he partakes of sin. Indeed, should a guest depart with his hopes unfulfilled, the householder alone consumes sin, and in another birth, he will eat filth. Even when water or simple vegetables are offered, whatever merit arises is claimed by the guest, while the sin remains with the host who neglects his duty. Therefore, a man should honor his guest to the best of his ability, and each day perform the sacred śrāddha, offering food and water. He should feed Brahmins, or at least one Brahmin, in reverence to his ancestors, presenting the finest portion of food first. Alms should be given to wandering ascetics and students who beg, with four mouthfuls as the measure, always offering the first portion. The wise twice-born declare that this first portion is four times more potent than the rest; whether it is a meal or alms, its virtue is greatest. None should eat without first giving, according to his means, after honoring guests, household deities, relatives, and those who seek charity. He should feed the disabled, children, the elderly, the clever, and anyone else afflicted by hunger and lacking sustenance. A prosperous householder ought to care for his relatives, especially when a wealthy relative encounters one fallen into distress. Whatever sins the fallen relative has committed are shared equally by the prosperous one. In the evening, after sunset, the guest should be honored as prescribed, with a bed, seat, and food, to the best of the householder’s ability. In this way, the burden of household life is properly borne. Upon the shoulders of the householder rest the Creator, the gods, the ancestors, the great sages, all bestowers of welfare, as well as guests and relatives. Even the groups of animals, birds, and all small creatures are satisfied through his offerings. Here, the illustrious sage Atri composed verses for householders, urging them to honor gods, ancestors, guests, and relatives alike. If able, the householder should offer food on the ground to dogs, outcastes, birds, his wives, and his teacher. He should perform the Vaiśvadeva rite each day and evening, offering meat, rice, vegetables, and whatever else has been prepared in the home—never eating any himself until the proper offerings have been made. Now, hear of the creation as it unfolded. Krauṣṭuki asked the sage to describe in detail how Brahmā created the various beings and the castes, and what duties were prescribed for each. Markandeya replied: In the beginning, while Brahmā was intent on creation and truth, he produced a thousand pairs from his mouth. These beings were endowed with abundant sattva and their own brilliance. Then, from his chest, he created another thousand pairs, dominated by rajas—energetic and impatient. From his thighs, he produced yet another thousand pairs, dominated by both rajas and tamas, inclined to desire. Finally, from his feet, he created another thousand pairs, all dominated by tamas, lacking prosperity and intelligence. As excitement grew among them, living beings arose in pairs, filled with mutual desire, and began to unite sexually. Thus, in this cycle, the origin of beings in pairs was established. At that time, women did not have a monthly period; therefore, even though they engaged in union, they did not conceive. Only at the end of their lifespan did they give birth, and only once. By meditation and the power of mind, offspring were produced instantly, each with pure sensory faculties and five attributes. Such was the human creation at the beginning, O Prajāpati, and from their descendants, the world was filled. These beings frequented rivers, lakes, oceans, and mountains, experiencing only mild heat and cold. They attained natural satisfaction in the objects of the senses; among them, there was no opposition, hatred, or envy. They wandered everywhere, dwelling on mountains and by the sea, without fixed abodes, acting without desire and always joyful in mind. Then arose flesh-eating spirits, serpents, demons, envious people, animals, birds, crocodiles, fish, and reptiles—beings of inferior birth or born from eggs, offspring of unrighteousness. At that time, there were no roots, fruits, or flowers, nor seasons or years. Time was pleasant at all moments, with neither excess heat nor cold, and wondrous accomplishments arose as time passed. In the morning and at midday, they were satisfied, and whenever they wished, satisfaction came effortlessly. Yet, for those who desired, exertion of the mind appeared, and through the subtlety of water, various delightful accomplishments manifested. Then, another kind of being arose, granting every desire; their bodies required no purification, and they remained perpetually youthful. Without intention, offspring were born in pairs, together, sharing the same form, and dying at the same time. Thus unfolded the sacred cycle of creation and the duties of the householder, as revealed by the sages.