Hearing his son’s words, the sage Galava was filled with delight. “My birth has become fruitful,” he declared, “and my lineage has been purified.” His heart was deeply satisfied by the actions and devotion of his son, and with a gentle openness, he asked, “With both restraint and candor, what else do you wish to hear?” The son of Brahma, overjoyed, spoke once more, turning to the essence of sacred vows—those practices that dispel countless sins. “Narrating the vows,” he said, “is supremely meritorious and, when recounted properly, bestows devotion to Hari. Likewise, the conduct of all the ashramas and the procedures for atonement should be explained. Out of great compassion, please speak to me fully.” He continued, “Hari, the imperishable Lord, is worshipped by those who are devoted to the prescribed conduct of varna and ashrama. I shall tell you all this according to the rules, for you are steadfast in your devotion to the transcendental Lord.” “These divisions are called varnas, and among them, the Brahmana is foremost. Birth is attained in three ways: from one’s mother, by sacred initiation, and by the study of scripture. One who abandons the duties of their own varna is called a heretic by the wise, and such a person becomes fallen, excluded from all duties.” “Local customs may be accepted, provided they do not contradict the established laws of tradition. Even if an act is righteous, it should not be performed if it does not lead to heaven or is despised by people. For twice-born men, marriage with girls of another varna is permitted, but certain practices—such as eating meat at funeral rites, the vanaprastha ashrama, lifelong celibacy, and human or animal sacrifices—are to be avoided in the Kali age. Otherwise, one is regarded as fallen and excluded from all duties.” “Now, I will explain the general duties—listen attentively. One should seek alms for livelihood and also teach others. Studying the Vedas and accepting gifts from worthy persons is prescribed. One should act for the welfare of all and speak gentle words, never speaking ill of anyone, and remain devoted to the worship of Viṣṇu. The Vedas should be studied, and the gods worshipped with sacrifices. It is also a duty to punish the wicked and protect the virtuous.” “The study of the Vedas is prescribed for the Vaiśya as well. He may acquire wealth through buying and selling, or by crafts and handiwork, and should be devoted to serving Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, and Vaiśyas. Seeking the welfare and auspiciousness of all, and speaking kindly, is declared by the sages as a duty common to all castes.” “O twice-born, a Brāhmaṇa may adopt the conduct of a Kṣatriya in times of distress, but even in great distress, a twice-born should never adopt the occupation of a Śūdra. Among Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, and Vaiśyas, the four stages of life are: student, householder, forest-dweller, and mendicant.” “O foremost of Brāhmaṇas, Viṣṇu is pleased with one whose mind delights in the path of righteous action. Such a person attains the supreme state, from which there is no return.” “Now, O best of sages, listen further with an attentive mind.