The wise have spoken about the proper periods for a student’s life: they say that the primary stage extends up to twenty-two years, while the learned hold that a secondary stage may continue up to twenty-four. During these times, if the sacred Savitri, the Gayatri mantra, is lost, it should never be recited until the proper rites are restored. To regain it, one must first undertake the two Santapana penances, and only then proceed with the necessary rites. For the sacred investiture, each varṇa has its own prescribed articles. A Brahmin is to be girded with sacred grass, while a Kshatriya wears a bowstring. The Brahmin dons the skin of a black antelope, and the Kshatriya, the skin of the Ruru deer. The staff held by a Brahmin should be of palāśa wood, and for a king, it should be made of udumbara wood. A Brahmin keeps his hair unshorn, while a king marks his forehead with appropriate symbols. In the same manner, the garments are to be worn across the chest, each according to their respective order. After initiation, a twice-born must dedicate himself to serving his teacher with devotion. He should rise in the morning, bathe, and gather sacred sticks, kuśa grass, fruits, and other necessities. The student should always possess the sacred thread, a deerskin, and a staff. The only means of livelihood permitted during this period is food obtained through alms. In the presence of a Brahmin, and likewise in the presence of a king, the student must show due respect. He should perform the morning and evening rituals with self-control and in strict accordance with proper conduct. The wise declare that abandoning the fire rituals leads to downfall. Each day, he must worship the deities and continue to serve his teacher diligently. With discipline, he should seek alms only from the homes of blameless Brahmins. There are certain items and behaviors to be avoided: honey, wine, meat, salt, betel, and tooth-cleaning sticks; as well as umbrella, water pot, sandals, perfumes, garlands, and unguents. Slander, distress, idle talk, and the use of collyrium should also be shunned. The student should be habituated to offering respectful salutations, especially towards elders, in the proper order. The teacher, who removes spiritual suffering, is to be venerated. When greeting, the twice-born should humbly announce, “It is I.” There are those from whom greetings should not be received: atheists, boundary-breakers, sinners, village priests, heretics, fallen persons, outcastes, and those who harm the stars. Also to be avoided are the mad, the deceitful, the impure, those fond of disputes, gamblers, those vomiting, and those standing in water. Among women, a wife who has wronged her husband, one adorned with flowers, an adulteress, a woman in childbirth, or one who has aborted—all are to be respectfully avoided for greetings. There are certain places and occasions where greetings are not to be offered: in assemblies, sacrificial halls, and temples of the gods. Similarly, during ancestral rites, vows, gifts, and the worship of the gods, one should refrain from greetings. If a greeting is made and not returned, this too is discouraged. Before approaching the teacher, the student should wash his feet and mouth, always facing him with respect. There are special days to be observed with care: the eighth and fourteenth lunar days, the first days of festivals, and the second day of the latter half of Bhādrapada. At sunset, when a learned Brahmin enters the house, at twilight, when thunder resounds, or when unseasonal rain falls—these are all times of significance. The beginnings of Manus and gods, as well as the four beginnings of the ages, are to be honored. Days such as the third day in the bright fortnight, Bhādra, the dark thirteenth, and the bright eleventh are especially auspicious. It is said that gifts made at these beginnings of the ages yield inexhaustible results.