In the ancient tradition, certain things were to be avoided: slander, distress, idle talk, and even the use of collyrium. One was encouraged to cultivate the habit of respectful salutations, especially towards elders, always in proper order. Among all, the teacher who removes spiritual suffering holds a special place, and in greeting, the twice-born should humbly announce, “It is I.” Yet, there were some whom one should not salute: the atheist, the boundary-breaker, the sinner, and the village priest; the heretic, the fallen, the outcaste, and one who lives by causing harm to the stars; the mad, the deceitful, the rogue, the restless, and the impure; one fond of disputes, the gambler, the vomiting, and those immersed in water. Among women, those who have wronged their husbands, those adorned with flowers, the adulteress, the woman in childbirth, and one who has aborted—salutations to them were not prescribed. Respect and greeting were especially observed in assemblies, sacrificial halls, and temples of the gods. During ancestral rites, vows, gifts, and worship of the deities, the practice of greeting was maintained. If someone offered a greeting and it was not returned, it was considered improper. Before greeting the teacher, one should wash their feet and mouth, and always face the teacher with reverence. There were special days when particular observances and gifts were especially fruitful: the eighth and fourteenth days, the first day of festivals, the second day of the latter half of Bhādrapada, when the sun has set, when a learned Brahmin enters the house, at twilight, when thunder resounds, and when rain falls out of season. The beginnings of Manus and gods, the four beginnings of the ages, the third day in the bright fortnight, Bhādra, the dark thirteenth, and the bright eleventh—all these were auspicious times. These beginnings of the ages were known to bring inexhaustible results for whatever was given. Other occasions were the bright ninth in Kārtika, the twelfth in the bright fortnight, the bright tenth in Āṣāḍha, the seventh in Māgha’s bright fortnight, the new moon of Phālguna, and the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Pauṣa. Sages declared that gifts given on these days yield inexhaustible results. At a śrāddha, when invited, and during eclipses of the moon and sun, these were also times of significance. However, during an eclipse or on an inauspicious day, one should never study at any time. Study was to be undertaken for those who were dull-witted, for offspring, wisdom, fame, and prosperity. But one who studied during forbidden times was to be known as a slayer of Brahmins. Some, O Nārada, said that during the conjunction of Kuṇḍa and Golaka, and for the dull-witted and similar, study was not permitted. If a person, without studying the Veda, exerted himself elsewhere, or if a Brahmin, without studying the scriptures, adopted proper conduct, all daily, occasional, and desired rites, and whatever other Vedic acts there were, would be performed. Vishnu himself is the embodiment of the word and the Veda, directly present and remembered. Therefore, the Brahmin who studies the Veda attains all desires and is purified. When permitted, one should perform the acceptance of the sacred fire. Having completed study and given the teacher his fee, he should enter household life. A twice-born should marry a maiden of good character, who follows dharma. He should not marry a girl who has been with his teacher or elders. The wise man should avoid marrying a woman who is excessively hairy, bald, or talkative. Likewise, he should not marry one who is deformed, mad, or slanderous. Thus, the path of conduct, study, and marriage was laid out, guiding the twice-born through the stages of life with reverence, discipline, and discernment.