A Brāhmaṇa who sincerely follows righteous conduct, even if he has not studied the scriptures, is still worthy of respect. Yet, all daily, occasional, and desired rites—and indeed every other Vedic act—are deeply connected to the study and understanding of the Veda. Vishnu Himself is present as the very embodiment of the Veda and the sacred word, manifest and remembered in these acts. Therefore, a Brāhmaṇa who devotes himself to Vedic study becomes purified and attains all his desires. When the time comes, having received permission, the Brāhmaṇa should perform the ceremony of accepting the sacred fire. After completing his studies and offering the appropriate fee to his teacher, he may then enter the life of a householder. As a twice-born, he should marry a maiden of good character, one who is devoted to dharma. He must not marry a girl who has been with his teacher or with his elders. Wisdom guides him to avoid marrying a woman who is excessively hairy, bald, or overly talkative; nor should he wed one who is deformed, mad, or given to slander. He must also avoid a woman with prominent facial hair or a hunchback. If he is already married, he should not take as wife a woman who is quarrelsome, erratic in behavior, or harsh in speech. Likewise, he should not marry a woman who is extremely dark, red-complexioned, or deceitful. He must avoid marrying women who suffer from labored breathing or similar ailments, or who are habitually sleepy. He should not choose one who delights in slander or who is a thief, nor one who is arrogant or behaves with hypocritical piety, like a heron. If he recognizes a woman who is excessively bold in speech or one who is overly partial to others, he should completely avoid her. In the matter of marriage, the suitor who comes first is to be considered first; only if he is absent should the next be considered. There are eight types of marriage, including the Gandharva, Rakshasa, and Paisacha forms. Some Brāhmaṇas also recognize the Daiva and even the Arsha marriage. In the absence of the earlier types, the wise should indeed perform the later ones. As he enters the next stage of life, he should adorn himself with golden earrings and wear two clean garments. He should carry a bamboo staff and a water-pot filled with water. Wearing a garland of flowers, fragrant and pleasing in appearance, he should present himself with dignity. He must not eat food from others indiscriminately, nor engage in slander. He should refrain from scratching his head with both hands at once. In all acts—whether worship of the gods, sipping water, bathing, observing vows, or performing funeral rites—he should maintain decorum. He must avoid riding in a defective vehicle and abstain from fruitless arguments. A twice-born should never pass to the left of a cow, a plough, fire, or a mountain. Envy, jealousy, and sleeping during the day are to be shunned. He should carefully keep secret his own name, birth star, and personal honor. He must not indulge in wine, gambling, or singing for pleasure. After touching a snake or a corpse, he should bathe while still wearing his clothes. Likewise, after touching a temple, he should enter water without removing his garments. The dust of a goat, a cat, or a donkey is said to destroy good fortune, and he should avoid it completely. He must never associate with the husband of a woman from a low caste, and should always avoid sleeping naked. He should not eat impure betel, nor awaken someone who is sleeping. Finally, he must not drink water with only his left hand or with a crooked hand, for such actions are not in accordance with proper conduct. Thus, by observing these teachings with care and devotion, the twice-born walks the path of righteousness, purity, and auspiciousness.