Hear now the wise teachings as they were spoken, guiding householders and the twice-born in the ways of conduct and marriage. It is said that one should not marry a woman who bears prominent facial hair or is hunchbacked. Furthermore, if a man is already married, he must not take as wife a woman who is quarrelsome, erratic, or harsh in her speech. He should also refrain from marrying a woman who is extremely dark, red-complexioned, or deceitful. Care must be taken not to marry a woman who suffers from labored breathing or similar ailments, nor one who is habitually sleepy. Those devoted to slandering others or who are thieves are to be avoided as wives. Never should one marry a woman who is arrogant or who behaves hypocritically, like a heron. If a woman is recognized as excessively bold in speech, she should be completely abandoned, as should any woman who is excessively partial to others. In matters of choosing a suitor, the earlier one is to be considered first; if he is absent, then the next. The Gandharva, Rakshasa, and Paisacha marriages are counted as the eighth type, though some Brahmins also declare the Daiva or even the Arsha marriage as acceptable. In the absence of the earlier types, the wise are to perform the latter ones. When preparing for auspicious rites, one should adorn oneself with golden earrings and wear two clean garments. He should carry a bamboo staff and a water-pot filled with water. A pleasing appearance is recommended: a garland of flowers, fragrance, and cleanliness. One should not eat food from others nor engage in slander, and must avoid scratching the head with both hands together. In sacred acts—worship of the gods, sipping water, bathing, observing vows, and funeral rites—one should be mindful. Avoid riding on defective vehicles and engaging in fruitless arguments. A twice-born must not pass to the left of a cow, a plough, fire, or a mountain. Envy, jealousy, and sleeping during the day are to be avoided. It is wise to conceal one's own name, birth star, and personal honor. The twice-born should not take pleasure in wine, gambling, or singing. After touching a snake or a corpse, one should bathe with one's clothes on; after touching a temple, one should enter water still wearing garments. The dust from a goat, cat, or donkey is said to destroy good fortune. Association with the husband of a low-caste woman is to be completely avoided, as is sleeping naked. One should not eat impure betel nor awaken someone who is sleeping. Drinking water with only the left hand or with a crooked hand should be avoided. Never revile yogis, Brahmins, those observing vows, or ascetics. On the new moon and full moon, one should perform the prescribed sacrifices. Those who abandon worship are declared by the wise to be like drinkers of liquor. A householder twice-born should perform śrāddha rites on the new moon and during the fortnight dedicated to ancestors. However, śrāddha should not be performed when grain is unavailable; it is best done in holy places and at sacred fords. All acts performed without the crown-shaped mark are in vain. Fruitless conduct must be abandoned; thus, seekers of welfare among the twice-born should avoid it. The twice-born should properly perform those acts which yield the fruits of all deeds. For, when Viṣṇu is pleased, O best of the twice-born, what is impossible? Thus are the ways of righteousness revealed, guiding all who seek auspiciousness and fulfillment.