Listen, O seeker, to the wise guidance for a life of purity and well-being. One must diligently avoid envy and jealousy, steering clear also of sleeping during the day, for such habits bring no good. It is prudent to keep private one's own name, birth star, and personal honor, concealing them with care. A twice-born should shun all delight in wine, gambling, or singing, for these lead one astray from the path of righteousness. If one touches a snake or a corpse, purification is required: one must bathe, keeping one's garments on. Similarly, after contact with a temple, one should enter water clothed, to restore purity. Be wary of the dust from a goat, a cat, or a donkey, for it is said to destroy good fortune. Avoid entirely the company of the husband of a low-caste woman, and never sleep unclothed. Refrain from eating impure betel, and do not disturb those who are sleeping. When drinking water, do not use only the left hand or a crooked hand, for such acts are improper. One must never revile yogis, Brahmins, those who observe vows, or ascetics; such disrespect brings harm. On the days of the new moon and full moon, one should perform the prescribed sacrifices. The wise declare that one who abandons worship is as blameworthy as a drinker of liquor. A householder who is twice-born should perform śrāddha rites on the new moon and during the fortnight dedicated to the ancestors, but never when grain is unavailable. These sacred rites should be conducted in holy places or at sacred fords. Remember, all acts performed without the sacred crown-shaped mark are in vain. Fruitless conduct must be abandoned; thus, seekers of welfare among the twice-born should avoid such actions. Instead, one should diligently perform those deeds that yield the fruits of all actions. When Viṣṇu is pleased, O best of the twice-born, nothing is impossible. Indeed, when these rites are properly performed, all sins are destroyed without doubt. A brāhmaṇa, having arranged his hair, should consider his means of livelihood. At night, he should relieve himself facing south. When carrying wood in one hand, the twice-born should remain silent, as also in the shade of a tree, in the wilderness, or near fire, and likewise near brāhmaṇas, cows, enclosures, or women. In such places, one must not pass urine or feces. For those lacking purity of conduct, all actions are rendered fruitless. External purity is attained with clay and water, while internal purity comes from a pure disposition. One should not use clay dug up by mice or similar creatures, nor should one use clay of superior quality. Purification must be performed with auspicious clay, as the wise have declared for cleansing after urination and defecation. For the feet, three separate lumps of clay should be used. This is the prescribed purification for a householder; a student must use twice as much. In one's own dwelling, complete cleanliness should be maintained, and half that effort should be made while on the path. The discerning should cleanse themselves thoroughly, removing all odors and dirt. For all who observe vows, a standard of purity equal to that of ascetics is enjoined. Having thus purified oneself, one should, with full concentration, drink water three or four times, ensuring it is free from smell, foam, and other impurities. Finally, with the thumb and forefinger joined, one should touch both nostrils, completing the act of purification as taught by the wise.