O Nārada, listen as the daily duties of the virtuous householder and the forest-dweller are revealed. At dawn, following the proper rites, one should offer fragrance, flowers, and pure water to the radiant Sun, honoring him with devotion. With the right arm raised and the left lowered, one performs the prescribed gestures at the appropriate times—at the beginning of the day and during the three sacred periods. At each juncture, recite the Sāvitra, Vaiṣṇava, and other mantras as is fitting, invoking their power with reverence. Afterward, revolving the limbs three times, meditate upon the energies inherent in each part of the body. May Gāyatrī, adorned with the melodious sound of anklets as the swan ascends, and ever revered in meditation, bring prosperity and abundance to the devotee. Let Sāvitrī, her tresses shining like lightning, crowned with the crescent moon, joyful and fair, riding the bull and embodying the Yajurveda, be the focus of contemplation. Seated upon Garuḍa, adorned with jeweled anklets and a radiant necklace, bearing conch, discus, and mace in her hands—may she ever bestow prosperity. As evening descends, one should sit with devotion, the mind absorbed in meditation upon that deity. Then, recite the three-footed Gāyatrī, accompanied by the sacred praṇava, in the order of Bhūḥ, Bhuvaḥ, and Svaḥ. For the householder, O sage, this recitation is the very sustainer of existence. With palms joined, offer water to Gāyatrī and Sāvitrī, and, having sought the permission of Brahmā, Śiva, and Hari, depart from worship with reverence. After completing the morning rites, attend to the other prescribed duties of the day. For the forest-dweller and the ascetic, O divine sage, bathing and purification are essential. Then, holding darbha grass in the hand, one should perform the Brahma-yajña. These acts, too, are to be performed in the first watch of the night, in their proper order. Know that one who neglects these duties is to be regarded as a heretic, excluded from all righteous acts. It is better to abandon such a one, for he is considered a great sinner. Those who turn away from these duties fall into terrible hells for as long as the moon, sun, and stars endure. At home, one must honor the guest with food and other offerings, giving water, cooked food, roots, and fruits, or sharing from one’s own household. By giving to a worthy person, one transfers away one’s sins and departs with merit. The wise have declared that a guest is to be honored as one would honor Viṣṇu himself. Every day, Brāhmaṇas and ancestors should be satisfied with food and drink. Therefore, the five daily sacrifices must be performed without fail. The king and the sacrifice to Brahman are also counted among these five. Even if one is not wealthy, one must not abandon the vessel containing food meant for the twice-born. Food that has been vomited is to be regarded as impure as liquor. Salt taken directly, and beef, are both declared impure. One must not make a sound in the presence of a Brāhmaṇa, for such a transgression leads to hell. Water, the immortal covering, is to be sipped before eating. After making the initial oblations and sipping water, one may partake of food. Even at night, to the best of one’s ability, a bed, seat, and food should be provided to the guest. If proper conduct is ever abandoned, expiation must be performed. When the time comes, entrusting his wife to his sons, the householder should go to the forest, either alone or with her. There, he should lie upon the ground, practice celibacy, and remain devoted to the five sacrifices. With compassion for all beings, his devotion fixed solely on Nārāyaṇa, he should eat only eight morsels of food and abstain from meals at night. He must avoid sexual activity, sleep, and laziness, engaging instead in austerities such as Chandrayana and similar practices. Thus, O Nārada, are the duties of the householder and the forest-dweller established, leading them along the path of righteousness and toward the highest good.