When a person’s heart grows detached from all worldly objects, a transformation begins within him. He turns his mind to the study of Vedanta, cultivating peace, self-control, and mastery over his senses. Such a one is adorned with qualities like tranquility, free from desire and anger, and maintains equanimity whether facing an enemy or a friend, in honor as well as dishonor. He lives by alms, never accepting food from a single household alone, and seeks alms only in places free from discord. Constantly reciting the sacred Pranava, he remains ever self-restrained and master of his senses. For him, no expiation is prescribed, even if he were to perform a thousand acts of atonement. Yet in the eyes of society, he may be regarded as equal to a Chandala, condemned by caste and stage of life. But within, he is free from duality and possessiveness, peaceful and beyond illusion, untouched by envy. His very being is of the nature of knowledge—stainless, radiant as the supreme, eternal light. He turns his mind to meditate on the supreme Self, that which is beyond all attributes and higher than the highest. With senses subdued, he focuses always on the Divine—the God with a thousand heads. Through this, he attains the highest bliss, the supreme, eternal light, and reaches that supreme state where, once arrived, there is no more sorrow. Those who are devoted to Nārāyaṇa attain this highest abode of Viṣṇu. Simply by hearing this teaching, one is freed from all sins—there is no doubt about this. Those who sleep on the ground, observe celibacy, and invite brāhmaṇas at night are praised. Yet, when performing a śrāddha, one should avoid food prepared by women at night and also medicinal herbs. Both the performer of a śrāddha and those who partake of the food should avoid sleeping during the day. Know that those who have committed the killing of a brāhmaṇa or have become outcastes are destined for hell. One should be devoted to proper conduct, peaceful in nature, and born in a noble family. He should know the three kinds of honey and the three kinds of rice, and possess supreme compassion for all beings. He should be accomplished in the true meaning of Vedānta and devoted to the welfare of all worlds, engaged in instructing others and in the exposition of true scriptures. Now, listen attentively to those who should be avoided at a śrāddha: a leper, one with deformed nails, one with hanging ears, or one who has broken his vows; one who speaks ill of others, a turncoat, a temple-servant, or a wicked person; one devoted to false scriptures, or one who eats food belonging to others; a bald man, one with a round head, or a priest who serves those unfit for sacrifice; one lacking devotion to Viṣṇu or who turns away from devotion to Śiva; one who sells smṛti texts or mantras; one who reviles the Vedas or gives away goods from villages or markets; and one who engages in deceitful practices—these must all be carefully excluded from the śrāddha ceremony. A Brāhmaṇa who is invited should be celibate and self-controlled. One should invite a wise twice-born, holding darbha grass and practicing self-restraint. The learned should perform the śrāddha at the time known as kutapa, for what is given to the ancestors at that time is imperishable. Therefore, offerings should be made to the best among the twice-born precisely at this sacred time. Know that offerings given at any other time are considered rākṣasa and do not reach the ancestors.