If a twice-born person, whether a Brahmin, Kshatriya, or Vaishya, happens to drink any of the forbidden substances unknowingly—be it openly, secretly, or even by force—the scriptures lay out a clear path of expiation. The measure for atonement, especially when gold is involved, is described with precision by Manu and other sages. To gauge the proper amount, one is instructed to place the gold in a window, letting sunlight reveal its true form. Eight tiny specks of dust together make a niṣka; three niṣkas are equal to a royal mustard seed. Three barley grains make a kṛṣṇala, and five kṛṣṇalas amount to a māṣa. Should anyone unknowingly take the property belonging to a Brahmin, they are to atone for twelve years, as prescribed earlier. The same rule applies to the property of gurus, sacrificers, and the righteous. When sincere repentance stirs within the body, one must undertake the prescribed penance in its entirety. If a Kshatriya takes the property of a Brahmin and later feels remorse, he must perform the sāṃtapana penance and fast for twelve days. Similarly, if one sits on another’s seat or takes cows, land, or similar possessions, penance is required. Even if only a speck of gold is stolen, one must perform penance with deep concentration. For gold the size of a niṣka, the threefold prāṇāyāma is required. If a wise person steals gold equal in weight to a royal mustard seed, he must follow the appropriate expiation. A twice-born who steals gold the size of a barley grain can be purified, but for gold the size of a black mustard seed, the sāṃtapana penance is necessary. To purify oneself after such a transgression, one must eat barley cooked in cow’s urine for a year. For graver offenses, such as slaying a Brahmin, a twelve-year vow must be observed with unwavering focus. The sāṃtapana penance must be performed properly; otherwise, one falls from righteousness. If silver is stolen, O sage, the wise are to perform the cāndrāyaṇa penance. For greater amounts, two cāndrāyaṇa penances are prescribed to cleanse the sin. If the theft exceeds a thousand units, the vow for slaying a Brahmin is required. When the amount is a thousand niṣkas, the parāka penance is declared. Now, regarding expiation for approaching the teacher’s wife, the scripture speaks with gravity. The offender must cut off his own scrotum, openly confessing his sin. Whether he walks in happiness or suffering, he should not reflect upon his fate. Alternatively, he may declare his sin and leap from a precipice or into a strong wind. He may also undertake the twelve-year vow for slaying a Brahmin with full concentration. If he is burned by a fire made of cow dung, the twice-born is purified. The vow for slaying a Brahmin is also prescribed in cases of emission of semen or being burned by fire. For grave offenses, a nine-year vow is required, with devotion to Vishnu. If one has violated the wife of the teacher, a three-year vow is necessary. If, overcome by desire, one approaches the wife of a paternal uncle, a maternal aunt, or even a daughter, and if such acts occur multiple times in a single day, the three-year vow applies. After three days have passed, purification is possible only by fire, not otherwise. If one, driven by desire, approaches the wife of a friend or the wife of a disciple, the same rules apply. However, if there is no desire, a one-year penance is sufficient. With a mind purified by atonement, one attains the fruit of all actions. Having completed each respective vow, one becomes pure, beyond all doubt.