O sage, let me recount the sacred instructions on penance and expiation as declared in ancient times. If a person steals silver, the wise prescribe the observance of the cāndrāyaṇa penance to purify the sin. Yet, if the offense is graver, two cāndrāyaṇa penances must be performed to wash away the impurity. When the theft surpasses a thousand in value, the sinner should undertake the fearsome vow reserved for those who have slain a Brahmin. Should the amount reach a thousand niṣkas, the parāka penance is ordained as the means of purification. Now, hear the expiation for the gravest of transgressions—approaching the wife of one’s teacher. The sinner must cut off his own scrotum, openly proclaiming his wicked deed. He must walk the path, whether in comfort or in pain, without ever turning his mind to regret or reflection. Alternatively, he may declare his sin and leap from a precipice or into the wind, surrendering himself to fate. If he chooses to live, he must undertake the terrible vow for slaying a Brahmin for twelve years, with unwavering concentration. Through the ordeal of being burned by fire made of cow dung, the twice-born is cleansed of his sin. The vow for slaying a Brahmin is also prescribed if there is emission of semen or burning by fire. For nine years, one should observe the vow for slaying a Brahmin, remaining devoted to Vishnu. If the teacher’s wife has been violated, the vow must be kept for three years. If, overcome by delusion and desire, a man approaches the wife of his paternal uncle, maternal aunt, or even his own daughter, the three-year vow applies, especially if the sin is repeated on the same day. If three days have passed since the act, purification comes only through burning by fire—there is no other way. If one, driven by desire, approaches the wife of a friend or the wife of a disciple, the same penance applies. But if one approaches without desire, a one-year penance is sufficient. With a mind purified by such atonement, the fruits of all actions become attainable. When each respective vow is completed, the person becomes pure, without doubt. It is essential to perform these bodily penances properly; otherwise, one falls from righteousness. After engaging in forbidden intercourse, one should fast for twelve days or for half a month. Alternatively, two cāndrāyaṇa vows should be observed over six months. These penances are declared to be threefold, depending on the knowledge and the sequence of the act. For the killing of animals such as a cat, a goat, a dog, or a cock, specific penances are prescribed. The jatpakṛcchra penance is ordained for killing an elephant, while the parāka is prescribed for killing a cow. Even in matters of drinking, sleeping, sitting, and interacting with flowers, roots, fruits, dry wood, grass, trees, or molasses, there are rules to be followed. The same applies to birds such as the titibha, chakravaka, swan, karandava, as well as the parrot, crow, crane, dolphin, and tortoise. In such cases, one should observe the prājāpatya vow, consuming only what has been touched by semen, urine, or excrement, as a means of purification. After touching a menstruating woman, a Chandala, or a great sinner, one must bathe and consume clarified butter to purify oneself, especially if the touch occurred while clothed. If, out of ignorance, one touches any of these individuals during eating, bathing, giving, reciting, or eating, one should vomit the food, protect oneself, and then fast to regain purity. If, in the midst of vows or similar observances, one hears even ashes, one must remain mindful. Among all sins, reviling the twice-born or deities is declared the greatest. The sages have proclaimed certain acts as equal to the gravest sins. Yet, for those who undertake the proper expiations with devotion to Narayana, purity and forgiveness are assured.