Having received his teacher’s permission and offering the proper fee in gratitude, the devoted student is now free to choose his next path. By his own wish, he may enter the stage of the forest-dweller or even the fourth stage of life. Should the teacher be absent, this sacred transition is entrusted to the teacher’s son, to a worthy disciple, or, if none are present, to the teacher’s grandson. In this way, O Śālakaṭaṅkaṭa, the twice-born one overcomes the bonds of mortality. As life continues, let one take a maiden as wife, choosing her from a different lineage of sages, O night-wanderer. A twice-born man should honor her with devotion and remain steadfast in good conduct, for it is by such virtue that a household flourishes. “I wish to hear the qualities of good conduct,” the seeker requests. “Tell me of them today.” With warmth, the teacher replies, “Listen, O night-wanderer, as I declare these qualities. For one lacking good conduct, there is no welfare—neither in this world nor the next. Those who act without heed to righteousness bring forth only suffering. Therefore, strive always for good conduct, for it dispels misfortune and leads to auspiciousness. Attend carefully, if you desire what is best.” He continues, “That tree of good conduct, O Sukeśin, when tended with care, grants its devotee the fruits of merit. Each morning, only auspicious words should be spoken, as taught by the three-eyed Lord of the gods. By such recitation, a mortal is freed from the bonds of sin. Through hearing, remembering, and reciting these sacred words, one is cleansed of all wrongdoings.” “Let the teacher Śukra, the son of the sun, and all wise ones bless my morning with auspiciousness. Let sages like Raibhya, Marīci, Cyavana, and Ṛbhu make my morning bright. Let the seven musical notes and the seven nether worlds, the sky with its sound and greatness, and the earth with her seven realms, all grant me an auspicious dawn. By the grace of the Blessed Lord, may the destruction of bad dreams come, and the morning be truly blessed.” With the coming of day, one should rise and utter the name ‘Hari’, then proceed to the necessary morning duties of evacuation. This act should be performed in the cowshed, seeking the shelter of a cow both before and after. For these acts, one should use five, four, and one portions for cleansing, and for the organ and clay, one portion each, as tradition prescribes. For purity, ant-hill earth and clay are recommended, as taught by the virtuous. Next, after rinsing the mouth twice with clear, foamless water, one should cleanse it properly. Then, having cared for the hair and brushed the teeth, it is good to look into a mirror. After performing the morning homa and adorning oneself with auspicious items—such as clay, cow dung, the swastika, unbroken grains, roasted rice, honey, and the presence of a Brahmin maiden—one may step outside. Worship of the Ashvattha tree should follow, and then one should perform the duties appropriate to one’s caste. By observing these practices, one attains the desired fruit of life. One must never speak falsely nor utter untruths. Avoid blameworthy actions and do not abandon dharma, nor keep company with the unrighteous. Certain acts are to be shunned: a householder should not engage in sexual union on empty ground, in deserted houses, with menstruating women, or in water, O hero. Harming animals without cause brings sin and leads to hell. One should always fear the consequences of coveting another’s wife, for such actions bring ruin in this world and the next. Another’s property leads to hell, and another’s wife brings death. Therefore, avoid seeing, touching, or even speaking with them. This same restraint must also be observed with one’s own mother and daughter. In this way, by steadfastly following good conduct and the prescribed daily practices, one’s life is made auspicious and righteous, leading to welfare in this world and beyond.