When all the relatives have passed away, the blessed sage Bhṛgu instructs that certain sacred duties must be observed. On the third, fourth, or seventh day after death, the collection of the bones is to be performed. This rite, carried out with water by those who are purified and connected through offering, applies equally to children, wanderers, those who have renounced the world, or anyone who has died in a distant land. Even in cases of miscarriage, the same rule is followed as for a full-term birth. For Vaiśyas, the period of observance is six nights, while for Śūdras, it extends to twelve days. Each class is to perform their respective rites and duties in proper order. After a year has passed, the relatives must conduct the rite of offering to the ancestors for the deceased. One should perform acts that please the departed, as guided by the scriptures, striving to do that which brings satisfaction to the ancestors, for this is most auspicious. If one desires what is imperishable, one should give to the worthy. Wealth must be acquired righteously, and sacrifices performed according to one’s means. Actions that need not be concealed from the noble should be done without hesitation. The pursuit of righteousness, wealth, and desire brings auspiciousness both in this world and the next. Bhṛgu then declares that he will explain the dharma of the forest-dwelling stage, urging all to listen and understand. The forest-dweller’s life is marked by sleeping on the ground, celibacy, and performing rites for ancestors, gods, and guests. Subsisting on forest produce and clarified butter is the rule for those in this stage. Self-control within the dwelling, not staying long in one place, the desire for knowledge of the self, and ultimately, the realization of the self are essential qualities. He now turns to the other duties prescribed for the classes. The practices set for the Kṣatriya are also those for the twice-born. For the Śūdra, the supreme observance is the householder’s stage, which is to be practiced at night. If this is neglected, the Sun becomes angry with him. Yet, the Sun strives on behalf of the man who observes the night-time practice. But abandoning one’s proper duty brings the Sun’s wrath. Reflecting continually on righteousness, he departed and returned again and again to his own city. There, he summoned all the Rākṣasas and spoke words of righteousness, urging them to practice charity, compassion, forbearance, celibacy, and humility. He declared that good conduct leads to the attainment of the next world, commanding that these virtues be observed without exception. With minds filled with joy, they established this thirteenfold dharma. Blessed with sons and grandsons and always accompanied by their wives, they lived in harmony. During this time, the Sun, the stars, and the Moon were unable to rise. By day, the Sun shone with the gentleness of the Moon, and at night, the Moon radiated the brilliance of the Sun. The people believed the foremost brilliance belonged to the Moon. At night, desiring to bestow their glory, they blossomed forth, and the Brāhmaṇa observed this. The crows, knowing this secret, would kill the Kauśikas by day. At night, believing it was day, the Kauśikas would remain submerged up to their necks. With minds fixed on the sage, they loudly proclaimed this throughout the day, honoring the wisdom and guidance they had received.