In accordance with sacred tradition, the disciple prepares for initiation by gathering the prescribed items: a black antelope skin, palāśa wood, a staff, and a water pot. For the ritual, he assembles a vessel for offerings, a ladle, and a cooking pot with a spoon. He ensures that food and drink, along with all necessary provisions for the rite, are ready. Seeds of every kind and various gems are also collected, for these alone are to be offered at the teacher’s feet—nothing else is permitted. With reverence, the disciple approaches, takes hold of the teacher’s feet, and respectfully asks, “What shall I do for you?” The brahmin who is to be initiated then prepares the ritual ground: he marks out a square sixteen cubits across and places the water vessel above it. According to the proper rule, a new layer of grain is arranged atop the square, and upon this he sets a vessel filled with sesame seeds, as prescribed in the scriptures. After performing the worship ritual, the teacher’s duties are established. Four water vessels are placed at the four sides of the square, and a white thread is bound all around in the same manner, signifying purity and completeness. Having recited the appropriate mantra, the initiator bestows the consecration. Once all materials are gathered according to proper procedure and the teacher’s responsibilities are determined, the brahmin purifies himself as prescribed and faces east. In a state of purity, he recognizes the devotees present and, being a devotee himself, proceeds with the rite. After giving the maiden, he must not involve those people again in the act. Compassion is essential; one who harms his virtuous wife or beloved companion without compassion, or who is a killer of a Brahmin, an ingrate, or a killer of a cow, is counted among the gravest sinners. The bilva and udumbara trees, among others, are permitted for use at any time. If one desires the highest attainment—the eternal law of liberation—the killing of the karīra plant is permitted, as are the fruits of the udumbara tree. However, one must not eat pork or any kind of fish, nor should one engage in slander or violence at any time. When a guest arrives after a long journey, proper hospitality must be observed. The wife of the teacher, the wife of the king, and the wife of a Brahmin must never be approached. Gold, gems, and a woman in the prime of youth are also to be avoided. One must not covet another’s fortune or lament one’s own misfortune. Thus, O Earth, the teacher instructs the one desiring initiation. For the ritual, two leaves of the udumbara tree are placed in the middle of the altar. Before invoking the divine as the vehicle, worship must be performed with mantra and proper procedure; whoever does this will see rain fall and rise again, signifying prosperity. The mantra is recited: “Om! Lord Vāsudeva, may this act of mine be joined with the earth created in the form of a boar; remembering the mantra, command and make us experience your order; O Lord, come—this Brāhmaṇa desires initiation, and by your grace, let him be initiated.” After reciting this, one bows to the ground with head and knees. The mantra continues: “Om! Welcome, you are indeed welcome.” By this mantra, the earth is invoked and brought forth. Another mantra is offered: “To the destroyer of the unperformed, to the gods, to Rudra, destroyer of the unperformed, and to the Brāhmaṇa, let all this obtained be given to the Blessed Lord; receive it, O Lord of the worlds.” Thus, arghya and water for the feet are offered to the earth. The ritual proceeds with the mantra: “Thus, may Varuṇa protect your disciple, as you shave his head.” A pot is given to the officiant, and, O beautiful one, the disciple quickly bathes again, leaving no room for doubt. Thus, the sacred initiation is completed, according to the eternal law.