The sacred initiation began with careful preparation. On each of the four sides, four water vessels were respectfully placed, their presence sanctifying the space. Around this arrangement, a pure white thread was wound in the prescribed manner, encircling the vessels and altar, sealing the ritual with auspiciousness. With the mantras duly recited, the officiant—having gathered all necessary items and clearly assigned the duties of the teacher—prepared for the next step. Purifying himself according to tradition, the initiator faced east, his heart and body cleansed. Only one who is pure, who recognizes devotion in others and cultivates it within himself, is fit for this sacred act. After the maiden was given in the proper manner, those involved were not to repeat the act, for the rite is completed once, with reverence. A warning was issued: one who, lacking compassion, harms his virtuous wife or beloved companion, or who commits grave sins such as killing a Brahmin, being ungrateful, or killing a cow, incurs the heaviest guilt. Yet, the bilva and udumbara trees, and others like them, may be used at any time for sacred purposes. For those who seek the highest attainment—the eternal law of liberation—even the cutting of the karīra plant and the use of the fruits of the udumbara tree are permitted. However, one must abstain from eating pork or any kind of fish, and refrain from slander or violence at all times. When a guest arrives, weary from travel, he must be treated with the utmost hospitality. The wives of the teacher, the king, and a Brahmin are never to be approached inappropriately, nor should one covet gold, gems, or a woman in her prime. One should not be envious when seeing another’s fortune or lament his own misfortune. With these teachings, the Earth herself was invoked to bear witness, as the one desiring initiation was instructed accordingly. In the center of the altar, two leaves from the udumbara tree were placed. Before invoking the divine, the ritual was performed with the proper mantras and procedures, for one who does so ensures that the rains fall and rise as they should. A special mantra was chanted: “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 let us experience your order. O Lord, come—this Brāhmaṇa desires initiation, and by your grace, let him be initiated.” After this invocation, the initiant humbly bowed to the ground, touching his head and knees in reverence. A welcoming mantra was spoken: “Om! Welcome, you are indeed welcome.” By this mantra, the earth was ceremonially brought forth, and another mantra was recited, offering all that had been obtained to the Blessed Lord, the destroyer of the unperformed, to Rudra, and to the gods, saying, “Receive it, O Lord of the worlds.” Arghya and water for the feet were then offered to the earth, honoring her as the foundation of all. Another mantra was recited: “May Varuṇa protect your disciple, as you shave his head.” A pot was given to the officiant, and the initiant bathed again, quickly and without doubt, purifying himself anew. With a resolve for liberation from worldly existence and all desires fulfilled, offerings were made. The mantra was recited: “Om! I know all the devotees of the Lord, all who are well-initiated, and all the gurus.” Bowing to the devotees of the Lord, the sacred fire was kindled. Twenty-seven offerings of sesame rice were made, each with devotion. Another mantra followed: “May the Aśvins, the directions, Soma, and Sūrya bear witness; may we, being pleased, hear my truthful words.” For it is by truth that the earth is upheld and stands firm. Having performed all with truth, the Brāhmaṇas were to observe the rites again as prescribed. The devotee then circumambulated three times—around the Lord, the devotee, and the guru—completing the sacred circuit. By the grace of the guru and the gods, initiation is bestowed, sometimes even by chance. In this way, the disciple, with a pure heart, should continue to propitiate with the mantra, thus fulfilling the sacred initiation as ordained.