If one seeks the highest attainment, the supreme state of liberation that is eternal, there are sacred guidelines to be followed. For those on this path, the scriptures grant that the killing of the karīra plant is permitted, as is the consumption of the fruits of the udumbara tree. However, eating pork or any type of fish is strictly to be avoided. Likewise, one must refrain from slander and from any act of violence at all times. When a guest arrives after a long journey, it is the duty of the householder to honor them with hospitality. There are also clear boundaries to observe: one must never approach the wife of a teacher, a king, or a Brahmin. Gold, precious gems, and women in the prime of youth must be respected and not coveted. If one sees another’s prosperity and feels envy because of one’s own misfortune, this too is a failing to be avoided. These are the instructions to be imparted to anyone who desires to undergo initiation, O Earth. The ceremony begins by placing two leaves of the udumbara tree at the center of the altar. Before invoking me as the vehicle for this sacred act, one must worship with the appropriate mantra and ritual. When this is done properly, blessings will come—rain will fall and rise again, sustaining all. With devotion, the following invocation is made: “Om! Lord Vāsudeva, may this act of mine be joined with the earth that you created in the form of a boar. By remembering the mantra, command us and let us experience your order. O Lord, come—this Brāhmaṇa desires initiation. By your grace, may he be initiated.” After reciting this mantra, one must approach the ground and bow deeply, touching the earth with both head and knees. With reverence, the words are spoken: “Om! Welcome, you are indeed welcome.” Through this mantra, the earth is invoked and honored. Next, the sacred offering is made: “To the destroyer of the unperformed, to the gods, to Rudra the destroyer, and to the Brāhmaṇa, let all that is obtained be given to the Blessed Lord; receive it, O Lord of the worlds.” Arghya and water are then offered to the earth, completing this act of devotion. A prayer follows: “May Varuṇa protect your disciple as you shave his head.” The disciple then presents a pot to the officiant, as is proper. After this, he bathes quickly again, leaving no doubt of his purity. With a heart resolute for liberation and all desires fulfilled, the disciple makes his offering. He recites: “Om! I know all the devotees of the Lord, all who are well-initiated, and all the gurus.” With humility, he bows to the devotees of the Lord and kindles the sacred fire. Then, he makes twenty-seven offerings of sesame rice into the fire, as tradition prescribes. He prays: “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 honored truth, the Brāhmaṇas must observe the rite once more. The disciple then circumambulates three times around the Lord, the devotees, and the guru. It is by the grace of the guru and the gods that initiation is obtained—sometimes, it comes even unexpectedly. In this way, O beautiful one, the disciple should propitiate with the mantra. The guru, seeing only the disciple, takes up the water-pot. By the grace of Viṣṇu, the disciple attains success—he receives both initiation and the water-pot. Then, with the sacred utterance, the guru formally initiates the disciple. If the disciple, in humility, wanders lower and lower, yet by the grace of the guru and Viṣṇu, initiation is granted. With the mantra, the sacred mouth-utterance is performed. In this way, the disciple receives the ceremonial garment and is instructed to take up the water-pot. He is then given the vessels of fragrance and all agreeable perfumes, as the mantra is recited. Taking the madhuparka, the sweet offering, he recites the prescribed words. At last, he approaches the guru, takes his feet in reverence, and strives to please him. Retaining in his heart all that the guru has taught, he recites: “Let all the devotees listen to me, and my guru has fulfilled all desires.” Thus, the disciple is initiated, his heart purified and his path blessed by the grace of the Lord, the guru, and the sacred rites.