Long ago, Brahma imparted a profound teaching to Prajapati. Prajapati, in turn, passed this wisdom to Manu, and Manu entrusted it to his descendants. This sacred knowledge has been handed down through the generations. The teaching is this: After studying the Veda diligently in the house of a teacher, following every proper custom and fulfilling all duties owed to the teacher, one should then settle down in a pure and peaceful place with one’s family. There, one must continue the self-study of the scriptures, live righteously, and gather all the senses inward, mastering oneself. One must also ensure not to harm any living being, except in sacred places as prescribed. By living in this way throughout one’s life—studious, righteous, self-controlled, and harmless—a person attains the world of Brahman. Reaching that highest realm, one does not return to this mortal world again; there is no return.