wealth by irreproachable acts, or with wealth of high
efficacy which is obtained from recitation of the Vedas,
or living upon such means as are utilised by the regenerate
Rishis,[575] or with the produce of mountains and
mines, or with the wealth represented by the offerings
made in sacrifices and on the termination of vows and
other observances, and those made unto deities, the
householder should lead this mode of life. That
mode of life is regarded as the root of all the others.
They who are residents in the abodes of preceptors,
they who lead lives of mendicancy, and others who
live in the observance of vows and restraints to which
they are pledged, derive from this mode the means
they live upon, the offerings they make unto the Pitris
and the deities, and, in short, their entire support.
The third mode of life is called the Forest-life.
For those that lead it, there is no storing of wealth
and articles.[576] Generally, these pious and good
men, subsisting upon good food, and engaged in studying
the Vedas, roam ever the earth for journeying to tirthas
and visiting diverse realms. Standing up, advancing
forward, sweet speeches uttered in sincerity, gifts
according to the measure of the giver’s competence,
offer of seats and beds of the best kind, and presents
of excellent food, are some of the means for showing
them regard. On this subject there is a verse:
If a guest turns away from a house with expectations
unfulfilled, he is supposed to take away the merits
of the householder and leave the latter all his misdeeds.
Then again in the domestic mode of life the deities
are gratified by sacrifices and other religious rites;
the Pitris by the performance of obsequial rites;
the Rishis by cultivation of (Vedic) knowledge, by
listening to the instructions of preceptors, and by
committing to memory the scriptures; and lastly the
Creator by begetting children.[577] On this subject
there are two verses: One in the observance of
this mode of life should speak upon all creatures
words breathing affection and agreeable to the ears.
To give pain, to inflict mortifications, and harsh
words, are all censurable. Insult, arrogance,
and deceit, also should be avoided. Abstention
from injury, truth, and absence of wrath, produce the
merit of penances in all the (four) modes of life.
In the domestic mode of life these are allowed, viz.,
the use and enjoyment of floral garlands, ornaments,
robes, perfumed oils and unguents; enjoyment of pleasures
derived from dancing and music, both vocal and instrumental,
and all sights and scenes that are agreeable to the
sight; the enjoyment of various kinds of viands and
drinks belonging to the principal orders of edibles,
viz., those that are swallowed, those that are
lapped, those that are quaffed, and those that are
sucked; and the enjoyment of pleasures derivable from
sports and every kind of amusement and the gratification
of desires. That man who in the observance of
this mode of life seeks the acquisition of the triple