four modes of life have all been said to have the householder’s mode for their foundation.  Whatever system of rules is prescribed in this world, their observance is beneficial.  Such observance has always been highly spoken of.  He who has been first cleansed by ceremonies, who has duly observed vows, who belongs in respect of birth to a race possessed of high qualifications, and who understands the Vedas, should return (from his preceptor’s house).[134] Always devoted to his wedded spouse, conducting himself after the manner of the good, with his senses under subjugation, and full of faith, one should in this world perform the five sacrifices.  He who eats what remains after feeding deities and guests, who is devoted to the observance of Vedic rites, who duly performs according to his means sacrifices and gifts, who is not unduly active with his hands and feet, who is not unduly active with his eye, who is devoted to penances, who is not unduly active with his speech and limits, comes under the category of Sishta or the good.  One should always bear the sacred thread, wear white (clean) clothes, observe pure vows, and should always associate with good men, making gifts and practising self-restraint.  One should subjugate one’s lust and stomach, practise universal compassion, and be characterised by behaviour that befits the good.  One should bear a bamboo-stick, and a water-pot filled with water.  Having studied, one should teach; likewise should also make sacrifices himself and officiate at the sacrifices of others.  One should also make gifts made to oneself.  Verily, one’s conduct, should be characterised by these six acts.  Know that three of these acts should constitute the livelihood of the Brahmanas, viz., teaching (pupils), officiating at the sacrifices of others, and the acceptance of gifts from a person that is pure.  As to the other duties that remain, numbering three, viz., making of gifts, study, and sacrifice, these are accompanied by merit.[135] Observant of penances, self-restrained, practising universal compassion and forgiveness, and looking upon all creatures with an equal eye, the man that is conversant with duties should never be heedless with regard to those three acts.  The learned Brahmana of pure heart, who observes the domestic mode of life and practises rigid vows, thus devoted and thus discharging all duties to the best of his power, succeeds in conquering Heaven.’”

SECTION XLVI

“Brahmana said, ’Duly studying thus to the best of his power, in the way described above, and likewise living as a Brahmacharin, one that is devoted to the duties of one’s own order, possessed of learning, observant of penances, and with all the senses under restraint, devoted to what is agreeable and beneficial to the preceptor, steady in practising the duty of truth, and always pure, should, with the permission of the preceptor, eat one’s food without decrying it.  He should eat Havishya made from