what is obtained in alms, and should stand, sit, and
take exercise (as directed).[136] He should pour libations
on the fire twice a day, having purified himself and
with concentrated mind. He should always bear
a staff made of Vilwa or Palasa.[137] The robes of
the regenerate man should be linen, or of cotton, or
deer-skin, or a cloth that is entirely brown-red.
There should also be a girdle made of Munja-grass.
He should bear matted locks on head, and should perform
his ablutions every day. He should bear the sacred
thread, study the scriptures, divest himself of cupidity,
and be steady in the observance of vows. He should
also gratify the deities with oblations of pure water,
his mind being restrained the while. Such a Brahmacharin
is worthy of applause. With vital seed drawn
up and mind concentrated, one that is thus devoted
succeeds in conquering Heaven. Having attained
to the highest seat, he has not to return to birth.
Cleansed by all purificatory rites and having lived
as a Brahmacharin, one should next go out of one’s
village and next live as an ascetic in the woods, having
renounced (all attachments). Clad in animal skins
or barks of trees he should perform his ablutions
morning and evening. Always living within the
forest, he should never return to an inhabited place.
Honouring guests when they come, he should give them
shelter, and himself subsist upon fruits and leaves
and common roots, and Syamaka. He should, without
being slothful subsist on such water as he gets, and
air, and all forest products. He should live
upon these, in due order, according to the regulations
of his initiation.[138] He should honour the guest
that comes to him with alms of fruits and roots.
He should then, without sloth, always give whatever
other food he may have. Restraining speech the
while, he should eat after gratifying deities and
guests. His mind should be free from envy.
He should eat little, and depend always on the deities.
Self-restrained, practising universal compassion,
and possessed of forgiveness, he should wear both
beard and hair (without submitting to the operations
of the barber). Performing sacrifices and devoting
himself to the study of the scriptures, he should
be steady in the observance of the duty of truth.
With body always in a state of purity, endued with
cleverness, ever dwelling in the forest, with concentrated
mind, and senses in subjection, a forest-recluse,
thus devoting himself, would conquer Heaven. A
householder, or Brahmacharin, or forest-recluse, who
would wish to achieve Emancipation, should have recourse
to that which has been called the best course of conduct.
Having granted unto all creatures the pledge of utter
abstention from harm, he should thoroughly renounce
all action. He should contribute to the happiness
of all creatures, practise universal friendliness,
subjugate all his senses, and be an ascetic.
Subsisting upon food obtained without asking and without
trouble, and that has come to him spontaneously, he