[999] A
householder observing the first kind of conduct may practise all the six
well-known duties (viz., sacrifice on his own account, sacrifice on that
of others, teaching, learning, making gifts, and accepting gifts). He who
observes the second kind of conduct should practise three only, of these
duties (viz., learning, giving, and taking). He who observes the third
kind of conduct should practise only two of the duties of domesticity
(viz., learning and giving). The householder practising the fourth kind
of domesticity should observe only one duty (viz., learning the
scriptures). The duties of the householder are all said to be exceedingly
meritorious. The householder should never cook any food for only his own
use; nor should be slaughter animals (for food) except in
sacrifices.[1000] If it be an animal which the householder desires to
kill (for food), or if it be a tree which he wishes to cut down (for
fuel), he should do either act according to the ritual laid down in the
Yajuses for that much is due to both animate and inanimate existences.
The house-holder should never sleep during the day, or during the first
part of the night, or during the last part thereof. He should never eat
twice between morning and evening, and should never summon his wife to
bed except in her season. In his house, no Brahmana should be suffered to
remain unfed or unworshipped. He should always worship such guests as are
presenters of sacrificial offerings, as are cleansed by Vedic lore and
observance of excellent vows, as are high-born and conversant with the
scriptures, as are observers of the duties of their own order, as are
self-restrained, mindful of all religious acts, and devoted to penances.
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