155 - The code of conduct 

Pushkara said: 

1-12. After getting up in the brāhma muhūrta (about 48 minutes prior to sunrise), oneshould contemplate on the gods Vishņu and others. Oneshould pass both urine and stools facing the north during the day time, facing the south during the night and as in the day during the two twilight periods. Oneshould not do on the roads, water, streets and on the grassy surface. After having purified oneself with earth, oneshould sip water three times and then cleanse the teeth. Bathing is said to be six kinds such as daily, casual, performed with some desire, part of a purificatory rite, removing the bodily dirt and at the time of obsequies. The religious act done without bathing yields no result. Hence oneshould bathe in the morning. Among the waters of a sacred place, a river, a tank, flowing water, water present in the well and water drawn (from the well), the preceding one is more meritorious than the succeeding one in order. The waters of (the river) Ganges are always meritorious. After having cleansed the impurities (on the body), oneshould remain submerged in (the waters of) the tank. After having touched waters oneshould sprinkle them (on his body) three times with the (repetition of the mantra) hiranyavarņā¹, then with (the mantra)fanno devi², three times with apo hi stha³, and then with idam apa⁴. Then oneshould remain in the water of the tank and mutter (sacred syllables) (remaining) in the water. Oneshould either recite the aghamarshana¹ hymn or the drupada² or yuñjate mana³ or the purusas ükta⁴. The gayatri (mantra)should be recited especially. Bhāvavrutta is the deity, Aghamarshaņa is the sage and anustubh is the metre for the aghamarshaņa hymn. Lord Hari (Vishņu) is remembered to be Bhavavrutta. After squeezing the garment (oneshould) offer (respectful) waters of oblation to the gods and manes. Oneshould offer waters of homage with the palms with the recitation of the purushasükta. Then oneshould offer oblation to fire and make gifts befitting one's capacity. 

1. RV. 5.87.1a.

2. Srisūkla. RV. 10.9.4a.

3. RV. 10.9.1a.

4. RV. 1.23,22a. 

1. RV. 10.190. 

2. AV. 6.115.3a.

3, RV. 5.81.1a.

         4. RV. 10.90. 

13-14. Then oneshould worship lord (Śiva) for the sake of one's prosperity. One's seat, bed, vehicle, wife, children and water-vessel are pure for one's self. (But they) are not pure for others. Even preceptorsshould leave way for pregnant women afflicted by the weight. 

15. Oneshould not look at the rising or setting Sun or in the waters. Oneshould not look at naked woman. Oneshould not peep into the well and look at a dog, or drinking house and a sinner. 

16. Oneshould not tread on cotton, bones, ashes and that which is despised. (Oneshould not enter) the apartments of women or treasury. Oneshould not go as an emissary of another person. 

17. Oneshould not board an uneven boat, or (climb) a tree or a mountain. Oneshould then be interested in sciences relating to acquisition of wealth. 

18. One who tramples on clod of earth, one who cuts the grass and one who eats the nail would perish. Oneshould not desire to raise sounds with the mouth. Oneshould not stir out in the night without a lamp. 

19. Oneshould not enter a house not having a door, Oneshould not change the colour of the face. Oneshould not interrupt in the midst of a conversation. Oneshould not wear other's garments. 

20. Oneshould always say good. Oneshould never utter that which does not please others. Seat made of palasa (wood) is prohibited. Oneshould move in theshade of gods etc. 

21. Oneshould not go in between revered people. Oneshould not look at the broken (and falling) asterism. Oneshould not utter the name of another river (while standing) in one river. Oneshould not gargle with two hands. 

22. Oneshould not cross the river without propitiating the forefathers and gods. Oneshould not throw impurities like feces in the waters. Oneshould not bathe remaining naked. 

23. Then oneshould worship lord Ishvara (Siva) for the sake of welfare and prosperity. Oneshould not remove one's garland oneself. Oneshould avoid the dust of an ass and other animals. 

24. Oneshould not ridicule mean (people). Oneshould not go (with them) and live with them. Oneshould not also reside at a place devoid of a physician, a king and a river, a place ruled by other races, women and many men. 

25. Oneshould not converse with women in their monthly menstrual courses or otherwise fallen. Oneshould contemplate on lord Keśava (Vishņu) (if happened to converse with the above). Oneshould not laugh, yawn and sneeze without covering the mouth. 

26. A wisemanshould avoid disrespectshown to his master and his own self. Oneshould guard the words of one's self and his master. Oneshould not yield to (the dictates of) his organs. Oneshould not control the natural impulses of the body. 

27. O Bhargava! Oneshould not ignore a disease like an insignificant enemy. Oneshould always sip waters (for purification) whenever one goes in the street. Oneshould not carry water and fire. 

28. Oneshould not utter hum to a good and venerable person. Oneshould not tread over one foot with the other. Oneshould not speak something unpleasant to someone either in his presence or his absence. 

29. Oneshould refrain from abusing the scriptures, king, sages and gods. Oneshould not envy women and oneshould avoid having faith in them. 

30. Oneshould hear righteous things, have devotion to gods and adhere to righteous path. Oneshould worship Soma (moon) as well as gods and brahmins in the natal star. 

31. Oneshould avoid bathing with the application of oil on the sixth, eighth and fourteenth (days of the fortnight). (Oneshould pass) urine and stools far away from the house. Oneshould not have enmity with great men.