into a life of domesticity).[997] Then, having taken spouses, obtaining
them in the ways indicated in the ordinances, and having carefully
established the domestic fire, he should, observant all the while of vows
and fasts, become a house-holder and pass the second period of life.'"'"

SECTION CCXLIII

"'"Vyasa said, 'Observant of meritorious vows, the householder, for the
second period of life, should dwell in his house, having taken spouses
according to the ways indicated in the ordinance and having established
a fire (of his own). As regards the domestic mode of life, four kinds of
conduct have been laid down by the learned. The first consists of keeping
a store of grain sufficient to last for three years. The second consists
of keeping a store to last for one year. The third consists of providing
for the day without thinking of the morrow. The fourth consists of
collecting grain after the manner of the pigeon.[998] Of these, each
succeeding one is superior in point of merit to that which precedes it,
according to what has been laid down in the scriptures.[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 he 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.