Ashtaka said: Those that are learned in the Vedas differ in opinions as regards the respective methods which should be practised by the Grihastas, Brahmacharis, Bhikshus and Vanaprasthas, so that they may acquire religious merits.
अष्टक उवाच चरन् गृहस्थः कथमेति धर्मान् कथं भिक्षुः कथमाचार्यकर्मा। वानप्रस्थः सत्पथे संनिविष्टो बहून्यस्मिन् सम्प्रति वेदयन्ति॥