The man desirous of acquiring merit should at first study the Vedas and practise penances, becoming a Brahimacharin. He should next, becoming a householder, perform the usual Sacrifices. Establishing his race, he should then enter the forest, controlling his senses, and desirous of acquiring Liberation.
अधीत्य वेदं तपसा ब्रह्मचारी यज्ञाज्यशक्त्या संनिगृह्येह पञ्च। वनं गच्छेत् पुरुषो धर्मकामः श्रेयः स्थित्वा स्थापयित्वा स्ववंशम्॥