They have fallen away from Truth (Brahman) and pursue aims befitting their own condition, and so, relying on the truth of the Vedic texts, they perform sacrifices. Some perform sacrifice (or attain their end) through the mind (meditation), some through words (the recitation of certain prayers or japa), and some through deeds (the actual completion of the Jyotishtoma and other costly rites). But the man who seeks Brahman through Truth obtains the desired objects at home. Yet when a person's aims fail (for want of knowledge of the Self), he should undertake vows of silence and the like, called Dikshavrata. Indeed, Diksha derives from the root diksha, meaning the observance of vows. As for those who possess knowledge of the Self, for them Truth is the highest object of aspiration. The fruits of knowledge are visible; austerity bears fruit in the future. A brahmin who (without knowledge or austerity) has merely read much should be known only as a great reader. Therefore, O kshatriya, never think that one becomes a brahmin (a knower of Brahman) merely by reading the scriptures. Rather, know that he possesses knowledge of Brahman who does not depart from Truth. O kshatriya, the verses that Atharvan recited to the assembly of great sages in ancient times are known by the name of Chandas. Those who have merely read the Vedas without attaining knowledge of Him who is known through the Vedas are not reckoned as versed in the Chandas. The Chandas, O best of men, become a means of attaining Brahman independently, without need of anything external. On the other hand, by serving those versed in the Vedas, have not the righteous attained the Object knowable through the Vedas?