1. The main practice of a brahmin (priest) is to ask for alms and offer everything to God. The importance and significance of this tradition must be maintained.
2. It is said that one who gets his meals by asking for alms eats as if he has not eaten anything. He remains unaffected by the effects associated with possessing anything.
3. Whether a person is virtuous or not, when one asks for alms and takes his meals in that way, it is like consuming nectar everyday.
4. Such is the significance of the tradition of asking for alms. Begging for alms is acceptable to God. God's greatness is beyond imagination, yet he also asks for alms.
5. Lord Dattatraya, the sage Gorakshanath, and others who were accomplished like them, also asked for alms from the people. By asking for alms the quality of desirelessness is made apparent.
6. One who eats regularly at someone’s house on certain days of the week becomes dependent. In the same way, if he takes his meals at one particular house everyday there is no freedom for him.
7. If grains are collected only once every eight days and he stores them to eat throughout the week, this routine soon becomes tiresome, and the person misses out on the newness of every day.
8. Everyday, new and different places should be visited. Only then is asking for alms appreciated and admired by the people.
9. One who is accustomed to the practice of asking for alms does not feel like a stranger at any place. Wherever he goes, that place feels like his own home town.
10. One should not grumble while asking, or feel ashamed to ask for alms. Do not get tired of asking, but keep moving continuously from place to place.
11. When people see someone asking for alms and speaking the praises of God, miracles happen and the people are filled with wonder.
12. Accepting alms is like a wish-fulfilling cow whose milk is not ordinary. The one who rejects begging for alms is unfortunate, even though he may be a monk.
13. Many new acquaintances are made and false beliefs are removed by begging for alms. Although asking for alms seems to be very trivial, all beings see the benefit of giving in charity.
14. Accepting alms means being in a fearless state. By asking for alms one reveals the greatness of humility. One gains freedom and unity with God by accepting alms.
15. There is no hindrance or bondage in begging for alms. One who lives on the alms received is always free. In begging for alms some of the day’s time is well spent.
16. Asking for alms is like a divine vine which is always blossoming with fruit. In hard times it proves to be fruitful for the one who begs without the ego associated with being shy or ashamed.
17. There are many countries on the earth, and if one roams around them asking for alms, one will not die of hunger, and he does not become a burden to the people of any one place.
18. The occupations of raising cattle, trading, and farming are respectable ways of living, but begging for alms is more respectable. Therefore, one should not disrespect the bag or bowl at anytime.
19. There is no greater detachment than asking for alms. There is no fortune greater than having such detachment. Not having detachment is being attached to one place, and this is unfortunate.
20. If some small amount of alms is given, be content with that little amount. If a large amount is offered by a householder accept only one handful.
21. Asking for alms should be done joyfully with soft speech and a pleasant demeanor. These are some of the signs of a desireless person.
22. Such is the description of one who begs for alms. I have told them to you in short according to my capacity. Begging for alms wards off problems from calamities which may come in the future.