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{1.} They stand outside our dwellings, at our windows, at the corners of our streets; they stand at our doors, revisiting their old homes.
{2.} When abundant food and drink is set before them, by reason of the past sins of these departed ones, their friends on earth remember them not.
{3.} Yet do such of their kinsmen as are merciful bestow upon them at due seasons food and drink, pure, sweet and suitable. Let this be done for your departed friends, let them be satisfied.
{4.} Then, gathering together here, the assembled spirits of our kinsmen rejoice greatly in a plentiful repast.
{5.} "Long," they say, "may our kinsmen live through whom we have received these things: to us offerings are made and the givers are not without reward."
{6.} For in the land of the dead there is no husbandry, no keeping of flocks, no commerce as with us, no trafficking for gold: the departed live in that world by what they receive in this.
{7.} As water fallen upon a height descends into the valley, so surely do alms bestowed by men benefit the dead.
{8.} As the brimming rivers fill the ocean, so do alms bestowed by men benefit the dead.
{9.} Let a man consider thus--"Such a one gave me this gift, such a one wrought me this good deed; they were my kinsmen, my friends, my associates." Then let him give alms to the dead, mindful of past benefits.
{10.} For weeping and sorrow and all manner of lamentation are of no avail, if their relatives stand thus sorrowing it benefits not the dead.
{11.} But this charity bestowed by you, well secured in the priesthood, if it long bless the dead, then does it benefit them indeed.
{12.} And the fulfilment of this duty to relatives to the dead is a great service rendered, to the priests a great strength given, by you no small merit acquired.