While King Parikshit, son of Abhimanyu, protected the earth with remarkable power, the people were able to engage in the great sacrifice without fear or hindrance. Such was his rule—radiant like the sun riding his celestial chariot, having cast aside all misfortune, he enjoyed happiness in the company of Indra himself. The scriptures then speak of the duties and conduct for people in times of distress. If a brāhmaṇa finds himself in hardship, he may sustain himself by trade or selling goods, or, if truly afflicted, even by the sword—but never by adopting a dog-like livelihood, unworthy of his station. Likewise, a kṣatriya in adversity may take up the work of a vaiśya, or resort to hunting, or even act as a brāhmaṇa, but must never stoop to a blameworthy way of living. A vaiśya, if pressed, may do the work of a śūdra, and a śūdra may take up menial crafts. Yet, once freed from hardship, none should seek a lowly occupation. Each day, by studying the Vedas, making offerings to ancestors and gods, giving gifts, and sharing food as available, one should worship the gods, sages, ancestors, and all beings, for they are manifestations of the Lord. With wealth obtained honestly or by chance, and never by oppression, one should care for dependents and perform sacrifices, always by righteous means. One must not become attached to family, nor be careless even as a householder. The wise see all things perishable as if already gone, even before they vanish. The meeting of sons, wives, and close relatives is like the gathering of travelers—soon to part, as dreams depart from sleep. Reflecting thus, the liberated soul dwells in household life like a guest, never bound by it, free from possessiveness and ego. With devotion, performing prescribed duties for the Lord’s sake, one may remain at home, go to the forest, or, if blessed with offspring, renounce and wander as a mendicant. But one whose mind is attached to home, tormented by desire for children and wealth, infatuated with women, pitiable and deluded, is bound by thoughts of ‘mine’ and ‘I’. He laments: “Alas, my aged parents, my wife, my young sons and daughters—helpless and miserable without me—how will they live, afflicted by suffering?” Thus, with his heart seized by attachment, his mind unsatisfied and constantly brooding, when he dies, he enters deep darkness. Sūta then spoke: Parikshit, though burned by the weapon of Aśvatthāmā, was not killed in his mother’s womb, for he was protected by the wondrous grace of Lord Krishna. Later, when his life was threatened by Takṣaka, born from the wrath of a brāhmaṇa, Parikshit was not bewildered by the pain of death, for his mind was surrendered to the Lord. Having abandoned all attachments and understood the state of the unconquered, this disciple of Vyāsa gave up his body on the banks of the Gaṅgā. For those who delight in the nectar of the Lord’s glorious stories, there is no confusion even at the time of death, for they remember His lotus feet. As long as Parikshit, the great devotee, ruled the earth, Kali, though present everywhere, could not prevail. On the very day and moment when the Lord departed from the earth, Kali, the source of unrighteousness, entered. Yet the emperor did not hate Kali, just as a bee takes the essence from flowers. For him, auspicious results came swiftly, not so for others. Kali, bold with the weak but fearful of the strong, cannot trouble the wise and fearless; among the careless, he moves like a wolf among men. Sūta said, “I have described to you this sacred story of Parikshit, filled with the tales of Vāsudeva, as you asked. All stories of the Lord, based on His virtues and actions, should be cherished by those who desire true life.” The sages responded, “O gentle Sūta, may you live long with everlasting pure fame, for you proclaim to mortals the nectar of Krishna’s deeds. In this uncertain world, where minds are clouded, you make us drink the honey-wine of Govinda’s lotus feet. We would not trade even a moment’s association with the Lord’s devotees for heaven or liberation—what then of other blessings? Who could ever be satisfied by hearing the nectar of stories about the supreme refuge of the greatest souls? Even the masters of yoga, born from Brahma, have not reached the end of the qualities of the one beyond all qualities. Therefore, O learned one, please narrate to us the noble and pure deeds of Hari, for those eager to listen.” They continued, “Parikshit, the great devotee, whose unwavering intelligence was directed toward liberation, attained the feet of the one whose banner bears the eagle, through the knowledge spoken by the son of Vyāsa. Please narrate to us that supremely auspicious, wondrous, and yoga-centered story, whose meaning is clear, which is filled with the endless deeds of the Lord and which delighted Parikshit and the devotees.” Sūta replied, “Ah, today we, though born in a lower lineage, have become blessed by following the elders. Association with the words of the greatest souls swiftly removes the impurity of a bad family and mental distress. How much more, then, for one who praises the Supreme, the ultimate refuge of the greatest souls? The infinite Lord is called limitless because of His supreme qualities. What I have already indicated is enough to show the unequalled qualities of the Lord, whose feet’s dust is sought even by those who have abandoned all else, though He Himself does not desire such worship. The water offered by Brahma, produced from the nails of His feet, purifies the world; who would not be purified by Mukunda, desiring His feet? There, those who are devoted and wise suddenly abandon attachment to the body and its connections, and proceed to the highest state of the swan-like sages, where nonviolence, tranquility, and one’s own duty prevail. You have questioned me, O Aryamanas, and I shall explain as far as I have realized. Just as birds fly in the sky according to their own capacity, so too the wise attain the path of Vishnu according to their understanding. Once, while wandering in the forest for hunting, Parikshit, with his bow raised, pursued a deer and became exhausted, greatly hungry and thirsty. He entered a hermitage, searching for water, and saw a sage seated in tranquility, with eyes closed. With senses, breath, mind, and intellect restrained, the sage had attained a state beyond the three realms, becoming one with Brahman, unchanging.