Absorbing his mind completely in Brahman—the reality that lies beyond both what is manifest and unmanifest, that appears as all qualities yet itself is untouched by any quality—he attained realization through unwavering, single-minded devotion. Free from ego, free from any sense of possessiveness, beyond all dualities, he saw equally everywhere, perceiving his own Self in all, and remained inwardly peaceful and steady, like a vast, calm ocean undisturbed by waves. Through supreme devotion to Vāsudeva, the all-knowing Lord and inner Self, he realized his true nature and became free from all bondage. In this state, he saw the Lord present within all beings as his very own Self, and likewise saw all beings within the Lord, who dwelled within himself. Freed from desire and aversion, his mind even toward all, he was endowed with devotion to the Lord and thus attained the high state of a true devotee. The form he beheld was radiant: crowned, adorned with bracelets, a necklace, anklets, and a girdle; bearing the conch, discus, mace, and lotus, garlanded and decked with the finest jewels, shining with supreme splendor. Upon his auspicious neck gleamed the Kaustubha gem; his shoulders were broad like a lion’s, and his unfailing glory shone like a flawless touchstone. His abdomen was marked by three lines, moving with the gentle rhythm of breath, as if the entire universe was being drawn in and released from the deep whirl of his navel. He wore a brilliant yellow garment, fastened with a golden belt over his dark hips; his thighs, knees, and shins were perfectly formed and beautiful to behold. His feet sparkled like autumn lotuses in full bloom, the nails radiating light that dispelled all inner darkness. O Teacher, reveal your own feet, the very path for those who seek to cross the darkness of ignorance. This divine form is to be meditated upon by all who desire purification of the self; devotion to it grants fearlessness to those who sincerely perform their own duties. You are attainable only by the devoted, though difficult to reach for all embodied beings; even the sovereignty of the self is considered inferior to the ultimate state of self-realization gained through exclusive devotion to you. Who, having worshipped you—so difficult to approach even for the virtuous—through exclusive devotion, would desire anything outside your feet? Where death, the ender of all life, cannot approach those indifferent to it—even as he destroys the universe with his might and the fierce arching of his brows—there your devotees dwell, untouched. Not even heaven or liberation can compare to even half a moment spent in the company of the Lord’s devotees; what then can be said of lesser blessings? Therefore, O sinless one, may we have the association of those whose character is pure and compassionate toward all beings, whose sins are washed away by bathing within and without in the sacredness of your fame—this alone is your grace to us. He whose mind is not distracted by external objects, nor falls into the dark cave of ignorance, whose mind is purified by devotion and yoga—such a sage surely perceives your path. That in which this universe appears, and by which it is illumined—that supreme Brahman, the highest light, is vast and all-encompassing, like space itself. By your own power of illusion, you create this world of many forms, sustain it, and dissolve it again, remaining unchanged throughout; the perception of difference is but the instability of the mind—O Lord, we recognize you as utterly self-dependent. With faith, yogis worship you alone through various rituals, seeking perfection; you are perceived in all beings, in the senses, and in the mind—thus those skilled in Veda and Tantra know you. You alone are the primeval Person, whose power lies dormant; by that power, the three modes—passion, goodness, and darkness—are differentiated; from you arise the great ego, space, air, fire, water, earth, the gods, sages, and all beings. Having entered your own creation by your own power, you dwell within the fourfold body as a portion of the self; thus, the wise know that Person who, abiding within, enjoys the essence of the senses, like honey. You are the swift chariot of time, dragging all worlds with irresistible force; the elements, whose nature is only inferred, are like clouds, and you are like the wind—unbearable, unstoppable. While people, intoxicated and distracted by thoughts of action, greedily long for sense objects, you, ever alert, suddenly seize them like a snake licking up a mouse, O Death. What wise person would abandon your lotus feet, which are the abode of all honor and humility? Even the fourteen Manus, our revered teachers, worship you out of fear, lest they fall from their exalted positions. Therefore, O Brahman, Supreme Self, you are the only refuge of the wise; when the universe trembles in fear of Rudra, you alone are the shelter, free from all fear. Recite this, O noble sons of kings, remaining pure, performing your own duties, and offering all your intentions to the Lord—may all be well for you. Worship that very Self, who abides within the self and is present in all beings, praising and meditating constantly on Hari. Having received instruction in yoga, maintaining the vows of sages, and with concentrated minds, may you all practice this with reverence. Long ago, the Lord, master of creation, spoke this to us, desiring to produce the sons of Bhṛgu and others, and to those wishing to create. We, all the lords of progeny, were not prompted in the creation of beings; but by this teaching, with darkness dispelled, we wish to create various creatures. Now, whoever is always engaged, reciting this attentively, soon attains the highest good, being devoted to Vāsudeva. Here, this supreme knowledge is the highest welfare for all; with the boat of knowledge, one easily crosses the difficult ocean of misfortune. Whoever, with faith, recites this praise of the Lord sung by me, worships Hari, who is otherwise hard to worship. A person obtains from this, whatever he desires, swiftly, from the song sung by me, which is dear to the highest welfare. Whoever, rising early, with joined palms and filled with faith, hears or recites this, is freed from the bonds of karma. O sons of men-gods, this song, this praise of the Supreme Person, the Paramātmā, has been sung by me; recite it with focused mind as a great austerity, practice it, and in the end you will attain your desired goal. Now, at another time, out of anger, Indra poured down a torrent of club-like rain for the protection of the inhabitants of Vraja, and for the lifting of Govardhana. Enraged, Indra urged on the destructive clouds called Sāṃvartaka, and spoke words full of command. “Ah! The pride and sense of greatness of these cowherds, these dwellers of the forest, who, relying on Krishna—a mere mortal—have shown disrespect to the gods!