That vast, all-pervading reality in which the universe appears, and by which it is illumined, is the supreme Brahman, the highest light—limitless like space itself. He alone, by His own wondrous power of illusion, brings forth this world of myriad forms, sustains it, and in time dissolves it, yet remains ever unchanged. All perception of difference arises only from the restless mind; but You, O Lord, are known as self-dependent. With faith, the yogis worship You alone, performing many kinds of rituals to attain perfection. Those who are learned in the Veda and Tantra understand that You are present in every being, every sense, and every mind. You are the primeval Person, whose power lies hidden within Yourself. By that power, the three modes—passion, goodness, and darkness—become distinct. From You arise the great ego, the elements—space, air, fire, water, and earth—the gods, the sages, and all living beings. Having entered Your own creation by Your own power, You dwell within the fourfold body as a portion of the inner self. Thus, the wise know You as the One who, abiding within, enjoys the essence of the senses—just as honey is enjoyed. You are the mighty chariot of time, dragging all worlds with irresistible force. The elements, subtle and inferred, are like masses of clouds, but You are like the wind—unbearable and unstoppable. People, intoxicated and distracted by thoughts of action, greedily pursue sense objects, but You, ever watchful, seize them suddenly, like a snake licking up a mouse—O Death! What wise person would abandon Your lotus feet, which are the very abode of honor and humility? Even the fourteen Manus, revered teachers of the world, worship You out of fear, lest they fall from their position. Therefore, O Supreme Brahman, Self of all, You are the true refuge of the wise. When the universe trembles in fear of Rudra’s wrath, You alone are the shelter, free from all fear. So, O noble sons of kings, remain pure, perform your own duties, and offer your intentions to the Lord—may all be well for you. Recite this praise, worship that very Self who dwells within all beings, constantly praising and meditating on Hari. Having received this instruction in yoga, keep the vows of the sages and, with concentrated minds, practice this with reverence. Long ago, the Lord, the master of creation, spoke these teachings to us, desiring to bring forth the sons of Bhṛgu and others, and to those wishing to create. At first, we, the lords of progeny, were not inspired to create living beings; but by this knowledge, which dispelled our darkness, we were moved to create various creatures. Anyone who is always engaged, reciting this attentively, soon attains the highest good, being devoted to Vāsudeva. Here lies the supreme knowledge, the highest welfare for all. With the boat of this wisdom, one crosses the difficult ocean of misfortune with ease. Whoever, with faith, recites this praise of the Lord as sung by me, truly worships Hari, who is otherwise hard to worship. From this, a person swiftly obtains whatever he desires, for this song is dear to the highest good. Whoever, rising early, with joined palms and filled with faith, hears or recites this, is freed from the bonds of karma. O sons of the gods and men, 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, listen as the story continues. Out of anger, Indra, the king of the gods, poured down a terrible, club-like torrent of rain for the protection of the inhabitants of Vraja and the lifting of Govardhana. Enraged, Indra urged the destructive clouds known as Sāṃvartaka, issuing his commands with forceful words. “Ah!” Indra exclaimed, “See the pride and arrogance of these cowherds, dwellers of the forest, who, relying on Krishna—a mere mortal—have shown disrespect to the gods! Just as some abandon the science of inquiry and try to cross the ocean of existence using only rituals and strong actions, so these cowherds, trusting in Krishna—a talkative, childish, arrogant, and ignorant boy who thinks himself wise—have wronged me. Blinded by their own wealth, puffed up by Krishna, they destroy their pride born of prosperity and drive their cattle to ruin. I shall mount Airāvata, my great elephant, and go to Vraja, accompanied by the wind-gods with great force, intent on destroying Nanda’s cowherd settlement.” Thus, as Indra commanded, the clouds, freed from all restraint, began to afflict Nanda’s village with torrents of rain. Lightning flashed, thunder roared, and fierce winds drove sheets of water and hail upon the land. Thick and thin streams of rain poured incessantly into the valleys; the earth, flooded by the deluge, disappeared from sight, with neither low nor high ground visible. The excessive, violent wind made the animals tremble in fear. The cowherds and their women, afflicted by the cold, sought refuge in Govinda. Covering their heads and children with their bodies, distressed by the storm and shivering, they approached the feet of the Blessed Lord. “Krishna, Krishna, greatly fortunate one! O Lord, Gokula is under your protection. You must save us from the wrath of the gods, O lover of your devotees!” they cried. Seeing the living beings struck down by the hailstones, the Lord Hari understood that this calamity was caused by Indra’s anger. “Because we interrupted our sacrifice,” Krishna said, “Indra, seeking our destruction, has sent this extraordinary, fierce, stone-filled rain and violent wind. Now, I shall properly counteract this with my own power of yoga. Out of the foolishness of those who consider themselves lords of the world, I will destroy their pride born of arrogance. For the gods who are truly virtuous, there is no astonishment at the Lord; but for the unworthy, the breaking of their pride leads to their pacification. Therefore, I shall protect this cowherd community, which has taken refuge in me, which considers me its lord, and which I have accepted as my own, by my own power of yoga. This is the vow I have undertaken.” Having spoken thus, Krishna, with one hand, effortlessly lifted Govardhana Mountain, just as a child would hold up an umbrella. Then the Blessed Lord said to the cowherds, “O mother, O father, O residents of Vraja, enter the hollow of the mountain with your cattle, as you find suitable.” Thus, with his divine power, Krishna sheltered the people and cattle of Vraja, fulfilling his promise to protect those who seek refuge in him.