O mighty one, know that for the one whose very body is formed of Vedic sound, there is no blessing greater than to dwell with a spiritual teacher. This is the highest honor among all auspicious things. Thus concludes the eightieth chapter, "The Story of Śrīdāma," in the second half of the Tenth Book of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa, the scripture revered by those who seek supreme renunciation. Śrī Śuka continued: After these events, as Lord Hari was conversing with the foremost of brāhmaṇas, the all-knowing Lord, who perceives the minds of all beings, smiled gently and addressed him. Kṛṣṇa, ever devoted to the brāhmaṇas, gazed upon his guest with deep affection. With a loving smile, He looked at the brāhmaṇa—indeed, such a glance is the highest goal for the virtuous. The Blessed Lord spoke: “O brāhmaṇa, what offering have you brought for Me from your home? Even the smallest gift, when brought by a devotee with love, becomes great in My eyes. Yet, even a grand present given without devotion brings Me no joy. “Whoever offers Me a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water with devotion—I accept that offering from the pure-hearted devotee.” Hearing these words, the brāhmaṇa felt ashamed in the presence of the Lord of Śrī. Though he carried a humble handful of parched rice, he remained silent, too embarrassed to offer it. But Kṛṣṇa, who sees the Self in all beings, understood the brāhmaṇa’s heart and the reason for his coming. He thought, “This man did not worship Me before out of desire for wealth. Now, prompted by the wish of his devoted wife and out of friendship, he has come to Me. I shall bestow upon him riches that are rarely attained by mortals.” Thinking thus, the Lord took up the parched rice, tied in a cloth, from the brāhmaṇa’s dwelling, wondering, “What is this?” He said, “O friend, truly this offering you have brought fills Me with supreme satisfaction. These grains of parched rice, O dear one, satisfy not only Me but the whole universe.” Having eaten one handful, Kṛṣṇa reached for a second. At that very moment, Lakshmi, ever devoted to the Supreme Lord, gently seized His hand and said, “O Soul of the Universe, this alone is enough for the abundance of all prosperity, in this world or the next, for one whose only aim is to please You.” That night, the brāhmaṇa remained in Achyuta’s abode, enjoying food, drink, and happiness. He felt as if he were dwelling in heaven itself. When morning arrived, honored by everyone with affection and filled with personal joy, he set out for his home, accompanied along the way. He had not received wealth from Kṛṣṇa, nor had he asked for it. Still, he returned to his house, bashful yet fulfilled by the great vision he had witnessed. Reflecting, he thought, “Ah, I have seen the devotion of the Lord who cherishes the brāhmaṇas! Though I am most poor, Lakshmi herself embraced Him as He accepted my offering. “Where am I—poor and sinful—and where is Kṛṣṇa, the very abode of all fortune? Though I am called a brāhmaṇa only in name, I was embraced by His arms. “I was seated on a couch and cherished by my dear friend as brothers are, fanned by the queen herself, who used her gentle hand to hold a child’s fan, though I was weary. “With the utmost service—massaging my feet and more—I was honored by the Lord of gods, the protector of brāhmaṇas, as if I were a god myself. “For men, the root of all happiness in heaven and liberation, of wealth on earth, and of all perfections, is the worship of His feet. “If this poor man were to gain wealth, he might become intoxicated and forget the Lord. Thus, out of compassion, Kṛṣṇa surely did not give me abundant riches.” Thinking in this way, the brāhmaṇa approached his humble dwelling. But now, he saw that his house was surrounded on all sides by aerial palaces, shining like the sun, fire, and moon. The grounds were adorned with wondrous groves and gardens, filled with the songs of flocks of birds, and with ponds blossoming with lotuses, water lilies, and blue lotuses. Men and women, beautifully adorned and with gentle, doe-like eyes, graced the scene. The brāhmaṇa wondered, “What is this? Whose place is this? How has all this come to be?” As he pondered, men and women, radiant as immortals, welcomed him with singing and the melodious sounds of instruments. Hearing that her husband had arrived, his wife, overwhelmed with joy and excitement, rushed out of the house, shining like Lakshmi herself emerging from her abode. With eyes brimming with love and longing, she closed her eyes and embraced him with a reverent heart and mind. Astonished, the brāhmaṇa beheld his wife, radiant among the maidservants, shining like a celestial goddess, standing out amidst those without necklaces. Pleased and united with her, he entered his own palace, adorned with hundreds of jeweled pillars, resembling the mansion of Indra. Inside, he saw beds soft as milk foam, decorated with gold, couches with golden rails, and yak-tail fans. There were golden seats with soft cushions, canopies hung with pearl garlands, and shining covers. On clear crystal walls and great emerald floors, jeweled lamps glowed, and women adorned with gems moved about. Seeing this abundance of riches, the brāhmaṇa calmly reflected on his prosperity, which had come to him without any effort. He thought, “Surely, this is the cause of prosperity for me, so unfortunate and always poor. Nothing else could explain the wealth of the foremost Yadu. “Indeed, even without asking, the generous king gives abundantly to those who request. Like a raincloud, he observes and provides, my friend, the chief of the Dasharhas. “Whatever little he gives, even if small, is given as a friend. Though he is a great giver, he accepted from me a simple handful of parched rice, offered with affection. “May I have friendship, companionship, and service to him, birth after birth. Through association with that great soul, the abode of all virtues, my devotion is fixed. “For the devoted, the Lord indeed grants wondrous prosperity and kingdoms; but the unborn One does not bestow them on those lacking discernment, for He sees Himself as both the source of downfall and pride for the wealthy.” Thus resolved in his heart, the devotee of Janārdana, though surrounded by pleasures, enjoyed them without excessive attachment.