If, out of ignorance, children stray from the right path, a father who guides them to surrender at Krishna’s feet and then renounces his own attachment to them acts wisely. For taking a wife, it is said, brings sorrow rather than happiness. Among householders whose minds are clouded by delusion, women are of three kinds, O Brahma. Out of concern for her fate in the next world, a virtuous woman behaves righteously; she also acts to guard her reputation in this world. Yet, in her heart, she seeks enjoyment and is herself to be enjoyed, her actions driven by desire and affection alone. She delights in fine clothing, ornaments, pleasures, and rich, delicious food. But a woman who brings shame upon her family, wanton in behavior, becomes the destroyer of her lineage, always longing for union with men, her mind troubled by desire. For the sake of her lover, O father, such an unchaste woman may even wish harm upon her own husband. Thus, all types of women—superior, middling, and inferior—have been described. A woman’s heart is sharp as the edge of a razor, though her face may be as lovely as an autumn lotus. In anger, she is like poison; if one places too much trust in her, she can bring utter ruin. Lacking discipline, women are said to possess great boldness. As for men, O teacher of the world, their desire is eightfold and ever-constant, while their anger is sixfold, but their resolve is unwavering. What pleasure, what play can there be for a man within a house that is, in truth, a place of excrement, urine, and filth? Excessive affection brings loss of wealth; excessive attachment, loss of beauty; and complete trust leads to ruin. O Brahman, what happiness is truly found with women? As long as a man is wealthy, strong, fortunate, and capable, a woman will regard him well; but if he becomes sick, poor, or old, she finds him unpleasant. Thus, O Brahman, all has been spoken as it concerns the coming of the self. Now, grant your favor, O Lord, and impart your teaching. Having spoken these words, Narada bowed low, grasping the lotus feet of his father, his hands joined in reverence, his neck bent in devotion. Seeing his son departing, the Creator of the worlds was moved. He took Narada by the hand, embraced him, and kissed him again and again. Brahma, the delight of his own Self, the guru of the gurus of yogis, was overcome with distress at the separation from his son, deluded by the maya of Vishnu. Then Brahma spoke: “I shall go to Goloka to understand Krishna, the Lord.” With him were Sanaka, Sananda, and the third, Sanatana; Yati, Hamsi, Charuni, Vodhu, and Panchashikha; Vacaskara, Marichi, Angiras, and Bhrigu; Vasishtha, Vasaga, Shashvat, and all his sons as well. “Listen, child,” Brahma said, “I shall tell you the auspicious words declared in the Vedas. All the wise desire the four aims of life: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Dharma is established by the Vedas; adharma is that which opposes them. After mastering the Vedas, one offers the proper gift to the guru. She is virtuous and of noble lineage who is devoted to serving her husband—just as a crystal cannot be born in a mine of rubies, so too does birth reflect one’s nature. If a woman is born in an ignoble family, O Narada, it is due to the fault of her father. Yet, O child, not all women are wicked, for they are portions of Kamala, the Goddess herself.