O Brahman, everything concerning the coming of the self had now been explained in full. Nārada, eager for deeper understanding, addressed his father with reverence: “O Lord, please grant your favor and impart the teaching now.” With these words, Nārada approached and humbly grasped the lotus feet of his father, his hands joined in respectful salutation, his neck bowed in devotion. Seeing his beloved son preparing to depart, Brahma—the Creator of the worlds—was moved. He took Nārada by the hand, embraced him warmly, and kissed him again and again, unable to conceal his affection. Brahma, the Lord who delights in his own Self, the guru of the gurus of yogis, felt a deep distress at the prospect of separation from his son, his heart clouded by the enchanting power of Vishnu’s maya. Resolute, Brahma declared, “I shall go to Goloka to understand Krishna, the Lord.” He summoned his sons—Sanaka, Sananda, Sanatana, Yati, Hamsi, Charuni, Vodhu, Panchashikha, Vacaskara, Marichi, Angiras, Bhrigu, Vasishtha, Vasaga, Shashvat—and all the others, and said, “Listen, child, I shall speak to you the auspicious words proclaimed in the Vedas.” He continued, “All the wise desire the four goals: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Dharma is established by the Vedas; adharma is its opposite. Once one has mastered the Vedas, it is proper to offer the guru his due reward. A woman of noble lineage who serves her husband is virtuous; just as a crystal cannot be born in a mine of rubies, so too is noble birth significant. If a woman is born in an ignoble family, O Narada, it is due to the fault of her father. Yet, not all women are wicked; indeed, they are portions of Kamala herself. The virtuous woman serves and praises her lord, who is beyond all qualities. Similarly, a virtuous man should carefully select a maiden of noble lineage for marriage.” Brahma’s teachings grew intense: “It is better to dwell in fire, or in the mouth of a serpent, or upon thorns, than to stray from dharma. You have studied the Veda from me and given the teacher’s fee. My child, you are born in a noble family, and Mālatī is your former wife. Mālatī, born in the lineage of Manu, is a virtuous wife in the house of Sṛñjaya. Accept the supreme jewel, the lotus-like Mālatī, as your wife.” He continued, “First, one should be a householder; later, one may become a forest-dweller. The worship of Hari by Vaiṣṇavas and austerity are both praised in the scriptures. O Vaiṣṇava, remain in the house and perform worship at the feet of Kṛṣṇa. O sinless one, what is the use of austerity for him in whom Hari is not found within or without? Wherever service to Kṛṣṇa is performed, that is the highest austerity.” Brahma then advised, “Become a householder, O best of sages; householders always find happiness. Those who seek liberation always yearn to see or touch such a one. Therefore, O sage, the greatest happiness is to see and touch one’s son. A wife is for the sake of a son; a son is dearer than a hundred wives. One should seek victory over all, but accept defeat from one’s own son. Therefore, place your highest wealth in your dearest son.” At this, Nārada, wise and thoughtful, spoke to his father: “How can a compassionate father set his son on the wrong path? All of worldly existence is as fleeting as a bubble on water.