Yati, Hamsi, Charuni, Vodhu, and Panchashikha were among the illustrious sages, joined by Vacaskara, Marichi, Angiras, and Bhrigu. Vasishtha, Vasaga, Shashvat, and all their sons were also present, forming a noble assembly. To this gathering, the revered sage spoke, "Listen, child, and I shall tell you the auspicious teachings proclaimed in the Vedas. “All the wise seek the four aims of life: dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation). Dharma is established by the Vedas, while its opposite is adharma. After mastering the Vedas, a student offers his teacher the proper fee in gratitude. “A woman of noble lineage, devoted to serving her husband, is truly virtuous—just as a crystal cannot arise from a mine of rubies, so too does virtue arise from noble origins. If a woman is born in an ignoble family, O Narada, it is due to her father’s fault. Yet, child, know that not all women are wicked, for they are portions of Kamala, the goddess of fortune. The virtuous woman serves and praises her lord, who is beyond all qualities. “In the same way, a virtuous man should carefully choose a maiden of noble family. It is better to dwell in fire, in the mouth of a serpent, or upon thorns, than to act otherwise. You have studied the Veda with me and have given me the teacher’s due. My child, you are born in a noble family, and Mālatī is your former wife. Here is Mālatī, born in the lineage of Manu, a virtuous wife in the house of Sṛñjaya. Accept the supreme jewel, the lotus-like Mālatī, as your wife. “First, one should become a householder; later, one may enter the forest to live as a hermit. The worship of Hari by Vaiṣṇavas, and the practice of austerity, are both praised in the scriptures. O Vaiṣṇava, remain in the house and 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. “Become a householder, O best of sages; householders always enjoy happiness. Those who seek liberation always desire to see or touch such a one. Therefore, O sage, the greatest happiness is found in seeing and touching one’s own son. A wife is for the sake of a son, and a son is dearer than a hundred wives. One should strive for victory over all, but accept defeat from one’s own son. Therefore, place your highest treasure in your dearest son.” Thus Narada, the wisest of the wise, spoke to his father. Narada replied, “How can a compassionate father set his son upon the wrong path? All of worldly existence is as fleeting as a bubble on water. When the service of Hari is abandoned, the mind wanders in worldly matters. Who is truly dear to whom? Who is a son or a relative in this ocean of worldly existence? He who causes another to perform good deeds—he is the true friend, the father, the teacher. “Thus, dear one, the seed of the Veda has been explained according to tradition. First, O Lord, I shall go to the hermitage of Nara and Nārāyaṇa.” Having spoken thus, the sage fell silent before his father. Narada stood for a moment before his father, the eminent sage, and then said, “The knowledge related to this, and the description of its qualities—after that, for your satisfaction, I will undertake the collection of a wife.” Hearing Narada’s words, the lotus-born one was filled with delight.