In this way, the wise purify themselves and shield their souls from the bonds of worldly attachment. Yet, Ruci, seeking clarity, humbly asked the elders, “If purification and freedom are so valued, why do you, revered ones, direct me toward the path of action?” The ancestors answered him with gentle assurance, “There is no doubt, dear one, that action itself is the cause for the attainment of knowledge. It is through prescribed duties that wisdom is born. The virtuous never falter by neglecting what is rightfully theirs to do. Even Bhavani herself considers self-purification to be the highest good, thinking, ‘Let me cleanse myself.’ At times, even ignorance, much like poison, serves a purpose in the journey of life.” Therefore, they counseled, “My child, you should properly undertake the acquisition of a wife, for this is the way forward.” But Ruci, feeling the weight of his years, replied, “I am now old—who will give me their daughter in marriage?” The ancestors spoke with gravity, “For us, my child, there is downfall if you do not continue the lineage, and for you as well, a decline awaits.” Having thus spoken, Ruci’s father turned to the sage who was present, and as the great ascetic Markandeya looked on, he addressed Kraumcuka, imparting these words. With this, the eighty-eighth chapter, called “Knowledge of Action,” in the Conduct Section of the first part of the great Purana, Srimad Garuda, comes to a close. But the story continues. When further questioned, Markandeya spoke again to Krauñcuki. He narrated how, desiring a maiden, the sage (Ruci) wandered the earth, his heart burdened with anxiety and his mind greatly troubled. “What shall I do? Where shall I go? How will I obtain a wife?” he wondered, his thoughts restless. As he pondered deeply, a firm resolve arose in his heart. With unwavering focus, he undertook severe austerities, observing strict vows and performing penance for a hundred divine years, all to propitiate the Supreme. In response to his devotion, Brahma, the grandsire of the worlds, appeared before him. Ruci bowed low and addressed Brahma, the guide of the universe. Brahma spoke with authority, “You shall become a Prajapati; you must create beings. Having fulfilled your duty, you will then attain perfection. Desiring this, perform the rites for the ancestors; if you are satisfied with a wife and sons, why would the forefathers not grant them to you?” Hearing these words about Brahma, the one of unmanifest birth, the brahmin (Ruci) was filled with reverence. He began to praise the ancestors with heartfelt hymns: “I bow to the ancestors with devotion, those who dwell among the presiding deities. I bow to the ancestors in heaven, who are satisfied by the great sages. I bow to the ancestors in heaven, whom the perfected beings gratify. I bow to the ancestors with devotion, worshipped by the celestial beings in the heavens. I bow to the ancestors who are always worshipped on earth by mortals, and by brahmins in particular. I bow to those gratified by forest-dwelling ascetics. I bow to the ancestors worshipped by brahmins devoted to lifelong vows and righteousness. I bow to those whom kshatriyas satisfy with śrāddha offerings. I bow to those always worshipped by the vaiśyas, and by the śūdras with devoted śrāddha. I bow to the ancestors who, during śrāddha, are in the netherworld, gratified by the great asuras. I bow to those worshipped with śrāddha in Rasātala, and those always satisfied by the serpents’ offerings. I bow to the ancestors who dwell directly in the world of the gods or on the earth. Above all, I bow to those of the highest reality, dwelling in celestial vehicles, formless and eternal.” Thus, with devotion and humility, Ruci honored the ancestors, seeking their blessings to fulfill his sacred duties and find his place in the cosmic order.