In the sacred assembly, it was taught that the divine state is truly attained when the tilaka is applied, marking the devotee’s forehead with sanctity. For those devoted to the three—preserving the prescribed tradition—a threefold lifespan is granted, each according to the established rule. Such devotees are peaceful, self-controlled, having conquered anger, and possessing knowledge of the proper rules for varna and ashrama. By embodying these qualities, one quickly attains their unwavering, unshakable state. Eager for further wisdom, the seekers addressed the Lord: “O Lord, please tell us the proper order of our stages of life.” The Lord replied, “The stages of life must be followed in order, though sometimes, due to particular circumstances, it may be otherwise. If, after completing the stage of studentship, one desires the highest state, one may renounce. One should perform sacrifices or beget sons, but if one is detached, renunciation is permitted. A wise twice-born, having abandoned household life, may renounce; and even without performing all prescribed rites, a learned twice-born may renounce there itself. If, after performing austerities, one becomes detached through the practice, renunciation is allowed.” He continued, “Merely going to the forest does not make one a renunciant, nor does practicing celibacy alone bring accomplishment. A learned householder or one dwelling in the forest should renounce as enjoined by the scriptures. Even if one is blind, lame, or poor, a twice-born who is detached may renounce. But he who is not detached and wishes to renounce surely falls. One who is devoted and established in his stage of life is fit for immortality. He who always upholds his own duty is fit for immortality. Acting with a serene mind, one attains that supreme state.” The Lord explained further, “Brahman alone is offered, and this supreme offering is to Brahman. The seers who see the truth declare this offering to Brahman. He who always acts with understanding makes this supreme offering to Brahman. Even actions are considered this unsurpassed offering. When a wise person performs action, that action can lead to liberation. But without renouncing the fruits of action, one becomes bound by those very results. Even an unlearned person, if he acts, quickly attains the supreme state. Serenity of mind arises, and then Brahman is realized. Knowledge, together with action, arises free from fault. One should perform actions for the satisfaction of the Lord; thus, one attains freedom from action. Alone, free from possessiveness and peaceful, one is liberated even while living. Such a person merges into that which is eternal bliss, without appearance. For the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord, one attains that eternal state. Without following this, a person does not attain perfection.” With reverence, the seekers bowed to Hrishikesha and spoke again: “Now, we wish to hear how the world comes into being. Who is the controller of all? Tell us, O Supreme Person.” The Lord, with a deep and resonant voice, began to speak about the origin and dissolution of beings. He revealed, “He is infinite, immeasurable, the controller, facing all directions. That which the thinkers on reality call Pradhana and Prakriti is ageless, constant, imperishable, eternally abiding in its own nature. The great form of all beings is established in the Self.” Thus, the seekers received the sacred teachings, learning of the divine state, the stages of life, the path to liberation, and the eternal nature of the Supreme.