In ages past, the lineage of sages who upheld the wisdom of Sanātana Dharma was illustrious and vast. Among them were Kapila, Asuri, Voḍhu, and the revered Pañcaśikha. Following in their footsteps came Balabandhu, Nirāmitra, Ketuśṛṅga, and Tapodhana, each devoted to the pursuit of truth. Sarvajña, Samabuddhi, Sādhya, and Satya, too, shone brightly, embodying knowledge and steadfastness. The tradition continued with Atri, Ugra, Śravaṇa, and Śraviṣṭhaka, and thereafter with Kashyapa, Ushanas, Cyavana, and Brihaspati, who were renowned for their wisdom and teachings. Vachashravas, Supika, Shyavashva, and Sapathishvara were also counted among these venerable sages. Sumantu, Varcari the wise, Kabandha, and Kushikandhara contributed to the sacred lineage, as did Bhallapi, Madhu-pinga, Shvetaketu, and the ascetic Taponidhi. Shalihotra, Agniveshya, Yuvanashva, and Sharadvasu, along with Uluka, Vidyuta, Shadvala, and Ashvalayana, further enriched the tradition. Kushika, Garga, Mitraka, and Rishya were also among those who devoted their lives to Brahman, seeking knowledge and perfection in yoga. These pure souls, ever intent on realizing the highest, followed the command of the lords of yoga, striving for the establishment and preservation of the Veda. It is said that those who worship and honor these sages attain the knowledge of Brahman. In the cycles of time, new Manus will arise—Savarni and Daksha Savarni, and the fourteenth, known as Bhautya, will come in succession. The stories of past, present, and future illuminate the path, and those who hear them, freed from sin, rejoice in union with Brahma. With devotion, they bow to Nārāyaṇa, the supreme person, venerating Vishnu in his ancient form as the tortoise, the Kurma. The expanse of the universe and the determination of the Manvantaras have been described, meant to be revered by those devoted to knowledge and yoga. The knowledge sought is that which reveals the supreme, concerned solely with Brahman. Having attained such wisdom, the seekers ask again about the true nature of reality. At this time, Sūta, the reciter of the Purāṇas, recollected these teachings and began to speak. He arrived at the sacred gathering, where the best of sages assembled for a great sacrificial session. The foremost among the twice-born bowed respectfully to Vyāsa, whose eyes shone like lotus petals, and, after circumambulating the teacher, stood nearby with joined palms. A seat, worthy and respectful, was prepared for Sūta, and he was welcomed with honor. The sages inquired if his austerity, study, or learning had suffered any decline. They urged him to speak the knowledge concerning Brahman, for their desire to listen had grown strong, and they wished to hear only the truth. They requested him to recount what Viṣṇu, in the form of the tortoise, had previously spoken to the sages. Bowing his head to Rudra, Sūta began to speak words that bring happiness, sharing what had been spoken to Sanatkumāra and others. He spoke of Aṅgirā, Rudra, and Bhṛgu, who knew the highest dharma, as well as Śukra, the venerable Vasiṣṭha, and all those whose minds were restrained. These sages had performed intense austerity in the holy hermitage of Badarikā. At that time, together with Nara, they meditated on Nārāyaṇa, who is without beginning or end. Filled with devotion, the yogis bowed to the supreme knower of yoga, seeking his grace and wisdom.