In ancient times, among the sages, there were four of great purity and devotion: Kushika, Garga, Mitraka, and Rishya. These noble souls were deeply dedicated to Brahman, ever engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and yoga. By the command of the lords of yoga, they worked tirelessly for the establishment of the Veda, ensuring that its wisdom would endure. Those who honor and worship these sages are blessed with the knowledge of Brahman. The tradition also speaks of the future Manus: Savarni and Daksha Savarni, and the fourteenth, called Bhautya. These great Manus will arise in their appointed order, each guiding the world in their time. Enriched by stories of the past, present, and future, one who listens and learns is freed from all sins and rejoices in the company of Brahma. With reverence, the devotees bow to Narayana, the supreme person, and to Vishnu, the ancient one, who once took the form of a tortoise. The vastness of the universe and the determination of the Manvantaras have been described, always to be worshipped by those devoted to knowledge and yoga. The sages seek that knowledge by which the supreme is perceived, knowledge that is solely concerned with Brahman. Having attained much wisdom, they ask once again about the true nature of reality. Sūta, the reciter of the Purāṇas, after recollecting these teachings, began to speak. He arrived at the sacred place where the best of sages had gathered for a sacrificial session. The foremost among the twice-born bowed to Vyāsa, whose eyes resembled lotus petals. After circumambulating their revered teacher, Sūta stood nearby with joined palms. The sages prepared a seat worthy of him, offering it with respect. They inquired after his well-being, asking if there had been any decline in his austerity, study, or learning. With eager hearts, they requested that he speak of the knowledge concerning Brahman, for their desire to listen had arisen. They urged him to speak the truth, to share what was previously spoken by Vishnu in the form of a tortoise to the ancient sages. Having bowed his head to Rudra, Sūta spoke words that bring happiness, recounting what Vishnu himself had taught Sanatkumāra and others. Among those assembled were Aṅgirā, together with Rudra, and Bhṛgu, the knower of the highest dharma, as well as Śukra, the venerable Vasiṣṭha, and all whose minds were restrained. These sages performed intense austerity in the holy hermitage of Badarikā. At that time, together with Nara, they meditated deeply on Nārāyaṇa, who is without beginning or end. Filled with devotion, the yogis bowed to the supreme knower of yoga. The Lord then spoke in a deep voice, asking, “For what purpose is this austerity being performed?” Directly, Lord Nārāyaṇa himself appeared before them, a sign of their success. The sages declared, “We have sought refuge in you alone, the Supreme Person.” Nārāyaṇa, the ancient and unmanifest Person, stood before them, radiant. They expressed their wish to hear from him, asking him to dispel all their doubts: “What is the self? What is liberation? For what reason does transmigration occur? What is that supreme Brahman? Please tell us everything.” Abandoning the form of an ascetic, Nārāyaṇa stood in his own resplendence. The Lord, with the Śrīvatsa mark shining on his chest, radiated like molten gold. In that moment, no man could behold him, for his brilliance was overwhelming.