Alone, with his mind and self perfectly controlled, the seeker attains the supreme state. Yet it is not by effort alone—by the grace of the Lord, one too is lifted to that highest state. The Lord, in his boundless compassion, grants the supreme knowledge that cuts away all bondage, and when this knowledge is realized in this very life, one reaches the most auspicious state. All beings, O twice-born, cross over the ocean of worldly existence only by the Lord’s grace. Therefore, O twice-born, one should always uphold dharma, for it is the path to liberation. Such sacred knowledge is to be given only to the righteous, the devoted, and the celibate—those who are worthy. Once, one of great wisdom addressed Nārāyaṇa, the flawless Lord, as he sat in serene majesty. He said, "This auspicious teaching should be imparted by you to disciples whose minds are peaceful, for the benefit of all devoted twice-born, O best of the twice-born. Let all the teachers instruct their devotees according to my word. This highest teaching should be given to those who see no distinction within, who are peaceful and abide as the self of all beings—those who are imperishable." But those who do not see the Lord in all, who fail to recognize this unity, are born again and again. Only those who see with unity escape the cycle of rebirth. "See me alone," the Lord declared, "and worship me in that very same way." Those who do not, who revile Nārāyaṇa, go to terrible hells; I do not dwell among them. Indeed, I may even liberate a dog-eater, but never one who reviles Nārāyaṇa. He is to be worshipped and saluted, for this brings me great joy. And then, as all watched, the Lord became invisible to them. The yogis, having renounced everything, attained the supreme body, and directly received the knowledge of Mahesha, which destroys worldly existence. "O great sages," it was said, "impart this to your righteous disciples. The divine knowledge should especially be given to a Brahmin." Then, Nārāyaṇa, the great yogi, himself became invisible. All the beings and elements returned to their own abodes, following Nārāyaṇa. He also imparted the divine knowledge to Satyavrata. Thereafter, Prajapati Pulaha gave it to Gautama. Kapila gave it to Jaigishavya and also to Panchashikha. From Panchashikha, Valmiki received that supreme knowledge. Vamadeva, the great yogi—who is indeed Rudra, the wielder of Pinaka—himself directly gave this supreme teaching to Arjuna. From that time, my devotion to Girisha became especially strong. Seek refuge, therefore, in Bhutesha, Girisha, Sthanu, the god of gods, the trident-bearer. All of you, with your wives and sons, take shelter in Shiva. Worship Mahadeva, the lord of cows, adorned with sacred ashes. They bowed to Sthanu, the eternal one, and to Vyasa, son of Satyavati. They also bowed directly to Hrishikesha, the great lord of all worlds. Now arises that rare devotion, difficult to attain even for the gods, by which that blessed Lord, the Master, is worshipped by those who seek liberation.