The yogis, having renounced all attachments and desires, attained the supreme, divine body. In their state of purity, they received directly the profound knowledge of Mahesha—Shiva himself—a knowledge that destroys the bonds of worldly existence. O great sages, it was declared, “Impart this sacred wisdom to your righteous disciples, for the divine knowledge must especially be given to a Brahmin, who is fit to receive it.” Then, Narayana, the supreme yogi, having fulfilled his purpose, became invisible to all. The beings and the elements, too, returned to their own abodes, following Narayana. Yet, before departing, he imparted this very divine knowledge to Satyavrata. In turn, Prajapati Pulaha transmitted it to Gautama. Kapila, the sage, gave it to Jaigishavya and also to Panchashikha. From Panchashikha, the illustrious Valmiki received that supreme knowledge. It is said that Vamadeva, the great yogi, is indeed Rudra himself, the wielder of the Pinaka bow. He directly bestowed this highest teaching upon Arjuna. From that moment, my devotion to Girisha—another name for Shiva—became especially deep and unwavering. Therefore, seek refuge in Bhutesha, in Girisha, in Sthanu—the god of gods, the bearer of the trident. All of you, along with your wives and sons, take shelter in Shiva. Worship Mahadeva, the lord of cows, who is adorned with sacred ashes. With reverence, they bowed to Sthanu, the eternal one, and also to Vyasa, son of Satyavati. They bowed as well to Hrishikesha, the great lord of all worlds. At that time, there arose a devotion so rare and profound that even the gods find it difficult to attain. By this devotion, the blessed Lord, the Master, is worshipped by those who seek liberation. In the same way, the protection of all worlds and the upholding of dharma were once inquired about by the sages and by Indra during the churning of the nectar. Krishna, with a mind perfectly composed, spoke what had been revealed by the sages. By the teachings of Sanatkumara and the foremost sages, one is freed from all sins. Whoever reflects upon this meaning attains the supreme state. Freed from all sins, such a one is honored in the world of Brahma. This knowledge should always be heard and contemplated, especially by Brahmins. Now, hear about the path of action prescribed for Brahmins, for it grants the highest fruit. In ancient times, Manu, the lord of creatures, spoke thus to the attentive sages: “You, whose minds are composed, listen as I speak. In the eighth month of pregnancy or in the eighth year after birth, according to the rule stated in one’s own sutra, the prescribed rites must be performed. A Brahmin youth should live on alms, be devoted to his teacher, and gaze upon the teacher’s face with reverence. For Brahmins, the three-threaded sacred cord, or a garment of cloth, is prescribed. Any act performed otherwise is improperly done. Only a pure, white, unblemished, and excellent thread or garment should be worn. If this is not available, a garment made of cow-hide or of ruru-deer is permitted. The sacred thread should always be worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm, except in times of mourning, when it is worn around the neck. When the thread is placed over the right shoulder and under the left arm, it is called ‘prācīnāvīta’ and should be used during rites for the ancestors. One should always wear the thread over the left shoulder while studying the Veda, while eating, and in the presence of Brahmins. The sacred thread should always be worn in the prescribed manner; this is the eternal rule.