In the midst of a profound dialogue, a seeker posed questions of great depth: “What is the effect, what is the cause, who are you, and what is your activity?” The answer came forth, revealing the nature of the Supreme: “I am the eternal bliss, self-luminous, imperishable, beyond all darkness.” The explanation continued, “The effect is this world and the unmanifest; the cause is the pure, imperishable essence. My activity is creation, maintenance, and dissolution.” With this knowledge, the seeker was advised, “Therefore, you should properly worship the eternal through the discipline of action.” The conversation turned to divine knowledge: “And what is that divine wisdom, established in threefold contemplation? What are its valid means and purifying vows?” The seeker pleaded, “Tell me everything as it truly is, O lotus-eyed one, right now.” The sage responded, “O foremost of sages, I have spoken everything completely and properly.” Having blessed the brahmin, the divine presence became invisible. Purified in mind and intent, the brahmin worshipped the Supreme. Renouncing all actions, he took refuge in supreme detachment. He attained the final contemplation, preceded by the imperishable realization of Brahman—that state which sleepless, breath-conquered seekers of liberation so ardently desire. By the power of yogic mastery, the best of brahmins moved through the sky. Along his path, accomplished sages and brahmarshis approached, recognizing the lord of yogis. He arrived at that cherished place where the Supreme Person abides, entering the inner abode, inaccessible even to the gods. There, he beheld the god who is without beginning or end, the god of gods, the grandsire. In the midst of that radiance, he saw the primordial Person, the supreme abode, with four noble faces, adorned with brilliant flames. The god himself, soul of the universe, embraced the brahmin. This pure, spotless abode is known as Ṛg, Yajur, and Sāma, composed of Brahman’s brilliance, resplendent and the refuge of the wise. He witnessed the divine radiance—peaceful, all-pervading, auspicious. This is the blissful, unshakable Brahman, the supreme abode of the Supreme Lord. He attained the dwelling of the Self, that imperishable state called liberation. By taking refuge in this final state, the wise one crosses over Māyā, Lakṣmī. Then, all the sages, together with Śakra, questioned the one whose banner bears Garuḍa: “Tell us in full what you spoke before. Śakra, your friend and embodiment of the universe, is eager to listen.” The god, having gone to Rasātala with great sages like Nārada, declared, “In the presence of the king of the gods, I shall tell you that.” He addressed the brāhmaṇas, “The hearing of the Purāṇa and especially its narration—or even a single story—is highly esteemed in the world of Brahmā. What has been spoken by the lord of the gods should be trusted by the twice-born.” He continued, “All that I am about to speak was related by me to Indradyumna. It is the Purāṇa, bestowing merit upon people, recounting the dharma of liberation.” Having worshipped, he entered deep sleep, resting upon the serpent-bed. Then, O best of sages, a sudden grace arose within him. Thus, the sacred narrative unfolds, revealing the path to the Supreme, the wisdom of liberation, and the blessedness of hearing and recounting these divine stories.