Hear, O wise one, of those whose conduct makes them worthy of the highest reverence. The one who always acts for the welfare of all beings is remembered with worship by the very gods themselves. Such a person, free from envy, pure of heart, and skillful in action, is likewise honored by the lords of the gods. One who is ever devoted to the sacred discourse of the Vedas is recognized as a purifier of the fallen, lifting others from lower states. Consider also the one who perceives everything as Brahman—what more, then, need be said about the distinction between oneself and others? The one who is free from possessions, O Narada, is to be honored by the gods. A heart devoted to the welfare of others is so precious that both gods and demons are moved to worship such a person. Even one who merely keeps virtuous company becomes worthy of reverence by the best among the gods. But, O Narada, if one establishes a connection with us, the divine, in the sacred land of Bharata, and then turns away, such a person is alone to be called wicked and deluded—there is no one as senseless as he. Having abandoned a pot of nectar, he chooses instead a vessel of poison, thus destroying his own self and becoming foremost among sinners, O sage. The knowers of the Veda declare such a one the lowest of all, O lord of sages. Abandoning the wish-fulfilling cow, he seeks instead the milk of a donkey. Even Brahma and other exalted beings, O best of Brahmins, fear the loss of their own enjoyments. Yet, that which is difficult even for the gods to obtain, which grants the fruits of all actions, is available here. There is no one like him in the three worlds who forsakes such a gift. Know that Hari, the Supreme Lord, is concealed here in human form—of this there is no doubt. Whatever is offered to Hari with devotion yields an imperishable fruit. Therefore, let one dedicate all virtuous actions, saying, “May Hari be pleased with me.” The one who is not greedy for the fruits of actions attains the supreme state. By renouncing according to one’s stage of life, one reaches the imperishable state. But one who fails in proper conduct according to his station is called fallen by the wise. Yet, O Narada, for the one endowed with devotion, Vishnu is pleased. But for the one who abandons righteousness, he is cooked in dreadful hell until the very end of the moon and stars. Let all knowledge and all paths be centered on Vāsudeva; from Brahmā down to a blade of grass, apart from Him, nothing else truly exists. He alone is this universe; besides Him, nothing exists in a distinct form. By Him this wondrous world is pervaded; let one bow with reverence to that God of gods. Know, O twice-born, that everything is accomplished through faith; Hari is pleased by faith. Actions performed without faith do not succeed—they are but darkness. Likewise, devotion is the supreme cause of all attainments and is regarded as the very life of all accomplishments. Thus, relying on devotion, one should fulfill all tasks. Desire is fulfilled by faith; the faithful one attains liberation. O best of sages, the Blessed Lord Hari is not pleased by one who is devoid of devotion. Whatever is given, if it is without devotion and only for the sake of diminishing one’s wealth, is as useless as an offering cast into ashes. Such acts do not yield the eternal results promised to people. All of that is fruitless, O Brahman, if it is devoid of devotion. In such cases, the ignorant merely drink the poison of worldly existence.