In a land teeming with life, herds of wild boars wandered freely, and the waving tails of yaks added to its natural beauty. Towering trees flourished everywhere, lovingly cared for by the daughters of sages. The air was fragrant with blossoms—mālatī, yūthikā, kunda, campaka, and aśoka flowers adorned the landscape, filling it with color and scent. Into this tranquil haven, he entered the hermitage of Bhṛgu. The air there vibrated with the profound chants of the Vedas and sacred scriptures, echoing the wisdom of ages. Within, he beheld Bhṛgu himself, radiant and brilliant like the sun, a sage whose presence commanded reverence. Bhṛgu welcomed him with all due honor and respect, offering hospitality befitting a guest. With humility and hands joined in supplication, the visitor addressed the great sage, his voice earnest: “O foremost among sages, I am fearful of worldly existence and seek to know the means for the deliverance of people. Therefore, all-knowing one, please favor me with your guidance. Without such wisdom, how could anyone hope to deliver their entire lineage?” Bhṛgu replied, “One who wishes to bring about deliverance must know Hari, the Lord who assumes a human form. Listen well, O best of kings, as I share this with you. Always act for the welfare of all beings and never utter falsehood. Observe auspicious practices day and night, and remember Viṣṇu, the eternal one. Chant the mantra of twelve or eight syllables, for by this you will attain the highest good.” The visitor, eager to understand, asked, “What is considered falsehood, and who are the wicked? How should Viṣṇu be remembered and worshipped? O wise sage, what is the twelve-syllabled mantra?” Bhṛgu praised his questions, saying, “Excellent, excellent! Your understanding is truly great. The learned declare as truth that which is spoken in accordance with reality. One must consider the place, time, and circumstances, ensuring there is no contradiction. Such truth causes no suffering to any being, assists in the fulfillment of duty, and opposes wrongful acts. The wise discern between righteousness and unrighteousness, and speak accordingly. “Those who are hostile, foolish, and delight in wrong paths stray, but by discerning righteousness from unrighteousness, one follows the path of the Veda. That which fosters devotion to Hari and is cherished by the virtuous is the true path. All this world is Viṣṇu; he is the cause of everything. Viṣṇu embodies all the gods, and I worship him with proper rites. He is the essence of all beings, complete and eternal. “Equanimity towards friend and foe, along with self-control—these virtues, O king, lead to the attainment of austerity. The great eight-syllabled mantra destroys all sins and delights Viṣṇu, granting every accomplishment. By uttering, ‘Salutations to the Blessed One, to Vāsudeva,’ one reaches the supreme. Whether one chants the eight or twelve syllables, the result is the same. “Contemplate Viṣṇu, who bears the conch and discus, who is ever peaceful—Nārāyaṇa, free from affliction. He is adorned with a crown, earrings, and various ornaments, clad in yellow garments, and honored by both gods and demons. He is the indwelling Lord, the embodiment of knowledge, perfect and eternal.” Thus, in the sacred grove, the wisdom of deliverance and devotion was revealed, shining forth with the brilliance of Bhṛgu’s words.