One who seeks liberation must come to know Hari, who graciously assumes a human form for the sake of the world. Listen carefully, O best of kings, as I reveal this sacred teaching to you. Always act for the welfare of all beings; let your words be ever truthful, never uttering falsehood in any place. Perform the auspicious observances, both day and night, and keep Viṣṇu, the eternal one, ever in your remembrance. Recite the sacred mantra—be it the twelve-syllabled or eight-syllabled one—and in doing so, you will attain the highest good. You ask, O wise king, what constitutes falsehood and who are the wicked among men. You inquire how Viṣṇu is to be remembered and worshipped, and what is the nature of the twelve-syllabled mantra. Your questions are excellent, and your understanding is profound. The learned declare that truth is that which is spoken in accordance with reality. When one discerns the proper place, time, and circumstance, and finds no contradiction within himself, such speech brings no suffering to any being. Indeed, this is the foundation of righteousness—it supports the performance of one’s duty and opposes what ought not to be done. The wise, who can distinguish between righteousness and unrighteousness, speak in ways that fulfill the true needs of others. Those who are hostile, foolish, and delight in unrighteous paths are found in this world, yet through discernment, one must follow the path of the Veda. That which fosters devotion to Hari and is cherished by the virtuous is the way to be followed. Know that all this world is Viṣṇu; Viṣṇu is the cause of everything. He is the embodiment of all the gods, and I worship him with proper rites, for he is the essence of all beings, complete and eternal. Equanimity toward friend and foe, as well as self-control, have all been described; these qualities grant the attainment of true austerity. The eight-syllabled great mantra destroys all sins, brings delight to Viṣṇu, and bestows all accomplishments. By uttering, “Salutations to the Blessed One, to Vāsudeva,” one attains the supreme. Even if the twelve syllables are not perfectly recited, the result remains the same. Meditate upon him who bears the conch and discus, who is peaceful, Nārāyaṇa, free from affliction. See him adorned with a crown, earrings, and many ornaments, clad in yellow garments, honored by gods and demons alike. He is the indwelling lord, embodiment of knowledge, perfect and eternal. May well-being be yours, O king; may you attain success in your austerity and happiness as you desire. Having attained supreme delight, the king entered the forest to undertake austerities. In the great sacred place called Nadeshvara, he performed exceedingly difficult penance. He always honored his guests and was steadfast in his devotion to the sacred fire offerings. With leaves, flowers, fruits, and water, he worshipped Hari three times a day. Sustaining himself only on fallen leaves, he meditated upon the god Nārāyaṇa. In time, he began to perform such intense austerity that he ceased even to breathe, remaining intent on holding his breath for sixty thousand years. Seeing his extraordinary penance, all the gods, along with Agni and the ancestors, became filled with awe and fear. They approached, praised, and bowed to the Lord of gods, the protector of those who seek refuge.