O king, the path to true austerity was revealed: one must cultivate equanimity towards both friend and foe, and exercise self-control. These virtues, when practiced, lead men to the heights of ascetic accomplishment. Yet, even more powerful is the eight-syllabled great mantra, which destroys all sins and brings delight to Viṣṇu, bestowing every accomplishment. By uttering, “Salutations to the Blessed One, to Vāsudeva,” one attains the supreme, and even if the twelve syllables are not recited, the result remains the same. The Lord who bears the conch and discus, who is peaceful and free from affliction—Nārāyaṇa—wears a crown and earrings, adorned with many ornaments. He is honored by gods and demons alike, clothed in yellow garments, the indwelling lord, embodiment of knowledge, perfect and eternal. May you have well-being, O king; may you attain success in your austerity and happiness as you wish. Having found supreme delight, the royal sage entered the forest to pursue austerity. In the great sacred place called Nadeshvara, he performed exceedingly difficult austerities. He always honored guests and was devoted to the sacred fire offerings. With leaves, flowers, fruits, and water, he worshipped Hari three times a day. Subsisting on fallen leaves, he meditated upon the god Nārāyaṇa. Then, he began to perform austerity so intense that he ceased even to breathe. For sixty thousand years, he remained intent on holding his breath. Witnessing his extraordinary penance, all the gods, along with Agni and the ancestors, were terrified. They praised and bowed to the Lord of gods, the protector of those who seek refuge. The wise declare Him pure by nature, complete in being, and the embodiment of knowledge. To Him, the form of the universe, the Lord of the beginning of the world—Puruṣottama—they bowed. To that venerable Lord, the ancient person, they bowed to Viṣṇu for the attainment of human goals. They bowed to Him, the soul of time, Lord of the gods, who is the very form of human aims. To that primeval god, the abode of qualities, the teacher of all, the refuge of the infinite. They bowed to the god whose nature is existence, consciousness, and supreme bliss, who is without form or attributes. They bowed to that supreme, imperishable one, beloved of sacrifices, performer of sacrifices, purest of all. Viṣṇu revealed the deeds of the royal sage to the gods. Then, Narada went to the place where the royal sage was practicing austerities. The teacher of all worlds appeared before the king, adorned with shining earrings, radiant as a fully blossomed flower, bearing the mark of Śrīvatsa and the Kaustubha gem, decorated with a garland of forest flowers. The king, with bowed neck, prostrated himself on the ground, repeatedly uttering “Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa,” “Śrī Kṛṣṇa.” The blessed creator of beings, filled with compassion, spoke: “Your forefathers will come to my world. Praise them; whatever you desire, they will immediately accomplish. Therefore, worship the Lord with hymns; he is worthy of praise and grants happiness. O king, being honored by you, he will at once bestow prosperity.” With these words, the foremost sage vanished, and the king rose up, his heart filled with reverence and hope.