I beheld a dreadful being approaching—his face terrifying, his fangs protruding ominously. Troubled by this vision, I turned to the wise one and humbly asked, “Please, tell me truly, what is the prescribed discipline for such a soul?” The sage pondered my question for a long while, lost in deep thought. Then, a realization dawned upon him once more: “On the sacred day of Ekadashi, by fasting, one is freed from all sins. Indeed, by keeping vigil and observing the fast, a person attains sinlessness. The power of this vow destroys all accumulated sins.” Moved by compassion, that fearsome being bowed low to the ground before me. Then, summoning all his attendants, he addressed them with clear command: “Bring before me those mortals who are devoted to righteousness. Release at once those who ever say, ‘Narayana, Achyuta, Hari—be our refuge,’ for the peaceful ones always utter these names. Let my attendants stay far from those who are always peaceful and who speak for the good of all the world; I have no authority over such souls. Abandon at once those who are steadfast in giving to the worthy, who are truly destitute, and who are devoted to the name of Hari. Likewise, abandon those messengers who honor Shiva and Hari equally, as well as those men intent on helping others. “But bring to my house those sinners who are not gladdened by the sacred water from the feet of the wise. Bring here those who delight in deceiving the gods, who destroy people, and who are devoted to wrongdoing. Bring here the one who ruins the village, who is utterly hostile, and who covets the wealth of Brahmins. Also, by force, bring those extremely wicked fools who never visit Vishnu’s temple.” As for myself, I remembered that act which was condemned, but I also recalled how my repentance had burned it away. There and then, all my sins, without exception, were destroyed. Yama, the lord of death, shining like a thousand suns, bowed before him. When Yama spoke, all placed their highest trust in his words. Without delay, Yama sent me to the supreme abode of Vishnu. By that deed, O best of sages, I dwelled in Vishnu’s world. After residing there, I later went to Indra’s celestial realm. When my time in heaven was complete, I returned to earth. Because I possess the memory of my past births, O foremost of sages, I know all these things. In the past, I did not know that this was the vow of Ekadashi. Now I understand: whatever actions one performs, their fruit is experienced accordingly. Therefore, O illustrious Brahmin, I shall observe the auspicious vow of Ekadashi. Those men who faithfully observe the vow of Ekadashi—hearing these words from his son, the sage Galava was filled with joy. “My birth has become fruitful; my lineage has been purified,” he declared, his heart contented by his son’s actions. With his mind satisfied, he asked, “With both restraint and openness, what else would you wish to hear?” Then, the son of Brahma, filled with happiness, once again spoke of the essence of vows—those sacred observances that dispel countless sins. “The narration of vows is supremely meritorious,” he said, “and bestows devotion to Hari when recounted properly. Likewise, the conduct of all the ashramas and the procedures for atonement should be explained.” With great compassion, he entreated, “Please, speak to me properly about these things.” He continued, “Hari, the imperishable Lord, is worshipped by those devoted to the proper conduct of varna and ashrama. I shall tell you all this according to the rules, for you are devoted to the transcendental Lord.