Narada, there are many who do not know Vishnu, the Lord who dwells in the very lotus of the heart. It is not by wealth, nor by the presence of many relatives, that Hari is pleased—rather, it is faith that wins his grace. This devotion to Vishnu, this unwavering faith, follows his devotees in every birth, binding them to him through countless lifetimes. Knowing this, Janardana is always to be worshipped, for those who are absorbed in his worship are surely blessed—there can be no doubt about it. Yet, those who are intent on their own happiness, both in this world and the next, often fall into the habit of criticizing others. Wealth, when hoarded and not offered to worthy recipients, is repeatedly condemned and is to be understood as the root of many sins, O best of sages. Such wealth, tightly guarded, is as if stolen from the people, for it is not shared in righteousness. Those who cling to it do not worship the Lord of the universe, the one who alone can liberate beings from bondage. True devotion to Hari is always accompanied by faith; without faith, what passes for devotion is in truth demonic in nature. Rare indeed are those who possess genuine devotion, and for this reason, the truly devoted are renowned everywhere. Kesava, the Lord, is pleased with those who are free from desire and other such passions. Those who delight in giving to the worthy attain the supreme state. For those who recite these teachings and those who listen with faith, heaps of sin are instantly destroyed. Such souls worship the imperishable one, who is pure knowledge itself, through the yoga of knowledge. Others worship the unfailing supporter of all, through the yoga of action. But the deluded, like worms in hell, wander as if immune to age and death, never turning to worship the Lord of the universe, the bestower of all prosperity. Even so, by the will of the divine, those devoted to the welfare of the world are born here, and such a one attains the highest state, the supreme among all worlds. For those who recite and listen, all sins are destroyed. Simply by hearing these teachings, one gains eloquence and intelligence. Among such devotees was one known as Vedamāli, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches. Yet, he became intent on earning wealth for the sake of his son, friends, wife, and possessions. He conversed freely, accepting gifts even from outcastes and others. He undertook pilgrimages for the sake of others and for his wife. Yajñamāli and Sumāli, his two brothers, were exceedingly splendid, and out of affection, he supported them by many means. As time passed, Vedamāli began to count his own wealth, seeking to know its measure. When he had counted it, he was astonished, pondering the great fortune he had amassed. He reflected that this wealth had come by many means—by austerity, by trade, and so on. Yet, even as he possessed so much, he desired gold equal to Mount Meru, even in countless amounts. He obtained all that he wished for, but again and again, new desires arose. The eyes and ears grow old, but desire alone remains ever young. Strength is destroyed by old age, yet desire seems to flourish with renewed vigor. Even a man of great peace may become angry, and a wise man may become utterly deluded. Therefore, if one seeks lasting happiness, the wise should abandon hope and desire. In the same way, even birth in a noble family is rendered worthless by the presence of hope and longing. Indeed, even a lowly outcaste who gives a little surpasses one who is noble by birth but does not give. Thus, the true path is clear: devotion, faith, selfless giving, and the abandonment of desire lead to the supreme state, and those who follow it are truly blessed.