Divine devotion to Hari, when accompanied by unwavering faith, is a blessing beyond measure; without such faith, devotion loses its purity and becomes tainted, almost demonic in nature. True devotion is exceedingly rare, and those who possess it are celebrated everywhere as the best among men. Kesava, the Lord, is especially pleased with those who are free from desire and similar attachments. Furthermore, those who dedicate themselves to giving generously to worthy recipients attain the highest, supreme state. For those who recite sacred teachings and those who listen with reverence, heaps of sin are instantly destroyed. They worship the imperishable One, whose very nature is knowledge, through the yoga of wisdom. Others worship the unfailing supporter of all, the Lord, through the yoga of action. Yet, there are some who remain deluded, like worms in hell, living as if they were ageless and deathless, never worshipping the Lord of the universe, the bestower of all prosperity. Even in this world, by divine will, those devoted to the welfare of others are born, and such a person attains the highest state, the supreme among all worlds. For those who recite and listen to these teachings, all sins are destroyed. By simply hearing them, one gains the fruits of eloquence and intelligence. Among those renowned for their wisdom was Vedamāli, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches. He became intent on earning wealth for the sake of his son, friend, wife, and possessions. He conversed and accepted gifts even from outcastes and others. He undertook pilgrimages for the sake of others, and for his wife’s sake. Yajñamāli and Sumāli, his two brothers, were exceedingly splendid, and out of affection, Vedamāli supported them with many means. One day, Vedamāli began to count his own wealth to know how much he possessed. Having counted it himself, he was astonished, pondering over the vastness of his fortune. He realized that this wealth had been acquired by various means—through austerity, trade, and other endeavors. Yet, his desire grew: he wished for gold equal to Mount Meru, even in countless amounts. He obtained all that he desired, but again wished for something more. He observed that while the eyes and ears grow old, desire alone remains ever young. Strength is destroyed by old age, yet desire attains a fresh youthfulness. Even a very peaceful man may become angry, and a wise man may become utterly deluded. Therefore, Vedamāli reflected that if one desires lasting happiness, the wise should abandon hope. He saw that even birth in a noble family is destroyed instantly by hope and longing. Even a lowly outcaste who gives a little surpasses one who is noble by birth. Alas, many never know the suffering of humiliation and similar pains. Even the body becomes old, and strength is taken away by age. Having thus reflected, Vedamāli, O best of Brahmins, became devoted to the path of righteousness. He himself took away half of his wealth that he had earned. Then he resolved to destroy the sins he had accumulated. He made gifts of food and other things on the banks of the sacred Ganges. Seeking further purification, he journeyed to the abode of Nara and Narayana, to a forest renowned for austerity. This forest was adorned with clusters of trees, blossoming and bearing fruit, and beautified by aged sages devoted to service. There, Vedamāli beheld the Supreme Brahman, a mass of radiant light, being praised by those wise and holy ones.