Vedamali, upon seeing a sage subsisting solely on fallen leaves, felt profound reverence and bowed before him. This sage, whose mind was unwaveringly fixed on Narayana, lived simply on roots, tubers, fruits, and similar offerings of nature. Vedamali, humbled and eager, addressed the sage—renowned as the best of speakers—with respectful words: “O greatly fortunate one, O wise one, please lift me up by imparting knowledge.” The sage smiled gently, recognizing Vedamali’s virtues, and replied, “I shall briefly share teachings that are difficult for those who have not mastered themselves. Never engage in slander or malicious gossip. Be devoted to the worship of Hari and avoid the company of fools. Renounce the world as you would your own body, and you will attain peace. Abandon hypocrisy, arrogance, and harshness. Do not reveal the righteous acts you have performed, even if asked. Always honor guests, without causing conflict within your own family. Worship the Lord of the universe, Narayana, in the manner I consider best. At the front, according to the prescribed rules, be devoted to service. Likewise, perform the anointing with great attention. Make the path beautiful and provide a lamp in Vishnu’s temple. With circumambulations, salutations, and recitation of hymns, and also daily recite the Vedanta, as much as you are able. Liberation from all sins is certainly attained through knowledge. Thus, one who is always devoted to knowledge has obtained even a trace of wisdom.” Inspired, Vedamali began to reflect deeply: “Who am I? What are my actions?” He remained absorbed in such inquiry, tireless day and night. Again, he approached the sage, bowed, and asked, “Who am I? What are my actions? What is my birth? Please tell me. How will the mind, driven by the wind of ignorance, attain true existence?” The sage replied, “Ego and the workings of the mind do not belong to the self, O wise one. How can I, who am void of caste and other attributes, perform any action? How can I, who am without form and immeasurable, perform any action? How is action spoken of for one whose nature is uninterrupted? How are action and birth described for the infinite? Complete and supreme bliss—there is nothing else here, O twice-born. When knowledge is unhurt and perfected, everything becomes filled with Brahman.” Vedamali rejoiced, perceiving the self as the imperishable Lord within himself. Firmly realizing, “I am That,” he attained supreme peace. He bowed to his teacher and became ever absorbed in meditation. Eventually, he reached the sacred city of Varanasi and attained supreme liberation. Freed from the bonds of karma, he found happiness and purification. Now, the actions of Yajñamālī and Sumālī are described. At that time, Yajñamālī gave the younger brother’s share of the wealth in two parts. Yet, O twice-born, he squandered it through various means and extravagance.