Listen, O noble one, to the teachings that were imparted. First, it was instructed: never reveal the righteous acts you have performed, even if someone asks you. Always honor your guests, but do so without causing conflict within your own family. Worship the Lord of the universe, Narayana, in the manner I consider best, and at the very beginning of all duties, with a heart devoted to service, follow the prescribed rules. With great attention, perform the sacred anointings, make the pathway beautiful, and ensure a lamp is always lit in Vishnu’s temple. Offer your circumambulations, salutations, and recite hymns with devotion. Each day, recite the teachings of the Vedanta as much as you are able. Know that liberation from all sins is certainly attained through true knowledge. One who is always devoted to knowledge, even having gained but a trace of wisdom, is blessed. In this spirit, a seeker began to reflect deeply: “Who am I? What are my actions?” Tirelessly, day and night, he remained absorbed in such inquiry. Again, he approached the knower of truth, bowed reverently, and spoke: “Who am I? What are my actions? What is the nature of my birth? Please tell me. How will the mind, driven by the wind of ignorance, attain true existence? O wise one, ego and the workings of the mind do not belong to the true self. 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 act? For one whose nature is uninterrupted, how is action even spoken of? And for the infinite, how are action and birth described?” The answer was clear: “There is nothing here but complete and supreme bliss, O twice-born. When knowledge is unhurt and perfected, everything becomes filled with Brahman.” Upon realizing this, the seeker rejoiced, seeing the self as the imperishable Lord within. Firmly realizing “I am That,” he attained supreme peace. Having bowed to his teacher, the knower became ever absorbed in meditation. At last, having reached the sacred city of Varanasi, he attained supreme liberation. Freed from the bonds of karma, he experienced happiness and was purified. Now, hear of Yajñamālī and Sumālī, and the actions that befell them. At that time, the elder divided the younger brother’s share of wealth into two parts. But, O twice-born, through various means and extravagance, he squandered it all. He became infatuated with courtesans and attached himself to other men’s wives. Having stolen another’s wealth, he devoted himself to a life among prostitutes. Soon, he became extremely miserable and, in his distress, spoke to his brother, accusing him: “You alone, with a wicked mind, have engaged in great sin.” Driven by this delusion, he resolved to kill his brother and seized a sword in his hand. The townspeople, angered by his actions, bound Sumālī. Yet, out of misguided affection for his brother, Yajñamālī released him from captivity. Again, he divided the wealth, taking half for himself and giving half to his younger brother. Arrogant, Yajñamālī kept company with fools, outcastes, and fierce people, sharing meals with them. But just as the Picumanda tree, though laden with fruit, is enjoyed only by crows, so too did he squander his blessings among those unworthy.