There is nothing here but complete and supreme bliss, O twice-born. When knowledge remains unhurt and reaches its perfection, all things become suffused with Brahman. Rejoicing in this realization, he beheld the self as the imperishable Lord dwelling within himself. With firm conviction—knowing “I am That”—he attained the highest peace. Having bowed to his teacher, the knower continually immersed himself in meditation. Upon reaching the sacred city of Varanasi, he attained supreme liberation. Freed from the bonds of karma, he found happiness and purification. Now, O wise one, the actions of Yajñamālī and Sumālī are to be described. At that time, Yajñamālī divided the wealth, giving his younger brother’s share in two parts. Yet, Sumālī squandered it through various means and extravagance. He became infatuated with courtesans and attached himself to other men’s wives. Having stolen another’s wealth, he devoted himself to prostitutes, and misery overwhelmed him. In his distress, he spoke to his brother, accusing him: “You alone, with your wicked mind, have committed great sin.” Consumed by anger and resolving to kill his brother, he seized a sword in his hand. The townspeople, enraged, bound Sumālī. Yet, out of deluded affection for his brother, Yajñamālī released him from captivity. He then divided the wealth again, keeping half for himself and giving half to his younger brother. Arrogant, Sumālī ate with fools, outcastes, and fierce people. Like the Picumanda tree, whose fruit is only enjoyed by crows, so too did he squander his blessings among the unworthy. Intoxicated with wine, he ate cow flesh and other wretched things. Even the king harassed him, and the Brahmin fled to a deserted forest. Yet, tainted by association with the virtuous, he began to give food freely. Always devoted to righteousness, he cared for the virtuous with great effort. For one who gives to worthy recipients and follows the path of righteousness, all the fruits of the wish-fulfilling tree are enjoyed only by the immortals. He remained fully engaged in service within the house of Vishnu. In time, both Yajñamālī and Sumālī died together. Hari sent a celestial chariot, surrounded by divine attendants. Yajñamālī was honored by hosts of gods and praised by great sages. Adorned with wondrous ornaments and nourished by the wish-fulfilling cow, he journeyed on the divine path toward Vishnu’s abode. Along the way, he saw a man, running here and there, lamenting helplessly. Seeing him crying and restrained, Yajñamālī’s mind was troubled. With joined palms, he asked the divine attendants, “Who is this being tormented by the guards?” They replied, “This is Sumālī, your brother, who is sinful.” Distressed, Yajñamālī asked again, O Nārada, “Tell me the means for this, for you are indeed my kinsman.” Among the virtuous, friendship is established by seven steps; among the good, even by three steps. Even among the good, those who are together—at every step, there is friendship and enmity.