The sacred river Ganga is revered as a divine force that washes away the afflictions of worldly existence. Because of this, she is to be served with unwavering devotion and care. Indeed, it is taught that anyone who lacks true devotion to both the Ganga and another—Tulasi, the holy basil—is considered fallen, O twice-born one. These two, Ganga and Tulasi, possess the power to destroy all sins, having been endowed with the very energy of Vishnu himself. They are renowned throughout the worlds for their capacity to fulfill the wishes of those who honor them. Set into motion for the welfare of all creation, Ganga and Tulasi radiate purity and virtue. In the same way, devotion to Tulasi and devotion to Hari—the Supreme Lord—are considered pure and supremely meritorious. In places where the divine protector resides, people are led to the highest abode of Vishnu. Those who are sheltered by the Ganga receive the fruits of their deepest desires, and, freed from all sins, they attain the supreme state. By abandoning demonic tendencies, a person can reach the highest destination. At this point, a sage inquired: “O best of sages, tell me about Sagara.” The reply came: Sagara, O Brahmin, attained the most excellent and supreme abode of Vishnu. He ruled the entire earth in righteousness, always devoted to dharma. As lord of men, Sagara established each person in their proper duties, ensuring the well-being of all. He generously satisfied the earth-gods with gifts of cows, land, gold, garments, and other treasures. Having alleviated the suffering of others, he considered his own life fulfilled. In Sagara’s realm, people adorned themselves with celestial ornaments and lived in happiness. The earth itself yielded fruits and flowers abundantly, without the need for tilling. With unrighteousness banished, the people flourished under the protection of righteousness. Yet, as so often happens, a great pride arose—accompanied by jealousy and born from loss. Sagara’s heart swelled: “Who else but me is worthy of honor, I who have performed such great sacrifices?” He was learned in the essence of the Vedas and Vedāṅgas, and skilled in the science of ethics. But such excessive pride stirs jealousy in others. When pride, jealousy, and loss are found together in a person, they lead inevitably to destruction. Even a single one of these qualities brings harm—how much more so when all are present! Quarrels consume a person from within, like fire in dry chaff fanned by the wind, destroying both body and prosperity. Harsh speech, too, brings no happiness in this life or the next for those who indulge in it. Even one’s dearest—children or relatives—can become enemies in such an atmosphere. A person thus becomes the axe that cuts down his own wealth, without doubt. When a wicked-minded person sees the welfare of all, envy arises in him. Driven by this envy, he acts continually to harm others. Thus, powerful enemies such as the Haihayas and Tālalajaṅghas arose. When a person turns away from another, his own fortune diminishes. O Nārada, as long as the Lord of Lakṣmī, Vishnu, bestows his compassionate glance, those regarded by Mādhava are celebrated and praised. There is no doubt about this, especially concerning the enmity that arises among living beings. But when such envy and arrogance take root, all auspicious things are destroyed for that person. Wealth, grain, and land surely depart from him, and misfortunes inevitably follow. Therefore, it is taught, one should abandon arrogance completely.