There, in that sacred place, your devotion to me became exceedingly steadfast once again. Through constant practice of holy rites, you worshipped me with unwavering dedication, O best among the twice-born. Because of this devotion, at the end of your life, through my grace, you will attain my own supreme abode. Know this, O Brahmin: when I am pleased, even the most sinful soul can attain liberation. Yet, if I am ever displeased with someone, even a virtuous person can fall into sin. Therefore, O Brahmin, you are truly blessed, for your devotion is firm and your vows unbroken. I shall grant you the highest place—a realm even the gods cannot reach. Hearing these words, the Brahmin replied, “By your grace, O Lord, I have learned of my previous existence. Now I wish to hear more. Please tell me, O Lord of gods: whom do you favor, and with whom are you displeased? Out of compassion, please reveal this to me.” The Blessed Lord answered, “O best of Brahmins, listen as I explain what actions bring me pleasure, and what stirs my anger. I will speak briefly on these matters. I am always pleased with one who is compassionate toward all beings at all times, and who is free from pride. One who acts for my sake, with devotion to righteousness, and who speaks peacefully for my sake—such a person pleases me. Whoever, having obtained something desirable, offers it to me, and remains unmoved in both honor and dishonor, is dear to me. The one who sees me abiding in all beings, and who refrains from harming others, also wins my favor. I am pleased with those who act thoughtfully, considering their actions again and again, and who seek the welfare of cows and Brahmins. One who keeps his word and earnestly receives those who seek refuge, who gives gifts to those unable to repay, and whose mind is always fixed on me—toward such a soul I am always pleased. These, in brief, are the actions by which I am pleased. Now hear from me, O Brahmin, the actions that arouse my anger. I am always angry with those who delight in harming others, who are merciless toward all creatures. One who speaks falsely, is cruel, or slanders others is my enemy. So too is the one who destroys the works of poets, or abandons family—parents, wife, brother, or sister—without reason. The fool who rebukes his parents or shows disrespect to his teacher incurs my enmity. Those who cut down sacred groves, destroy reservoirs, or lay waste to villages are also my enemies. Those who despair upon seeing another’s wife, or who listen to sinful discussions, displease me. I am angry with those who hate their protector, seize the property of the helpless, or betray trust. Those who kill cows for their strength, or who marry outcast women, or who cut down sacred fig trees, incur my wrath. Those who create division among Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, or who are excessively attached to another’s wife, also anger me. Those sinful men who, out of greed, eat on the holy eleventh day (Ekadashi), or who revile the Vedas, or who are devoted to wicked thoughts, or betray friends, are always the objects of my anger. I am angered by those who cut down the dhatri tree, by those who, overcome by desire, engage in intercourse during the day, by those who approach a menstruating woman, or go to a woman whose period has not begun. Those who disturb another engaged in a vow, or who eat at night on the new moon or guest days, also displease me. I am angry with those who eat two meals on a Sunday, and those who do not abstain from meat, intercourse, or oil on the new moon day. I am always angry with those who do not give up these things. And above all, I am always angry with those who revile Vaishnavas. Having spoken thus, Lord Vishnu suddenly became invisible. The Brahmin, deeply moved, rose from his bed, abandoning sleep. Inspired by the words of Keshava, his devotion to Hari grew even deeper. He gave up all other duties and became absorbed in ritual worship, sustained by the offerings to Narayana, and thus attained the promised fruit. Truly, I do not know the full extent of the blessings that come to one who worships Hari. But this much I can say: by worshipping Hari even once, one attains the supreme state. Human birth itself is rare in this world, and the worship of the wielder of the discus, rarer still. Among those rare souls, deep devotion is said to be even rarer. For anyone who seeks to cross the ocean of worldly sorrow, there is but one path: to always worship Vasudeva with devotion, for he is the doer of all actions. Later, Suta spoke: Hearing the fruits of observing Ekadashi, the sage Jaimini was filled with joy. With joined palms, he addressed Krishna Dvaipayana, saying, “By your grace I have heard of the greatness of Vishnu. Now, please tell me about the greatness of Tulasi, which destroys the sins of all who hear of her.” Vyasa replied, “O Brahmin, Tulasi, the blessed one, is always served by all the gods, including Indra and the others. She grants the fruits of the four aims of life.