O king, listen now to the conduct prescribed for those who dwell in sacred places, as once declared by the deity himself in the august assembly of Brāhmaṇas, Viṣṇu, and other divine beings. This way of life was described in detail before all: it is marked by freedom from possessiveness, ego, attachment, and the desire to acquire. Such a person remains without special affection even towards relatives, looking with equal regard upon clod, stone, and gold alike. Through their actions, they always grant fearlessness to all beings. They are ever devoted to breath-control, absorbed in meditation, engaged in sacrifice, always pure, and steadfast in the duties of ascetics. The Brāhmaṇas who dwell in sacred places, who have mastered the methods of Sāṃkhya and Yoga, who are learned in dharma and free from doubt, worship with this very rite. Now, O Pauṣkara, hear of the excellent fruit awaiting those among them who die in the forest of Puṣkara: they attain the supremely difficult and imperishable union with Brahman. Once they have reached that state, they are freed from the cycle of rebirth and death; forsaking further return, they abide in the knowledge of Brahman. But for others, who remain in the world and its various stages of life, the cycle continues; they are ever devoted to the six duties, following the rules of the householder. He who, having been duly invited to a sacrifice, offers oblations properly with mantras according to the rite, obtains a greater fruit—freedom from all suffering. In every world, his path is never hindered; endowed with divine power and prosperity, he ascends together with his companions. Surrounded by thousands of women, he moves at will in a radiant celestial chariot, shining like the young sun. He wanders freely through all worlds as he pleases, irresistible, most enviable among men, supreme in virtues, and wealthy. When his time in heaven ends, he is born again in a great family—handsome, learned in dharma, devoted to righteousness, and accomplished in all branches of knowledge. Through celibacy, service to the teacher, study of the Vedas, living by alms, and self-control, he is further endowed. Always steadfast in truth, diligent in his own duties, he enjoys all desirable pleasures, his every wish fulfilled. Like a second sun, he moves unhindered in a celestial chariot; the hosts of Guhyakas, though not called Brahman, hold him in the highest esteem. Possessed of immeasurable strength and power, worshipped by gods and Dānavas, he attains equality with them, sharing in their sovereignty. Among gods, Dānavas, and mortals, he is unconquerable in battle for countless ages. Thus endowed with sovereignty, he is honored in Viṣṇu’s world; having dwelt there in glory, when the time comes, he falls again—by his own actions—from Viṣṇu’s world and is born in the abodes of heaven. If he reaches the Puṣkara forest and is established in the stage of celibacy, by practice of the Vedas he dwells there, or even dies. When he dies, he travels in a divine chariot, radiant with his own splendor, shining like the full moon, delightful to behold. He reaches the realm of Rudra and delights there together with the secret beings, attaining great sovereignty and becoming lord over all worlds. After enjoying honor in Rudra’s realm for thousands of ages, when he eventually departs, he proceeds onward in due course. Always joyful, having enjoyed flawless happiness, he is born in a great and divine family of twice-borns. Among humans, he is righteous, handsome, eloquent, and possesses a form desirable to women; he is a lord of great pleasures and strength. Practicing the ways of a forest-dweller, avoiding village medicines, his progress is never hindered in any world. He subsists on dried leaves and fruits, eats flowers, roots, and drinks water, using the pigeon’s stone, the grinding stone, and the tooth-pestle. He lives by whatever means, wearing bark and rough cloth; matted-haired, thrice-bathed, free from faults, and carrying a staff. Whoever is devoted to such difficult vows—whether outcaste or highest—sleeping on water, practicing the five fires, entering caves during rains, lying on ground with insects, thorns, and stones; devoted to standing, heroic postures, sharing, and steadfast vows. He eats forest herbs, grants fearlessness to all beings, is always intent on acquiring righteousness, and has conquered anger and his senses. Devoted to Brahman, dwelling in sacred places, the sage lives at Puṣkara; renouncing all attachments, self-contented, and free from longing. And whoever dwells here, Bhīṣma, hear of his destiny: with altars adorned by pillars shining like the young sun, devoted to Brahman, he travels in a celestial vehicle among those who move at will, shining in the sky like a second moon. Accompanied by Gandharvas and Apsaras skilled in song, music, and dance, he enjoys their company for hundreds of millions of years. He goes unobstructed to the realm of any deity whatsoever; by the grace of Brahman, he shines forth here and there. Even if he falls from Brahma’s world, he goes to Viṣṇu’s realm; if he falls from Viṣṇu’s realm, he goes to Rudra’s realm. If he falls from that place as well, he is born on the islands or in other heavens, enjoying pleasures as he desires. Having enjoyed sovereignty in those places, he is again born among mortals, becoming either a king or a prince, wealthy and happy. Thus, the fruits of dwelling in sacred places and following the prescribed conduct are wondrous and far-reaching, leading the soul ever closer to the highest realization.