The sage spoke with gentle gravity, “He who does not sink in this world, who stands steadfast amidst its tempests, I consider the best among the good. This is the ancient, secret teaching of Brahma himself—timeless and eternal. The discipline of dharma, which I have now explained to you in full, leads to many paths: there are worlds reserved for those who perform sacrifices, and others for ascetics. Those who practice self-control also attain their own honored realms. Among those who are patient, only one fault might arise, and no second follows. If anyone thinks patience is weakness, let them know it is not a fault—patience is the strength of the wise. “Tranquility, when truly known, is esteemed even above sacrifices and gifts. Whatever is recited, offered, or worshipped in anger is lost, just as water is lost from a broken pot. But whoever recites this auspicious teaching on self-control each morning, boards the boat of dharma and crosses over all difficulties. Whoever has this chapter recited constantly will reach the world of Brahma and will not fall from there again. “Listen now to the essence of all dharma, and hold it firmly in your heart: Do not do to others what is disagreeable to yourself. Regard the wives of others as your own mother, and see the wealth of others as no more precious than a clod of earth. He who sees all beings as himself, truly sees. Cooking for the sake of the gods and living for the sake of others—this is the highest, like gold among metals. By studying and practicing what benefits all beings, one attains immortality, O King.” Having spoken thus to Śunaḥśakha, the sages, along with him, settled by the bank of a vast lake. The lake was beautiful, covered with lotuses and water-lilies. They descended to its edge and began gathering the lotus-stalks in bundles. Placing these bundles on the shore, they performed auspicious water-rites. Then, coming out of the water, they assembled together. But soon they noticed something amiss—the lotus roots were missing. The sages spoke among themselves: “Who among us, tormented by hunger and burdened with sinful deeds, has taken the lotus roots away, driven by desire for food?” Suspecting one another, the best of the twice-born began to question each other. All resolved to take an oath to determine the truth. Kaśyapa declared, “May whoever has stolen the lotus roots lose everything everywhere, may he violate trust, become a false witness, act piously with hypocrisy, serve kings, eat honey and meat, always speak falsehood, indulge in sensual pleasures, and give his daughter in marriage for a price.” Vasiṣṭha added, “Let him engage in unlawful unions and idle daydreaming, take food as a guest from another, and let a Brahmin, lord of a low-caste woman, dwell alone in a village with a single well. Let him attain the same world as such a one.” Bharadvāja continued, “Let him be cruel to all, arrogant in prosperity, envious, slanderous, insulted when he insults, struck when he strikes, and let him sell juices.” Gautama said, “Let him serve food of inferior quality to guests, always eat food prepared by a Śūdra, boast after giving gifts, and find pleasure in other men’s wives. Let him eat his favorite food alone.” Viśvāmitra declared, “Let him be ever devoted to desire, engage in sexual acts during the day, speak ill of others, consort with other men’s wives, disrespect his mother and father, regard his mother as another’s, always eat food prepared by others, and sell the Vedas.” Jamadagni said, “Let him become the servant of another, birth after birth, and be devoid of all righteous acts.” Then Śunaḥsakha spoke, “Let him study the Vedas lawfully, be a householder who welcomes guests with affection, always speak the truth, offer oblations to the fire according to rule, and perform sacrifices continually. Whoever commits the theft of lotus stalks should go to the abode of Brahma.” The sages agreed, “This oath is proper for the twice-born.” Then they turned to Śunaḥsakha and said, “You have committed the theft of the lotus stalks, O friend of Śunah, for all of us.” Śunaḥsakha replied, “Indeed, I concealed these lotus stalks for you, O twice-born. Desiring to hear about dharma, know me also as Vāsava (Indra). O best of sages, by your non-greed and imperishable vision, you have conquered the worlds. Ascend now the celestial vehicle; let us go to the abode of the gods.” Hearing these words, the great sages understood and approached Purandara (Indra). They addressed him, “Whoever comes here and enters the middle Puṣkara as a man, having fasted for three nights, attains the desired result. The twelve-year vow, remembered among forest-dwellers, bears its complete fruit here, without doubt. He does not fall into misfortune and rejoices with companions. Having reached the place of Virinci (Brahma), he remains there for a day of Brahma.” Pulastya concluded, “Then, together with Indra, they joyfully ascended to heaven.