Even when one does not perceive it, one may have attained equality with me. Now, the responsibility for discernment and avoidance rests with you alone. Go, and speak this single statement before the wielder of the discus. Tell him: “I have seen the highest point; here I stand as witness.” For this one is greatly honored, just as a father is honored by his own grandfather. With these words, let my great assistance be rendered through you. So, to Vishnu—He who dwells in brilliance and stands upon the summit—Brahmā spoke the remaining words. Yet, within himself, Brahmā discerned the truth: the summit had not truly been seen by him. He understood that, in his ignorance, he was shown favor, and the pride of his fate was thus destroyed. By his inability to perceive the root, the pride in his own brilliance was checked. Now, it was Maheshvara who was praised, free from arrogance. But even now, due to unvanquished pride, another had obtained a false witness. Today, this one is able to remove all suffering. Thus it is for one who has committed offense, who is ungrateful, who betrays the teacher. Then, Brahmā praised the Lord: “Victory to you, whose form is like the sun! Victory to you, whose hand is like nectar! Victory to you, whose form is the universal fire! Victory to you, who moves like the wind! Protect me, O one who transcends the three qualities; protect me, embodiment of time! You are the creator of all worlds, the protector of all embodied beings. You are subtler than the subtlest, greater than the greatest. The Vedas are your very breath; the universe is the splendor of your artistry. “The immortals, the Dānavas, the Daityas, the Siddhas, the Vidyādharas, and humans—all are yours. You are heaven, you are liberation; you are Om, you are the sacrifice. You are the beginning, the middle, and the end of all that stands and all that moves. You are the supreme Lord, the transcendent teacher, the universal benefactor, the auspicious one. Seeing you, one who seeks refuge attains the highest good. Hearing this, even the Veda itself must surely show compassion everywhere.” Having bowed to that radiant pillar, the Supreme Lord, Brahmā, though restrained, smilingly persisted by force: “O destroyer of Time, destroyer of sacrifices, blue-throated one, moon-crested one—victory to you, Śambhu, Śiva, Īśāna, Śarva, Three-eyed one, matted-haired one! Victory to you, Lord of victory, wielder of the broken axe, trident-bearer, Lord of beasts, Hara! Victory to you, Rudra, destroyer of sacrifices, wielder of the Pināka bow, leader of the Pramathas! Victory to you, terrible one, hunter of beasts, clad in hides, ocean of compassion! “By your command, the wind-god and the serpent bear the weight of the earth. The luminaries move in the sky, O Lord, all by your command. Having ordained, you foster prosperity; the earth brings forth crops. You possess the unique splendor of the great powers, beginning with aṇimā. When freed, we forget you; yet in distress, we remember you. When you grant devotion, O Lord, and when you withdraw it—” Thus was the Lord praised, with hands joined in reverence. The Lord of creatures, the wielder of the discus, then— Mounted the bull, white as the peak of Kailāsa.