When the seeker approached Prajāpati, he earnestly inquired about the knowledge of yoga. Prajāpati, the Grandsire, responded to him directly, but with solemnity. “This truth is not to be spoken to just anyone,” he cautioned, “for it is indeed so and not otherwise.” He explained that, in the eyes of wisdom, there is no essential difference between a son and a devoted disciple. Both are worthy of the highest teachings when dharma and right action are joined together. “Listen as I speak,” Prajāpati continued, “for the Vedic teaching declares: ‘The remainder removes sin; the disciple is purified.’” The seeker, eager for understanding, asked, “Why does the remainder remove sin, and why is the disciple purified by it? Please tell me this.” Prajāpati replied, “In the same way, I will tell you about the dreadful and fear-dispelling practices among humans. Listen carefully. Harshness toward all beings is remembered as the first hell. The cutting down of trees is the second. Disputes that arise from material motives are the third. Abandoning one’s own duties is the fourth. Eating sweet food is said to be the fifth, as is the punishment of kings. Taking away a vehicle or its harness is declared as the sixth punishment of kings. Acting harmfully in governance is the seventh hell. Mixing with saliva is the eighth. Opposition with relatives is the ninth punishment of men. Stealing scriptures and destroying dharma is proclaimed as the tenth. The eleventh hell is declared by the virtuous as the highest. Lack of proper rites is the twelfth. Division among agreements is the thirteenth. The fourteenth hell is condemned, and the fifteenth is remembered as such, though there are others that remain unspoken.” He went on, “The kindling of fire in all dwellings is the mark of universal hospitality. The absence of envy is found in those who are truthful, but arrogance is censured. One who possesses these qualities should continuously strive to please the Lord of the universe. Such a person destroys the dreadful hell named after men, in every way.” Prajāpati then offered further teachings. “Now I shall declare the characteristics of the remaining sin. Know, O best of the twice-born, that there is unity of all castes with the ancestors. Eating fish and similar things, and the great sin of going to forbidden places, are to be avoided. Concealing one’s own faults is sinful, as is exposing the faults of others. Mockery, beating time with the palm, and unrighteous speech by name are also sinful. If one, joined with these sins, seeks to please Śaṅkara, whether the acts are bodily, verbal, mental, or physical—even if done by brothers and relatives in that birth, O righteous one—if the proper order is reversed, the result will be contrary. Yet, from the remainder, the disciple is saved, and above all, the son.” At this, the seeker declared, “I am truly your son, O Lord; tell me of this union, this yoga.” Prajāpati answered, “Then the son will receive; you are my heir, O son.” The seeker pressed on, “That which you have spoken, please explain to me.” Then, the Blessed One, smiling gently, addressed him: “Listen, O Nārada, my child.