In the midst of overwhelming adversity, Bali, the mighty and radiant king, found himself engulfed in utter distress. In that moment of helplessness, he remembered his grandsire, seeking solace and guidance. As Bali stood with the sacrificial vessel in hand, his grandsire beheld him and recognized the weight of his troubles. Bali, with humility and yearning, approached his grandsire and asked, “Please explain to me that which serves as a boat for crossing the sun—the means to transcend suffering and reach the highest state.” The wise grandsire reflected deeply and then spoke with compassion: “O Bali, I shall reveal to you today the supreme knowledge of the world, that which is truly beneficial for you and for all those gathered here. “Know this: For those who are drowning in the perilous waters of sense-objects, bereft of support and hope, the one and only refuge is the boat of Viṣṇu. He alone carries people safely across the ocean of worldly existence. “Listen well, O Bali. Avoid those who are devoted to Madhusūdana, for I am lord over others, but not over the Vaiṣṇavas, the devotees of Viṣṇu. Those in this world who dedicate themselves to Viṣṇu become beyond the reach of Yama, the lord of death. “Truly praiseworthy are only those hands that worship Him; hands that do not serve the twin lotus feet of Hari are not worthy of praise. That tongue which does not sing the virtues of Hari is not a tongue at all, but something stricken with disease. He who does not worship Viṣṇu’s lotus feet with devotion—such a person, even in death, is not to be mourned. This is the truth, and I declare it again: this is the highest truth. “All that is seen, touched, or remains unseen—every single thing in this universe—is the essence of Keśava. By worshipping Him, one worships, without doubt, all the worlds, including gods and demons alike. The virtues of the Lord, the wielder of the discus, are truly countless. “Those who take refuge in Him, the destroyer of the fear of becoming, never fall again into the pit of worldly existence. They do not suffer disgrace, nor do they fear death. Such souls do not go to the realm of Yama, nor do they dwell in hell. “O best of Dānavas, O brāhmaṇas, the devotees of Viṣṇu attain that exalted state. Thereafter, the best among men devoted to Viṣṇu attain an even higher state—a state described even for those who serve the Blessed Lord. Those whose minds are unwaveringly fixed on Him enter the Supreme Soul. “These great souls are pure; they themselves become like sacred places. Vaikuntha, the divine abode, is the sword and axe that completely severs the bonds of worldly existence. The radiant Lord always dwells and sports in the holy places. “Those for whom Viṣṇu is dear, especially at the end of life, are always dear to Viṣṇu Himself. Whoever meditates on Damodara, or worships Him with devoted humility—even those who merely praise Him or listen to His glories—cross over the greatest difficulties. Those whose minds rejoice in Him overcome all obstacles and surely reach the abode where Hari, the lord of yoga, resides. “That blessed place cannot be attained by austerities, even in a thousand births. For one who does not have supreme devotion to Madhusūdana at all times, and for one who harbors hatred towards Him, all austerity and fame are in vain. “The mantra ‘Salutations to Nārāyaṇa’ accomplishes all purposes. Those in whose hearts Janārdana, dark as a blue lotus, resides—such people, having bowed to Nārāyaṇa, should perform all their actions. By remembering the name of Viṣṇu, they do not go to ruin, O great asura. “Even sixteen parts of merit do not equal the merit of saluting Nārāyaṇa. By reciting the names of Viṣṇu, one attains all that is truly desirable.” Thus, the grandsire revealed to Bali the supreme refuge and the highest path, shining the light of devotion upon the way to liberation.