In the sacred discourse of the Varaha Purana, the Lord speaks of the path to true happiness and the nature of suffering. He declares that when a devotee performs his worship with devotion and in accordance with the prescribed methods, that devotee is honored in the divine realm. Through proper service, the devotee attains the destruction of suffering and is liberated from pain. The Lord then reflects deeply: Is there any greater suffering than that of a person who does not surrender to Him? Is there any sorrow more profound than that of one who does not approach the Divine? What could be more grievous than one who partakes of offerings without first giving to the Lord? And is there any misery greater than when the gods do not accept one’s offerings? He continues, revealing the various sorrows that can befall beings: a person of weak mind who torments others brings about the greatest sorrow. To fall under the sway of death—what could be more sorrowful than that? There are those who must run before or behind another, those who eat dry and tasteless food, those who sleep on bare grass, those whose bodies are deformed, and those who are mute—all these are marked by deep suffering. Even a generous soul born into poverty, or a woman beset by utter misfortune, is enveloped in sorrow. Some are drawn to sinful deeds, and they too, not taking refuge in the Lord, dwell in the deepest grief. Addressing the question of sin that brings harm to all beings, the Lord urges, “Listen, O faultless one, to my decision regarding action.” He explains that for one in whom true understanding arises, suffering is also born, for awareness brings the weight of the world’s pain. Yet, amidst suffering, the Lord points out the sources of true bliss. What could be more blissful than one who eats the humble remnants of food, or one who has performed the evening rites with devotion? To truly enjoy the self, to accept with gratitude whatever is given by anyone—these are great joys. When one’s ancestors are satisfied, or when one’s heart holds unwavering affection for all, happiness abounds. O Devi, when a person sees all beings as equal, what happiness surpasses that? A pure soul who abstains from violence is born for happiness. When the mind does not wander, when all things are regarded as one with the earth, when the vital breaths are relinquished in peace—these are states of supreme joy. Contentment brings happiness, as does a woman who pleases her husband. Restraining the five senses, understanding the true nature of all things, seeing as the gods do, and becoming single-minded—each of these brings the greatest happiness. The Lord assures, “I do not perish for him, nor does he perish for me;” such is the eternal bond between the devotee and the Divine. These teachings are given for the welfare of all worlds. Thus concludes the discourse, the one hundred sixteenth chapter of the glorious Varaha Purana, entitled ‘The Delineation of Happiness and Suffering.