Hear now the tale as revealed in the sacred Varaha Purana, where profound truths of karma, suffering, and liberation are woven together. It is said that men who become excessively attached to good fortune, letting their hearts cling to wealth and comfort, grow repulsive in appearance. Their very attachment distorts them, both outwardly and inwardly. The lowest among men, those who stray far from dharma, are beset by suffering—both of the body and the mind. Their paths inevitably lead them into peril: they encounter fire, caustic substances, and rivers, with no doubt or escape from such trials. All these declarations have been made with certainty, and what has been spoken must surely come to pass. Thus concluded the enumeration of groups of sin, marking the end of that chapter. Now begins the account of sending messengers. I have heard another story, passed down from ancient times, as it was spoken by the wise. A question arises: when someone is far away, what should be done? The cycle of action seems endless. Is he ashamed, perhaps discovered in a fault? Why does he turn away, avoiding the gaze of others? The command is given: “Go, hasten back to him and bring him here without delay.” Yet objections arise: “Why do you speak, O foolish one? His marriage is ongoing.” Another voice cautions, “Why do you utter what is blameworthy? Wait but a moment.” There is talk of a woman praised as ‘devoted to her husband’ and ‘virtuous,’ yet secret words are exchanged. The question is posed: “How can he be brought, knowing he desires enjoyment? How, O Hari, can this be done?” One laments, “You are all righteous here; I alone act cruelly.” A transformation is decreed: “Quickly, you become a serpent, and you, a tiger; another, a reptile. Some of you shall enter hell, afflicted by disease—become a terrible fever, or a formidable crocodile in the waters. Become a fierce wind-disease, and you, dropsy. Let one become confusion, another obstruction, all swiftly manifesting these forms.” Time is instructed to remain as is appropriate and as observed. “Having performed your appointed actions, you shall then attain liberation,” comes the assurance. The boon-command of Dharma’s king is thus proclaimed: “For three nights, or four, six, or ten, after the proper time has passed, liberation shall be yours.” The speaker affirms, “At whatever time I am present, and for as long as I remain, the instructions I have given stand as before, just as they were heard. Therefore, act accordingly, with effort, by my command.” A further command is given: “Go now to the sages and to the women, O mighty ones. Do what must be said, so that the proper time does not slip away. I have especially instructed you, together with Mrityu, just as Rudra himself and Shakra, the lord of Shaci, have spoken.” Thus ends the chapter concerning the sending of the messenger, within the great cycle of samsara. Now, listen to the description of the results of good and bad deeds, as spoken to the assembled brahmanas. The words of old resound: “Let this one of yours go; let him ascend to heaven, O kings of the earth. Let this serpent, too, quickly attain the highest state. For those who suffer, who weep, who repeat their woes, for those who abandon their wives, who are unrighteous, and who are deprived of sons and grandsons—let all these be released, both those who have passed and those yet to come.” Among all, those who uphold dharma in both prosperity and adversity are especially blessed. On the lap of a supremely beautiful woman, foremost and righteous, such a person will dwell in heaven. There, his residence will be inexhaustible, free from suffering, and filled with endless joy. Thus is the story told, revealing the workings of karma, the cycles of suffering and redemption, and the promise of liberation for those who follow the path of righteousness.