Nārada, the wise and ever-curious sage, once approached Yama, the lord of justice, with profound questions about the mysteries of fate and the fruits of human actions. With humility, Nārada asked, “How does one attain immortality through vow and discipline? And how may one gain incomparable fortune, fame, and the greatest rewards in this world? By what means do people fall into the most sinful and condemned hells?” Yama, perceiving Nārada’s deep yearning for truth, replied with gravity and compassion, “O ascetic rich in austerity, listen as I explain these matters in detail. In the realms beyond, many bonds await souls, but not all are destined for suffering. There are those who, by their deeds, are forever shielded from the darkness of hell. “Those who offer the sacred fire, who give their daughters in marriage, or who gift land—such people do not go to hell. Faithful wives, those who always speak the truth, the nonviolent, and those steadfast in celibacy are also preserved from that fate. Those devoted to their own wives, self-controlled, and who avoid the wives of others do not descend into that sinful place shrouded in darkness. “Moreover, those who possess true knowledge, the twice-born who are accomplished in supreme learning, the generous, and those devoted to the welfare of all beings are spared. The giving of sesame seeds, cows, gold, and the eternal earth, as well as the performance of sacrifices and long sacrificial rites, all protect one from hell. Those who follow their teacher’s will, who are accomplished and practice silence, remain absorbed in their true self and do not see me in my fearsome aspect. “Brahmins, through their austerities and discipline, attain immortality—of this there is no doubt. They do not go to that dreadful place where evil-doers are sent.” Hearing this, Nārada’s curiosity deepened. “O Yama, what great action, when performed, leads to honor in heaven? Is it beauty, wealth, grain, long life, or noble lineage?” Yama replied, “To see or inquire about the destinies of the good and the evil is a noble pursuit. Listen, O best of sages, as I reveal the secret means by which people attain each result. Heaven and fame are both attained by austerity. Knowledge, wisdom, health, beauty, good fortune, and wealth all arise from virtue. By the practice of silence, one gains wisdom. Non-violence leads to supreme beauty, and initiation bestows noble birth. Those who subsist on milk go to heaven, and wealth is often a result of birth. “Those who undertake vows of time and discipline, or who sleep on grass, and those who perform sacrifices or offer gifts—all these attain heaven, O virtuous one. Good fortune arises from the withdrawal of indulgence in tastes, and by refraining from perfumes and garlands, one’s form becomes abundant and radiant. “By the gift of a parasol, one attains an excellent house, and by giving sandals or a chariot, one gains similar rewards. The gift of water brings lasting satisfaction. Whoever allows a twice-born to touch a tree bearing the scent of flowers or fruits, or who gives cloth, food, water, or tasty drinks, attains those very things in abundance. By giving to the twice-born, one becomes handsome and is freed from certain diseases. Such a giver obtains a most excellent abode, filled with women, elephants, and horses. By the gift of an elephant or a bull, one enjoys eternal happiness in heaven. The gift of honey brings satisfaction with various tastes, and by giving a lamp, one attains radiance.” Thus, Yama revealed to Nārada the secret pathways to immortality, fortune, and heaven, and the actions that shield one from suffering, all rooted in discipline, generosity, and virtue.