In the sacred Varaha Purana, it is taught that those who possess true knowledge—the twice-born, and those accomplished in supreme learning—along with the generous and those devoted to the welfare of all beings, are spared from the dreadful fate that awaits evildoers. Such noble souls do not descend to that place of suffering. Instead, their lives are enriched by the gifts of sesame seeds, cows, gold, and the eternal earth, and by the performance of sacrifices and long sacrificial rites as described before. Those who faithfully follow the will of their teacher, who are accomplished and who practice restraint through silence, become absorbed in their own true selves; thus, they do not perceive the divine directly, but are immersed in their inner realization. It is declared without doubt that Brahmins attain immortality. They are never sent to the dreadful realm where evil-doers go. At this point, the sage Narada, ever eager for wisdom, asks: “What great action, when performed, leads to honor in heaven? Is it beauty, wealth, grain, long life, or noble lineage?” Yama, the lord of dharma, answers: “To witness or inquire about the destinies of the good and the wicked—I shall briefly explain the means by which each result is attained. Hear this secret teaching, O best of sages.” Heaven is attained through austerity; fame, too, is won by austerity. Knowledge, wisdom, health, beauty, good fortune, and wealth—all these are gained by virtue. By silence, O great sage, wisdom is achieved. Through non-violence, supreme beauty is attained; through initiation, noble birth is secured. Those who subsist on milk reach heaven, and wealth comes by birth. Those who practice vows of discipline or sleep on grass also find reward. The sacrificer attains heaven, O virtuous one, as does the giver of gifts. Good fortune arises from the withdrawal of tastes. Refraining from perfumes and garlands brings abundance of form. By gifting a parasol, one attains an excellent house; likewise, by giving sandals or a chariot. The gift of water brings lasting satisfaction. Whoever touches a tree bearing fragrant flowers or fruits for a twice-born person, and whoever gives cloth, food, water, or tasty drinks, attains those very things. By giving to the twice-born, one becomes handsome and free from certain diseases, and gains an excellent abode filled with women, elephants, and horses. It is said that by gifting an elephant or a bull, one enjoys eternal happiness in heaven. By giving honey, one attains satisfaction with various tastes; by gifting a lamp, one attains radiance. Milk pudding grants bodily nourishment, and rice cooked with ghee brings gentleness and pleasantness. By giving chariots, a man attains a divine aerial car and a palanquin. By the gift of fearlessness, all desires are fulfilled. Thus concludes the two hundred and seventh chapter of the glorious Varaha Purana, named ‘The Delusion of Men in the Cycle of Samsara.’ Now begins the narration of the devoted wife. At that moment, adorned with divine ornaments, Brahmanas accomplished through austerity, together with their wives and relatives, gathered. The king, however, appeared with a pale face, deprived of radiance and splendor. Seeing him thus, devoid of luster, the ascetic beheld the king of righteousness and remarked, “Indeed, you shine forth like another lord of cattle. Why do you sigh like a serpent and grieve so?