Yama, the lord of dharma, spoke with solemn clarity: “To see or inquire into the destinies that await the good and the evil—hear now, O best of sages, the means by which people attain each result. I shall briefly reveal to you this secret teaching. Heaven is gained through austerity; even fame is won by the discipline of austerity. Knowledge, wisdom, health, beauty, good fortune, and wealth—all these arise from the practice of virtue. And, O great sage, wisdom itself is attained through the discipline of silence. Supreme beauty comes from non-violence, and noble birth is the fruit of spiritual initiation. Those who sustain themselves solely on milk ascend to heaven, while wealth is often a matter of birth. Those who undertake vows of time and discipline, or who sleep humbly on grass, also reach heaven. So too does the sacrificer, O virtuous one, as well as the generous giver of gifts. Good fortune springs from the restraint of the senses, particularly from withdrawing from indulgent tastes. By refraining from perfumes and garlands, one’s form becomes radiant and abundant. The gift of a parasol brings an excellent house, and the gift of sandals or a chariot bestows similar rewards. By giving water, one ensures lasting satisfaction. Whoever offers to a twice-born one the touch of a tree bearing fragrant flowers or fruits, or gives cloth, food, water, or delicious drinks, attains those very enjoyments themselves. The giver to the twice-born becomes handsome and is spared certain diseases. Such a one obtains a most excellent abode, filled with women, elephants, and horses. By gifting an elephant or a bull, one enjoys eternal happiness in heaven. The gift of honey brings satisfaction with many tastes, while the gift of a lamp grants radiance. By offering milk pudding, one is blessed with bodily nourishment; by rice cooked with ghee, one gains gentleness and pleasantness. The gift of a chariot leads to a divine aerial car, and also a palanquin. By granting fearlessness, one fulfills all desires. Thus concludes this chapter in the glorious Varaha Purana, named ‘The Delusion of Men in the Cycle of Samsara.’ Now, the narration turns to the devoted wife. At that very moment, adorned with divine ornaments, brahmanas accomplished in austerity arrived, accompanied by their wives and relatives. The king, however, appeared before them with a pale face, his radiance and splendor lost. Seeing the king so bereft of luster, the ascetic beheld Yama, the king of righteousness, and said, “You shine forth like another lord of cattle. Why do you sigh like a serpent and grieve so?” Yama replied: “O great sage, listen to what I have witnessed. There are brahmins who wander, devoted to a life of gleaning, who delight in welcoming guests, ever engaged and self-controlled. Such souls do not come under my sway, nor are they subject to my power. Their bodies are anointed with divine fragrances, adorned with garlands and fine garments. O Death, for whose sake do you stand here? Who is death, and how does it arise? You always strike down those bound by greed, those most sinful and devoid of righteousness. Yet I am not able to punish or favor the great-souled. As these words were spoken, a radiant being arrived, riding in a celestial chariot. She appeared, pleasing to behold, as the air resounded with the music of great instruments.