Listen, dear one, to the nature of true devotion and the qualities that mark a devotee of Vishnu. The best among men is he who looks upon another’s wealth—even if it be gold—as no more than straw, and who remains wholly devoted to the Blessed Lord. Such a person’s heart is untouched by envy or malice, just as the faults of men cannot stain the pure crystal mountain, and as the heat of fire cannot persist amidst the cooling rays of the moon. He who is pure in mind, free from envy, tranquil, of upright conduct, friendly to all beings, who speaks words that are gentle and beneficial, and who is without pride or deceit—Vasudeva, the Lord, dwells ever in his heart. In such a person, the eternal and gentle form of the Lord of the world resides. Even if the earth itself seems harsh, it becomes delightful within, just as a tender shoot charms the eye. O warrior, keep far away from those whose minds are stained, who lack self-control and discipline, whose hearts are not attached to the imperishable, and who are filled with pride, arrogance, and envy. Where the beginningless Lord Hari, bearer of the conch and mace, dwells in the heart, sin cannot remain—just as darkness flees before the sun. He who steals others’ wealth, harms creatures, and speaks persistent falsehoods—whose mind is corrupted by evil company—finds no end to his misfortune. He who cannot tolerate the prosperity of others, who slanders, whose mind is impure, who acts wickedly toward the good, and who neither sacrifices nor gives—Janardana does not reside in the heart of such a base person. One who is excessively attached to relatives, wife, children, parents, and servants, whose mind is deceitful and greedy for wealth—know that such a person is not a devotee. He whose mind is evil, drawn toward unrighteous acts, always intoxicated by the company of the wicked, and who daily binds himself with sinful deeds—such a man is like a beast, not a devotee of Vasudeva. But he whose unwavering thought is, “All this, and I myself, are Vasudeva, the supreme purifier, the one supreme Lord”—when this understanding arises in the heart, seek out such people, leaving others far behind. O lotus-eyed Vasudeva, Vishnu, upholder of the earth, imperishable, bearer of the conch and discus! Those who say, “Be my refuge!”—O warrior, abandon those sinners from afar. He in whose heart the imperishable Self dwells, that best of men—within his gaze, O discus-bearer, lies your path or mine; he cannot be overcome by the strength or power of others. Thus, for the fulfillment of your command, O god, Dharmaraja, the sun’s son, spoke these words. What he told me, I have now properly related to you, O best of the Kurus. This was previously told to me by Nakula, born twice, coming from the land of Kalinga, the greatly noble and pleased one. I have now faithfully recounted this to you, dear child, just as you asked. For apart from Vishnu, there is no other refuge in the ocean of worldly existence. Neither the messengers nor the noose nor the staff nor the horse of Yama, nor Yama himself, nor his servants, have power over one whose soul always relies upon Keśava. Then Maitreya inquired: “O revered one, please explain how the Lord of the universe, Vishnu, is worshipped by those who wish to transcend worldly existence. And, O great sage, what result do men devoted to the worship of Govinda obtain?” Sri Parashara replied: “What you ask was once questioned by the great Sagara; listen as I recount what Aurva answered when he was thus asked. Sagara, bowing before Aurva of the Bhargava lineage, asked about the means and connection of worshipping Vishnu, and also what results arise for men when Vishnu is worshipped. Aurva, being earnestly questioned, replied—listen to all that he said. Aurva said: ‘By worshipping Vishnu, one attains earthly desires, heaven, the delightful realm in heaven, and even the highest liberation. Whatever result one desires, and to whatever extent, by worshipping Acyuta, O king, that is attained—whether great or small. What you ask, O ruler of the earth, about how Hari is worshipped—I will tell you everything; listen attentively. The supreme person is worshipped by one who observes the conduct of varna and ashrama; there is no other way that brings satisfaction to Him. He is worshipped by offering sacrifices, by reciting prayers, by performing japa, by destroying enemies, and by harming others—for Hari is the soul of all beings. Therefore, Janardana should be worshipped by a person of good conduct, who performs the duties prescribed for his own varna. A brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya, or shudra, O lord of the earth, worships Vishnu by being devoted to his own prescribed duty, and not otherwise. He does not speak slander, calumny, or falsehood, nor anything that causes distress to others; Keśava is pleased by such a person. He who does not delight in another's wife, another's wealth, or in harming others, O king, Keśava is pleased by him. He does not strike, nor kill, nor harm living beings; O king of men, Keśava is pleased by such a person. One who is always eager to serve the gods, the twice-born, and teachers, O king, Govinda is pleased by such a person. As one desires good for oneself and one's child, so for all beings; Hari is always pleased and happy with such a person. O King, one whose mind is not corrupted by faults such as passion and others, whose heart is pure, is always pleasing to Vishnu. O best of sages, the duties prescribed in scripture for the castes and stages of life—when a person abides by them with an untainted mind, he is pleasing to Vishnu.’ Sagara then said: ‘Therefore, I wish to hear in full detail the duties of the castes, and likewise the duties of the stages of life; O excellent twice-born, please declare them.’ Aurva replied: ‘For Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, according to their respective roles, focus your mind and listen to the duties as I explain them. A Brahmin should give gifts, worship the gods through sacrifices, be devoted to study, always provide water, and perform the acceptance of sacred fire. For livelihood, a Brahmin may officiate sacrifices for others, teach others, and accept gifts for pure purposes, in accordance with righteousness.’ Thus, the path of devotion, the nature of the devotee, and the duties that please Vishnu are revealed, showing that apart from Him, there is no other refuge in this world.