As autumn arrived in Vraja, the sky became clear and luminous. The stars shone with undivided brilliance, and the moon moved serenely among them, much like a yogi whose pure self radiates among the noble. Gradually, the waters receded from the shores, echoing how the wise, rising above attachments to fields and sons, release possessiveness and find peace. Swans, which had earlier left the lakes, now returned, just as yogis—having overcome all obstacles and afflictions—regain union with their true self. The ocean grew calm and its waters still, reflecting the tranquility of an ascetic who has attained supreme yoga. Everywhere, the waters became exceptionally clear, mirroring the serene minds of the wise upon knowing Vishnu, who pervades all. The autumn sky, now spotless with clouds dispelled, resembled the pure minds of yogis, cleansed by the fire of yoga burning away afflictions. The lord of the stars subdued the heat produced by the sun’s rays, just as great discernment calms the suffering born of ego. During this season, the sky drew away the clouds, the earth shed its mud, and the waters lost their impurities, just as withdrawal draws the senses away from their objects. The lakes, too, reflected the rhythm of breath control, being filled and emptied daily through practices like inhalation, exhalation, and retention. With the season’s arrival and the sky and stars shining clear, Krishna saw the people of Vraja preparing for a grand festival in honor of Indra. Witnessing the cowherds eager and joyful about the celebration, Krishna, wise and curious, approached the elders and asked Nanda with great respect, “Who is this Indra, by whose name you are so delighted?” Nanda replied, “Indra is the king of the gods, the lord of clouds and waters. He urges the clouds to pour down their watery essence as rain. From that rain, crops are produced, which we use for our sustenance and to offer to the gods. The cows, full of milk and calves, are content; nourished by these crops, they grow strong and satisfied. Wherever rain-bearing clouds are seen, there is no lack of food, no shortage of grass, and no one suffers from hunger. This earth is milked by cows, the clouds are the waters of the sun, and Parjanya rains down for the welfare of all beings on earth. Therefore, in the rainy season, all kings joyfully worship Indra with sacrifices, as do we and others.” Upon hearing Nanda’s explanation about Indra’s worship, Krishna—known as Damodara—spoke, provoking the anger of the lord of the gods. He said, “We are not farmers, nor do we live by trade; father, the cows are our divinity, for we dwell in the forest. Philosophy, the three Vedas, trade, and governance—these are the four branches of knowledge; now hear from me about trade. Farming, trade, and cattle-rearing are the three livelihoods; O fortunate one, trade is a single branch based on these three occupations. Farming is the livelihood of farmers, trade is for merchants, and for us, cows are the supreme livelihood; thus, trade is divided into these three kinds. For each person, the branch of knowledge they practice is their highest divinity; that alone should be worshipped and honored, for it is their true support. Whoever worships another by offering what belongs to someone else does not obtain auspicious results, either in this world or after death. The boundary at the end of the fields, the forest beyond, and the mountains beyond the forest—all these are our ultimate refuge. There are neither gates nor enclosures, nor householders or landowners; in the whole world, none are as happy as those who wander with the wheel. It is heard that in these mountains and forests, beings with forms as they desire take on various shapes and delight upon their own slopes. When these beings are driven out, those who dwell in the forests are then killed by the mountains, taking on forms such as lions and others. Therefore, let the mountain sacrifice and the cow sacrifice be performed; what have we to do with Indra? Cows, mountains, horses, and deities are ours. Brahmins are devoted to mantra-sacrifices, farmers to ploughing-sacrifices; we are devoted to mountain and cow sacrifices, dwelling in the forest and mountain. Therefore, let Govardhana mountain be worshipped and honored by you with various offerings; let sacrificial animals be properly slaughtered according to the rites. Let the entire collection of the settlement be gathered without hesitation; let the Brahmins and all those who desire partake of it. When worship has been performed, the fire offering made, and the Brahmins have eaten, let the herds of cows roam, adorned with garlands of autumn flowers. If this opinion of mine is carried out by the cowherds with joy, then satisfaction will be gained for the cows, the mountain, and for me as well.” Hearing Krishna’s words, Nanda and the other inhabitants of Vraja, their faces blooming with delight, exclaimed, “Excellent, excellent! Your opinion is excellent, child, as you have spoken; we will do everything, let the mountain sacrifice be performed.” Thus, the people of Vraja joyfully performed the mountain sacrifice. They offered to Govardhana mountain curd, rice pudding, meat, and other things. Hundreds and thousands of Brahmins and others who had arrived were fed, just as Krishna had instructed. Then the cows, having been worshipped, circled the mountain; the bulls, bellowing, were like rainclouds filled with water, completing the festival with their joyful presence.