O Raghava, know that without sincere inquiry, there is truly no way to attain the highest peace. It is only through inquiry that the minds of the noble turn away from what is unwholesome and embrace the wholesome. From this spirit of questioning, strength arises in the wise—along with intelligence, brilliance, discernment, and the true fruits of their actions. Inquiry is the root from which all these qualities spring. With the radiant lamp of discernment, which clearly distinguishes what is proper from what is not and fulfills every true desire, one may cross the vast and turbulent ocean of worldly existence. This journey relies upon the ever-expanding power of inquiry. When the mind is pure, it becomes like a noble lion of discernment, tearing asunder the mighty elephant of delusion, even when delusion’s heart remains untouched by wisdom. Sometimes, even those who are deluded, swept along by the inexorable force of time, may reach the supreme state. This, indeed, is the highest manifestation of the lamp of inquiry. For discernment, like a wish-fulfilling tree, bestows upon the seeker kingdoms, abundant wealth, immense enjoyment, and even eternal liberation, O descendant of Raghu. The noble thoughts of the great, those who delight in discrimination, never sink in adversity—just as gourds float upon water, unsinkable. When discernment rises and illuminates the mind, those who act become vessels for the noblest fruits. Yet, in the hearts of the foolish, where hope is stifled and the trees of discernment do not grow, the creepers of suffering take root and spread. May you, Raghava, awaken from the sleep of non-inquiry—a darkness as thick as lamp-black and as intoxicating as wine. For even in the midst of great and prolonged calamities, one devoted to true inquiry does not fall into delusion, just as a mass of light can never be lost in darkness. In the clear lake of the mind, when the lotus of inquiry has fully blossomed, the seeker shines with a radiance like the snowy Himalayas. But for one whose intellect lacks inquiry and has sunk into dullness, even the thunderbolts of wisdom are in vain, like the moon shown by a Yaksha to a child who cannot understand. Rama, keep far away from those devoid of discrimination, for such a person is a mound of sorrow, a termite hill, honey spoiled by rotten creepers. Those who are difficult to approach, of bad conduct, and untrustworthy, appear to shine only in the absence of inquiry—like goblins that are visible only in darkness. Therefore, O descendant of Raghu, avoid the undiscriminating, who are like old trees, unfit for good deeds. For any creature, when the mind becomes isolated and free from the compulsion of desire, it attains supreme contentment, shining like the full moon in its own glory. When discrimination arises, it cools and adorns the entire being, just as the new moonlight beautifies the world. Reason then shines forth as the pure white yak-tail fan upon the banner of supreme truth, just as the moon glows in the night. The states of being that move with reason dispel darkness in all directions and shine like the sun, destroying the multitude of fears born from repeated existence. Just as a phantom conjured by a child's fearful mind disappears in the daylight of reason, so too do all the phenomena of the world, lacking the movement of reason, reveal themselves as unreal; their false existence is cut away by the sword of reason. The phantom of long-standing worldly existence, imagined by a deluded mind and causing endless suffering, is likewise dissolved by reason. Know, then, that the state of pure, undisturbed, infinite, and unsupported oneness is the highest fruit of the powerful tree of reason. In this state—steadfast, noble, and radiant with the joy of clear stability—desirelessness arises, as cool and soothing as the newly risen moon. With the great medicine of reason, established in the mind of the good and bestowing the highest state, one neither craves nor rejects anything. The mind, ever supported by this reason, becomes vast and limitless, neither setting nor rising, like space itself. Such a mind neither abandons nor grasps, neither suffers nor is pacified; it simply witnesses, abiding in itself and perceiving the world within. It is not extinguished, nor does it dwell within or without. It does not cling to inactivity, nor is it absorbed in action. It disregards the past and moves with what arrives; neither agitated nor utterly unperturbed, it shines like the full ocean. With such a mind, the great-souled yogis, noble-hearted and liberated while living, move freely in this world. Having lived as they wish for as long as they desire, these steadfast ones eventually abandon the body and attain the state of pure being. Even when faced with the profound question, “Who am I, and whose is this world?” the wise must diligently reflect, engaging in self-inquiry and countermeasures. O Raghava, the king understands the confusion and doubt of action only through discernment—knowing whether an action is fruitful or fruitless, and not otherwise. The conclusions of the Vedas and Vedanta, and the very reasons for their establishment, are revealed by discernment, just as a lamp illuminates the earth at night. Even in darkness, a clear and unwavering eye, radiant with discernment, perceives what is hidden—just as a bright light never fails. Truly, one who is blind to discrimination is pitiable—like a person blind from birth, lacking understanding. But the self of discernment, blessed with divine sight, prevails over all things. The marvel of discernment, filled with the Supreme Self and the sole means to great bliss, should be cherished and never abandoned, even for a moment. One adorned with discernment is esteemed even among the great, just as a fully ripened mango delights all who see it. But those whose minds lack the beauty of discernment, even if they rise in knowledge, fall again and again into the pits of suffering. Thus, O Rama, discernment and inquiry are the lamps that illuminate the path to peace, joy, and liberation. Cherish them always, and let your mind shine with their radiant light.