Listen, O wise one, to the sacred account as it unfolds. It is said that even those who have engaged in unrighteous deeds are not destined for hell—if only they remember Hari. For those whose hearts remain impure, there is but one true atonement: the holy name of Hari. O twice-born, let each act according to the divine inspiration that arises within, for the one devoted to Nārāyaṇa should offer all—every thought, word, and deed—to the great Viṣṇu. Simply by remembering Hari, one attains completeness. Yet, in this world, devotion to Hari is exceedingly rare among the wicked. Those who do possess such devotion are truly fortunate, great souls whose very presence brings benefit to the virtuous. All actions, O twice-born, reach their fulfillment through such devotion. Even those honored throughout the three worlds deserve your reverence; what need is there for further words from others? The age of Kali cannot touch mortals devoted to the divine names of Hari. In this dark era, truly, there is no other path. Having attained supreme bliss, the sage spoke again: the supreme, eternal Brahman—the light of the world—has been revealed. He who remembers the lotus-eyed Lord destroys all sins. Yet, a question arose: “What you have spoken, I accept. But how can I truly understand without an example? Tell me, then, how a mind that is sinking may attain stability.” Sanaka, filled with remembrance of the supreme Nārāyaṇa, replied. He spoke of one skilled in the Vedānta, worthy of the highest reverence, who could turn the seeker back to the path. Then Sanandana began to inquire about the dharmas of liberation. At this, a profound question was raised: “At the time of dissolution, where does everything go? Tell me this, O Sanandana. By whom was this world—composed of earth, fire, and wind—created? How are purity and impurity determined for these? How are the rules of dharma and adharma established? From this world to the next, may you declare all to me.” So it was that the scripture spoken by Bhṛgu was questioned by Bharadvāja. Bharadvāja, seated before the sage Bhṛgu, asked, “How does liberation arise from saṃsāra, O bestower of honor? They always conduct themselves as master and servant. He, the delight of the worlds, is without qualities and without stain. How can that Supreme Self—so difficult to comprehend by time and power—be known? How can the individual soul, transcending its individuality, attain union with Brahman?” Thus, when Bharadvāja expressed this doubt, the Blessed Lord responded. That which was once known as the Mind-born, renowned among the great sages, is called the Unmanifest: eternal, imperishable, and undecaying. In the beginning, the divine created the great one, known by name. From space arose water; from water, fire and wind. Then, the self-born one created a divine, radiant lotus. This being is called Ahaṃkāra, the source and soul of all beings. His bones became the mountains; his marrow, the earth’s soil and ink. His breath is the wind; his energy, fire; his veins, the rivers. His head above is the sky; his feet, the earth; his arms, the directions. Thus was the world formed, and thus is its mystery revealed to those who seek the path of liberation and truth.