Soot said: 'Thus, the words of Vyasa are the determination of the self. Understanding this, the sage Uttareya spoke to Krishna.'

In the kingdom, he renounced attachment to his own wife, children, home, animals, and relatives, remaining undisturbed.

He asked, 'What is the purpose of this inquiry, O best of the righteous? With faith in the glories of Krishna, I am deeply engaged.'

Understanding the nature of the threefold actions, he renounced them and attained a firm realization of the Supreme Lord Vasudeva.

The king said, 'O Brahman, your words are indeed appropriate; please tell me the story of Lord Hari, as it dispels my darkness.'

I wish to know more about the Lord, who creates this universe through His own divine power, which is difficult to comprehend even for the great deities.

Just as the Lord protects the cows and again restrains them, the supreme person, relying on His powers, plays and acts in various ways.

Indeed, O Brahman, the wonderful deeds of Lord Hari appear to be incomprehensible, even to the wise who contemplate them.

Just as the qualities of nature manifest simultaneously or in succession, one individual performs many actions through various births.

Let the Lord, who is well-versed in the Vedas, explain to me this matter that is perplexing.

Soot said: Thus addressed by the king, he began to speak about the qualities of Lord Hari, remembering Hrishikesha.

Shri Shuka said: Salutations to the Supreme Person, who is beyond all, who performs pastimes that restrain the place of birth.

Salutations again to the one who removes all sins, the embodiment of all beings, and who is sought by those who are situated in the supreme state of the Paramahamsa.

Salutations to you, O bull among the Satvatas, who is the wood of Vidura, repeatedly to those who are engaged in wrong practices. You are worshipped in the abode of Brahman, free from all excess.

Whatever is chanted, remembered, seen, bowed to, heard, or offered, immediately removes the impurities of the world. To that auspicious sound, I bow again and again.

The wise, by serving the feet, detach themselves from all attachments and find the path to Brahman, free from all impurities. To that auspicious sound, I bow again and again.

The ascetics, generous, famous, and wise, who are skilled in mantras, do not find peace without that offering. To that auspicious sound, I bow again and again.

To that Lord Vishnu, who purifies even those sinful beings like Kirata, Hunas, Andhras, Pulindas, Pulkasas, Abhiras, Kankas, Yavanas, and Khas, who take refuge in Him, I offer my respectful obeisances.

He is the Supreme Self of the self-realized, the essence of the Vedas, the embodiment of righteousness and austerity. May the Lord, who is beyond all arguments and is the source of all, be pleased with me.

May the Lord, who is the husband of prosperity, the lord of sacrifices, the creator of all beings, the lord of the worlds, and the protector of the earth, be pleased with me, the Lord of the virtuous.

Those who meditate on His feet with a pure mind, see the truth of the self. The wise speak of this according to their understanding. May my Lord Mukunda be pleased with me.

By whom Saraswati, the goddess of learning, was inspired to impart her wisdom in the heart of the devoted. May that supreme sage, the best among sages, be pleased with me.

The great beings, having created this universe, lie down in it; the Supreme Person, who is the source of all, enjoys the sixteen qualities. O Lord, may my words be adorned by You.

Salutations to that Lord Vasudeva, who is the source of all knowledge. The gentle ones attain the nectar of His lotus-like face.

This is what the self-manifested Lord Narada inquires about. The essence of the Vedas has directly revealed what the Supreme Lord, who is the Self, has said.