A young woman is the root of all evil, a source of torment and a mine of every woe. Bearing this in mind, O sage, I prevented your marriage.’

As the sage listened to Raghunatha’s kindly words, a thrill ran through his body and his eyes filled with tears. He said to himself: ‘Tell me, is there any other master whose property is to show such attachment and fondness to his servants?

Those who abandon not their delusion to worship such a Lord are bankrupt of wisdom, dull witted and wretched.’ Then Narada the sage reverently spoke to the Lord, ‘Listen, Rama, well-versed in all mystic wisdom!

Tell me, my Lord Raghubira, the distinguishing marks of saints, O destroyer of the dread of transmigration!’ ‘I tell you, reverend sir, the qualities of the saints, by virtue of which they hold me in subjection.

They have conquered the six passions (lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and jealousy); are sinless, disinterested, firm, possessing nothing, pure (both within and without), full of bliss, of boundless wisdom, desireless, abstemious, truthful, inspired, scholarly and disciplined (yogi),

- circumspect, bestowing honour on others, devoid of pride, strong-minded and highly conversant with the ways of dharma (righteousness).

They are abode of virtue, free from the sorrows of the world and undisturbed by doubt, accounting neither life nor home precious but only my lotus feet.