ged in his
Self. I have now, O Narada, discoursed to thee on what is high mystery
moved by the love I bear to thee for thy devotion to me. Indeed, in
consequence of that devotion which thou professest towards me, thou hast
succeeded in listening to this my discourse!'"'"

SECTION CCCXXXVI

"'Bhishma said, "Addressed by Narayana, that foremost of beings, in these
words, Narada, the foremost of men, then said these words unto Narayana
for the good of the world.

"'"Narada said, 'Let that object be accomplished for which thou, O
self-born Being, hast taken birth in four forms in the house of Dharma! I
shall now repair (to the White Island) for beholding thy original nature.
I always worship my seniors. I have never divulged the secrets of others.
O lord of the universe, I have studied the Vedas with care. I have
undergone austere penances. I have never spoken an untruth. As ordained
in the scriptures, I have always protected the four that should be
protected.[1793] I have always behaved equally towards friends and foes.
Wholly and conclusively devoted to Him, that first of deities, viz., the
Supreme Soul, I incessantly adore Him. Having cleansed my soul by these
acts of special merit, why shall I not succeed in obtaining a sight of
that Infinite Lord of the universe?'--Hearing these words of Parameshthi's
son, Narayana, that protector of the scriptures, dismissed him,
saying,--'Go, O Narada!'--Before dismissing him, however, the great deity
worshipped the celestial Rishi with those rites and ceremonies which have
been laid down in the scriptures by himself. Narada also gave due honours
to the ancient Rishi Narayana. After such honours had been mutually given
and received, the son of Parameshthi departed from that spot. Endued with
high Yoga-puissance, Narada suddenly soared into the firmament and
reached the summit of the mountains of Meru. Proceeding to a retired spot
on that summit, the great ascetic took rest for a short while. He then
cast his eyes towards the north western direction and beheld an
exceedingly wonderful sight. Towards the north, in the ocean of milk,
there is a large island named the White Island. The learned say that its
distance from the mountains of Meru is greater than two and thirty
thousand Yojanas. The denizens of that realm have no senses. They live
without taking food of any kind. Their eyes are winkless. They always
emit excellent perfumes. Their complexions are white. They are cleansed