Chapter Six — The Rare Recipient of the Secret Relationship

Only after properly testing those who have taken refuge should the teacher instruct them in the sacred relationship. The inner secret of devotional feeling must never be taught in a way contrary to discernment. (55, completed)

Asyādhikāriṇo loke ke ’pi ke ’pi mahāmune,
Ataḥ sarva-prayatnena gopanīyaṃ sadaiva hi. (56)

O great sage, only a very few people in this world are qualified for this mystery. It must therefore be guarded always and with every possible care.

Ya idaṃ dhārayed bhāvaṃ sambandhākhyam anuttamam,
Dhanya-dhanyatamo loke sa evaiko vinirmitaḥ. (57)

The great recipient of Bhagavan’s grace who bears this unsurpassed devotional feeling called sacred relationship is uniquely blessed—most blessed in all the world—and has been specially fashioned by Bhagavan himself.

Śrutvā Hanumato vākyaṃ paramānanda-dāyakam,
Praśasya bahudhā taṃ vai praṇamya ca punaḥ punaḥ. (58)

Hearing Hanuman’s words, which bestow supreme bliss, Agastya praised him in many ways and bowed to him again and again.

Tad-ājñām adhigamyātha kṛtārthaś chinna-saṃśayaḥ,
Jagāma svāśramaṃ vipro muni-varya-gaṇāvṛtam. (59, continues)

Then, receiving Hanuman’s permission, the brahmarshi Agastya became fulfilled and free from doubt. Surrounded by a company of eminent sages, he departed for his own hermitage.

The running header on this source leaf again incorrectly says “Chapter Five”; the verse sequence remains Chapter Six.