Knowing that the women had given up all desires for the sake of seeing Âtmâ, Krishna said smilingly: — "Welcome O you noble-minded ones, take your seats. What can we do for you? It is meet that you have come to see us. I am Âtmâ and therefore the most beloved. Those that care for their Âtmâ or self bear unconditional and unremitting Bhakti towards me. The Prânas, Buddhi, Manas, the relatives, the body, wife, children and riches all become dear for the sake of self or Âtmâ. What can be therefore dearer, than Âtmâ? Now that you have seen me, go back to your husbands. They have to perform the sacrifices with your help." The Brâhmana women replied: — "Lord, thou dost not deserve to speak so cruelly to us. Make good thy words (’My Bhakta does not meet with destruction’ or ’He does not again return’ _Śridhâra_.) We have taken the shelter of thy feet, throwing over-board all friends, that we may bear on our heads the Tulasi thrown from Thy feet. Our husbands, parents, sons, brothers, and friends will not take us back. Who else can? Grant us, O conqueror of all enemies, that we may have no other resort but Thee. ( We may not have such resorts as Svarga &c. for which our husbands are striving. We want to serve Thee. _Śridhara_)." Sri Krishna replied: — "Your husbands will not bear any grudge against you. By my command all people, even the Devas (in whose honor the sacrifices are made) shall approve of your conduct. Direct contact is not necessary for love. Think of me with all your heart and you shall speedily obtain me." The Brâhmana women returned to their husbands and they were received well. The Brâhmanas repented. But for fear of Kansa, they could not go to Vrindâvana. They worshipped Krishna at home. INDRA AND THE RAISING OF GO-VARDHANA. THE INSTALLATION. (THE RAINY SEASON AGAIN.) *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 24-27.* There were great preparations for Yajna in honor of Indra. "What is this all about, father?" asked Krishna of Nanda. "What is the outcome of this sacrifice? In whose honor is it to be performed and how?" Nanda replied — "Child, Indra is the Cloud-God. He will give us rains. The rains give life to all beings. Therefore people worship Indra by these sacrificial offerings. The enjoyment of that only which remains after sacrifice conduces to Dharma, Artha and Kâma."