The perfection of knowledge, the teaching of Krishna, God, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Eager to know more, the great sage Uddhava asks the Lord the following questions:

What is balance, what is self-control?

What is tolerance and steadfastness?

What are charity, penance, and heroism?

What is reality and truth?

What is renunciation and wealth?

What is desirable?

What are education, modesty, superiority, beauty, happiness, and unhappiness?

What is the true path and what is the false path?

Who should be considered a friend?

Who is rich, who is poor, who is miserable, and who is a controller?

Please tell me about these things and the opposite qualities, O Lord of truthful souls.

The Supreme Lord says:

Non-violence, truthfulness, not coveting or stealing other people's property, detachment, modesty, non-possession, trust, celibacy, silence, stability, forgiveness, and fearlessness are the twelve types of restraints.

Internal and external cleanliness, performing japa (individually reciting the Holy Names of God using a tulasi wood rosary), penance, sacrifice, faith, hospitality, worshipping Me, visiting holy places, caring for the welfare of others (humans, animals, and plants) in this world, contentment, and serving the spiritual master are the twelve regular duties.

These twice twelve types of principles and duties, which human beings remember and honor, produce results such as bliss or prosperity, according to each person's desire.

Mental balance means absorbing one's intelligence in Me, and self-control implies discipline of the senses.

Tolerance means enduring misfortune, and steadfastness involves conquering the tongue and genitals.

The highest charity consists in abandoning the penis (so as not to punish others), and in renouncing lust, one thinks of penance.