also which have action for their essence and which are not identical with Brahma, merge into the same.  When the time of universal destruction comes, those Jivas who have attained to the position of Devas and who have an unexhausted remnant of the fruits of acts to enjoy or endure, revert to those stages of life in the subsequent Kalpa which had been theirs in the previous one.  This is due to the similarity of every successive Kalpa to every previous one.  Those again whose acts, at the time of universal destruction, have been exhausted by enjoyment or endurance in respect of their fruits, falling down from heaven, take birth among men, in the subsequent Kalpa, for without Knowledge one cannot destroy one’s acts in even a hundred Kalpas.  All superior Beings again, endued with similar powers and similar forms, revert to their respective destinies at a new creation after a universal destruction, ascending and descending precisely in the same manner as during the creation that is dissolved.[1382] As regards, again, the person who is conversant with Brahma, as long as he continues to enjoy and endure the unexhausted remnant of his acts of previous Kalpas, it is said that all creatures and the two stainless sciences live in his body.  When his Chitta becomes cleansed by Yoga, and when he practises Samyama, this perceptible universe appears to him as only his own fivefold senses.[1383] Enquiring with a cleansed mind, Jiva attains to a high and stainless end.  Thence he attains to a spot which knows no deterioration, and thence attains to eternal Brahma that is so difficult of acquisition.[1384] Thus, Of thou of great might, I have discoursed to thee of the eminence of Narayana!’

“Vritra said, ’These words of thine, I see, perfectly according with the truth.  Indeed, when this is so, I have no (cause of grief).  Having listened to thy words, O thou of great powers of mind, I have become freed from sorrow and sin of every kind.  O illustrious Rishi, O holy one, I see this wheel of Time, endued with mighty energy, of the most effulgent and Infinite Vishnu, has been set in motion.  Eternal is that station, from which all kinds of creation spring.  That Vishnu is the Supreme Soul.  He is the foremost of Beings.  In Him this entire universe rests.’

“Bhishma continued, ’Having said these words, O son of Kunti, Vritra cast off his life-breaths, uniting his soul (in Yoga, with the supreme Soul), and attained to the highest station.’

“Yudhishthira said, ’Tell me, O grandsire, whether this Janardana (Krishna) is that illustrious and puissant Lord of whom Sanatkumara spoke unto Vritra in days of old.’