Chapter Three (तृतीयोऽध्यायः॥)

One attains heaven through good action, hell through wrongful action, darkness through false knowledge, and the supreme abode through knowledge alone. Therefore, being detached, one should resort to knowledge alone. The one Supreme Lord, the impeller in every state and the same in all His forms, exists in all places and at all times. Corresponding to the gradation of devotion to Him, there is gradation even in liberation. (1–3)

Viṣṇu is to be worshipped by human beings as the Self who is existence, consciousness, and bliss; by the lords of the gods, through many attributes in due gradation; and by Brahmā, through all attributes. He is to be worshipped by all the gods, and indeed by everyone, according to their capacity. He is to be known, but the knowledge of Him becomes progressively more specific and complete at each successive level. (4–5)

All the goals of human life are attained through knowledge alone — there is no doubt. One possessed of knowledge is never tainted by any faults whatsoever. (6)

The increase and diminution of happiness, according to qualities and defects, extend even into liberation. In liberation, the happiness of human beings and gods is allotted according to their respective rank. (7)

Thus ends the third chapter.