The saints and sages, the Vedas and Puranas declare that there is nothing so difficult of attainment as knowledge. That, my lord, is precisely what the sage (Lomasha) was teaching you, but you did not show the same amount of regard for knowledge as for faith.

Explain to me, my gracious lord, all the difference between knowledge and faith.’ The wise crow delighted to hear Garuda’s question and courteously replied.

‘There is no real difference between the ways of faith and those of knowledge, for both are equally efficacious in putting an end to the torments of birth and death. Great sages nonetheless point out some difference between the two, my lord; listen carefully, O noblest of birds, while I explain the matter.

Wisdom, dispassion, yoga (abstract mediation or union with the Supreme Being) and knowledge of the Self – mark me – all masculine in conception, O mount of Hari! The might of the masculine is formidable indeed, while the feminine is weak and naturally inferior.

Men who are unattached and resolute can forswear women, but not the sensual volupturaies who have turned their faces against the feet of Raghubira.

But even a very enlightened sage may succumb to the charms of a fawn-eyed damsel when he sees her moon-bright face. Now it is the Lord Vishnu’s Illusion, O mount of Hari, that is revealed as a woman.

Here I am speaking in no partisan spirit, but I am only declaring the doctrine of the Vedas, the Puranas and the saints. That one woman is not fascinated by the beauty of another is, O enemy of serpents, a strange practice.