II. Nimi then asked: "What are the _Characteristics of a Bhagavata_

and what are the _Signs by which a Bhagavata is known?_" Hari replied: -- "He who sees in all beings the existence of Bhagavat as in his own self, and sees all beings in the Bhagavat within himself is the highest Bhagavata. "He who bears love towards Isvara friendship towards his dependents, kindness toward the ignorant, and indifference towards his enemies belongs to the next class of Bhagavatas. "He who worships an image as Hari with faith, but has no regard for Bhaktas and for other beings is only a beginner as a Bhakta. "The highest Bhagavata perceives the objects with his senses, but does not feel either aversion or pleasure. He looks upon the universe as the Maya of Vishnu. "By constant meditation on Hari, he is not affected by the changes of life. Desires have no place in his mind, so devoted is he to Vasudeva. _He_ is the favourite of Hari, who does not take pride in his birth, Karma, caste or Asrama. "The highest Bhagavata does not know "Mine" and "Thine," either in wealth or in body. He looks upon all beings with equal eyes, His mind is always at peace. "Even for the sake of all the three Lokas, the Vaishnava will not for a moment forget the lotus feet of Bhagavat. "And more, he is the greatest of all Bhagavatas, to whose heart Hari is bound down by the tie of Love."