Markandeyapurana 10.44

10.44

tadbrūhi tvaṃ mahābhāga ! yat te saṃśayikaṃ hṛdi /
etāvatāpi te prītimutpādyānṛṇyamāpnuyām //

I was formerly a brāhman, my soul fixed on the Supreme Being; I attained the highest perfection in the consideration of the knowledge of the Supreme Being. While continually occupied in devotion, through constant application to study, through association with the good, through my own natural disposition, through deliberation, behaviour and purification, while occupying myself in this indeed I experienced the sublimest joy at all times, and I gained the position of a spiritual guide, the most successful remover of the doubts of disciples. A long while afterwards I attained absolute perfection; and my good disposition warped by ignorance fell into calamity through carelessness. Beginning from the time of my departure I had no failure of memory, until a year had passed and had returned to my recollection of my births. Being such, I, keeping my organs under control, will strive indeed, O father, by means of that my former study, so to act that I may not have another existence. For this is the result of learning and liberality that I remember former existences; this indeed is not obtained, O father, by men who apply themselves to the duty enjoined by the three Vedas. Being such I, from my former hermitage indeed, recurring to the duty of perfection, will attain to devotion to one object and will strive for the final emancipation of my soul. Declare thou then, Sir! what is perplexing in thy heart: and to this extent let me, bringing the joy, discharge my debt.”