(It was Śuka) who (yaḥ), compassionately (karuṇayā), declared (āha) the mysterious secret (guhyam) of Purāṇa-s (purāṇa)1, which --i.e. this secret-- is the essence (sāram) of the entire (akhila) Śruti --or Veda-s-- (śruti) (and) is endowed with its own (sva) special power and authority (anubhāvam)2. (What Śuka declared is) the only (ekam) Light (dīpam) of the Supreme Self (adhi-ātma) for the transmigratory souls (saṁsāriṇām) who are excessively desirous to cross (atititīrṣatām) the darkness (andham) (also known as) Tamas --i.e. ignorance, dullness, etc.-- (tamas)3. I approach (upayāmi)4 that (tam) son (sūnum) of Vyāsa (vyāsa) (for protection,) who is the Guru (gurum) of the sages (muninām) --he refers to Śuka-||3||