93. The Vedas, the Vedânta-sûtras of Vyasa, the Bhâgavata-purâ.na and the thousand names of Vish.nu in the Mahâbhârata,
94. The Bhagavad-gîtâ and the precepts of Vidura, the Vâsudeva-mâhâtmya from the Vaish.nava-kha.n.da of the Skanda-Purâ.na,
95. And the Sm.riti of Yâj"navalkya, which is one of the Dharma-Šâstras, these eight sacred books are approved by me as authorities. [Footnote: I commend this list to the attention of those European scholars who wish to be guided by Indian authorities in determining the real "sacred books" of India.]
96. All my twice-born disciples who wish good to themselves should recite these sacred books and hear them recited.
97. In deciding questions of ancient usage (âçâra), or practice, or penance, the code of Yâj"navalkya, with its commentary the Mitâksharâ, should be taken (as the best authority).
98. The tenth and fifth books of the Bhâgavata Purâ.na are to be regarded as having the preeminence over all the other sacred books for the understanding of the glory of K.rish.na.
99. The tenth and fifth books of the Bhâgavata Purâ.na and the code of Yâj"navalkya are respectively my Bhakti-šâstra (manual of faith), Yoga-šâstra (manual of devotion), and Dharma-šâstra (manual of law).
100. As a treatise on the soul, the commentary on the Bhagavad-Gîtâ as well as that on the Šârîraka-Sûtras of Vyâsa, made by Râmânujâçârya, commends itself to my approval.
101. Whatever precepts in these sacred books have for their subject the excessive exaltation of K.rish.na and of Justice (V.risha), of faith and of indifference to the world--
102. Such precepts should be regarded as taking precedence over all others. Their essential doctrine is that devotion to K.rish.na should be joined with the performance of duty.