Mārkaṇḍeya said: O Almighty Lord, how can I possibly describe you? You awaken the vital air, which then impels the mind, senses and power of speech to act. This is true for all ordinary conditioned souls and even Brahmā and Śiva. So it is certainly true for me. Nevertheless, you become the intimate friend of those who worship you. By you, the life air is made to move, and the voice, mind and senses then act. Śruti says śrotrasya śrotram: the lord is the ear of the ear. (Kena Upaniṣad 1.2) Vai means certainly. You enliven the senses not only of ordinary beings, but of Brahmā and Śiva as well, what to speak of me. Like a friend, you are controlled by the love of those who worship you. You alone enable them to worship you by enlivening their minds and senses, yet you feel unable to repay the debt of their worship and become indebted and controlled by their love. That is most astonishing. That is the greatness of your mercy.