He perceived that understanding (vignana) was Brahman, for from understanding these beings are born; by understanding, when born, they live; into understanding they enter at their death. Having perceived this, he went again to his father Varuna, saying: 'Sir, teach me Brahman.' He said to him: 'Try to know Brahman by penance, for penance is (the means of knowing) Brahman.' He performed penance. Having performed penance—

In plain words: Next Bhrigu decided that understanding, or wisdom (vijnana), is Brahman, because beings come from it, live by it and return to it. He went back to his father once more, and Varuna again told him to keep practicing his discipline to know Brahman.