At the very edge of the ocean’s vast depths lies the finest dwelling place of the Nishadas, a people who make their homes there, O best of the twice-born. In that region, thousands of Nishadas reside—men who are lost to righteousness, merciless and wicked in their ways. It was here that Garuda was instructed: “Consume these Nishadas, for they are sinful and cruel, and after consuming them, bring back the nectar.” Yet, Garuda was given a solemn warning: “Never, under any circumstance, resolve to kill a Brahmana. Among all beings, the Brahmana is inviolable and without blemish. Fire, the sun, poison, and weapons—all are said to be as powerful as a Brahmana when angered. The Brahmana is proclaimed as the teacher of all creatures. By such qualities, the Brahmana is always regarded by the virtuous; therefore, dear one, you must not slay a Brahmana, not even in anger, under any circumstances. Do not assault Brahmanas, for just as fire or the sun would not burn the innocent, so too must you refrain from harming them. As a Brahmana of firm vows, when enraged, would act—by these various signs, you should recognize that excellent twice-born. The Brahmana is foremost among beings, the highest among castes, the father, and the teacher.” Garuda then asked, “Who shines like fire? Who displays gentle demeanor? By what auspicious marks may I recognize a Brahmana?” He was told, “He who has reached your throat, as a hook is swallowed—if he burns like a live coal, know him to be a foremost Brahmana. Such a Brahmana must never be slain by you, even in anger, at any time.” Vinata, Garuda’s mother, spoke from her heart: “He who does not decay in your belly, know him to be an excellent twice-born. Even knowing his incomparable power, those devoted to blessings—may the wind protect your wings, and the moon and sun guard your back. May fire protect your head, the Vasus your whole body, and Vishnu, who is everywhere, all your limbs. And I, your mother, shall always be devoted to your peace and welfare. I shall remain here, always engaged in auspicious rites. Go, my son, along a safe path, for the accomplishment of your task.” Hearing his mother’s words, Garuda spread his mighty wings and soared into the sky. With great power, he approached the Nishadas, hungry as the god of death at the appointed time. He consumed the Nishadas, raising a great cloud of dust that touched the heavens. The waters in the ocean’s depths dried up, and the nearby mountains trembled at his might. Then, the king of birds created a great mouth, blocking the path of the fleeing Nishadas. In their panic, the Nishadas, like birds struck from the sky, rushed toward his vast maw, bewildered by the wind, as trees are shaken in the forest by a storm. Garuda, tormentor of his enemies, gathered them up with swift movement, relying on his own strength. Devouring the many fish-eating Nishadas, the lord of those who move in the sky was satisfied. Amidst this, a Brahmin, together with his wife, entered Garuda’s throat. Burning like a blazing coal, the Brahmin spoke to the mighty bird: “O best of twice-born, quickly leave this open mouth, for a Brahmin is never to be slain by me, even if always engaged in sinful acts.” The Brahmin replied, “This Nishadi is my wife—let her leave together with me.” Garuda said, “Take this Nishadi as well and swiftly depart; quickly compose yourself, for my energy is not yet digested by you.” Thus, the Brahmin and his wife left Garuda’s throat, honored him, and went to their desired place. Once the Brahmin had departed with his wife, the king of birds, spreading his wings, soared into the sky with the speed of thought. He saw his father and, turning, reported to him as was proper. The great sage asked, “Is everything always well for you, my son, with abundant food? In the world of men, do you have plenty to eat? Where are you going so swiftly? You should tell me.” Garuda replied, “My mother is always well, and so is my brother, and so am I; but, father, I am never well when it comes to abundant food. For I have been sent by the serpents to bring the best soma, in order to free our mighty mother from slavery. Today I will bring it. My mother instructed me to eat the Nishadas, but even after devouring thousands, I have not been satisfied. Therefore, O lord, show me some other food, by eating which I may be able to fetch the nectar. Tell me, O revered one, some food to remove hunger and thirst.” His father replied, “There is an elephant who always drags the elder brother of the tortoise, with his face turned downward. I will tell you, without delay, of the enmity between them from a previous birth. So listen to the truth of this, and the measure of both of them; hear, my child, a tale that increases detachment—may good be yours. In the division of their father’s wealth, there arose a dispute between two brothers. There was a great sage named Vibhavasu, exceedingly prone to anger. He had a younger brother named Supratika, a great ascetic. That great sage did not wish to keep the wealth together with his brother. Supratika constantly insisted on dividing the wealth; then Vibhavasu spoke to his brother Supratika, ‘In division, O great ascetic, many faults will arise; many, out of delusion, always wish to divide; then, once divided, blinded by greed for wealth, they no longer respect one another.