The wise and compassionate elders of old, well-versed in the laws that govern adversity, have always declared that one must never commit a forbidden act or a deed of cruelty, regardless of the circumstances. With this principle in mind, the Brahmin of Ekachakra, faced with a terrible dilemma, spoke with unwavering resolve: “It is better for me and my wife to perish this very day by our own will than to ever consent to the killing of a Brahmin. This is my firm conviction, O Brahmin: Brahmins must be protected at all costs. Even if I had a hundred sons, not one would be less dear to me than my own son.” He continued, his voice steady with faith, “Nor do I believe that the Rakshasa is truly capable of destroying my son. My son is powerful, accomplished in sacred mantras, and radiant with inner strength. He will deliver all the food to the Rakshasa and, I am certain, will save himself. This is my settled resolve. Many times before, Rakshasas—mighty and fearsome—have come against him and have been slain by his valor.” Yet, ever mindful of the responsibilities of learning, he cautioned, “This matter should never be spoken of to any Brahmin, for my sons, eager for knowledge, might act out of curiosity. If my son were to undertake this task without his teacher’s permission, he should not do so, for this is the way of the virtuous in matters of learning.” Thus, when Kunti (Pritha) addressed these words to the Brahmin, he and his wife, their hearts lightened, joyfully honored her counsel, as if it were nectar. Together, Kunti and the Brahmin approached Bhima, the mighty son of the wind, and said to him, “Do this.” Bhima, steadfast and fearless, replied, “So be it.” When Bhima pledged, “I will do it,” O descendant of Bharata, the Pandavas returned from their alms-gathering. As they came back, Yudhishthira, the eldest, noticed Bhima’s face—full, content, and beaming with satisfaction—and understood that his steadfast brother was delighted. Their teacher observed Bhima’s happiness and wondered at its cause. Yudhishthira, perceptive as ever, noticed the teacher’s curiosity and, seeking clarity, sat down privately with his mother, Kunti, to question her. He asked, “Mother, what great deed does Bhima, of terrible prowess, intend to do? Is it with your approval, or does he wish to act on his own?” Kunti answered, “He will act at my command, O subduer of foes, for the sake of the Brahmin, to accomplish a great task and to liberate this town. A grand and excellent offering has been prepared for Baka, my son. Let Bhima eat it, even for a single day, O son of asceticism.” Yudhishthira, troubled, pressed further, “What is this harsh and difficult undertaking you have arranged, O lady? The virtuous do not praise the abandonment of one’s own son. How can you wish to forsake your child for the sake of another’s? In doing so, you act against both worldly custom and sacred law. Upon Bhima’s arms we all rest comfortably; his kingdom was taken by the petty, and we now hope to reclaim it. Duryodhana, thinking of Bhima’s strength, cannot sleep at night, suffering together with Shakuni. By Bhima’s valor, we were freed from the house of lac, and Purochana, along with other wicked ones, was slain. Relying on his strength, we consider the earth, filled with riches, as ours, having defeated the sons of Dhritarashtra. Why, then, have you resolved to abandon him? Has sorrow clouded your mind and judgment?” Kunti gently replied, “Yudhishthira, you need not be distressed by me, nor has this decision arisen from weakness of mind. My mind is neither lost to grief nor confusion. Here, in the Brahmin’s house, we have lived happily—unknown to the sons of Dhritarashtra, honored and without resentment. O Partha, I have carefully considered the proper response. A person is accomplished when nothing is lost in what they undertake. As long as another can act for him, let him do so. I know, O Vrikodara, that to aid a Brahmin is the greatest righteousness.” She continued, her faith in Bhima unwavering, “Having witnessed Bhima’s mighty valor in the house of lac and in the slaying of Hidimba, I am confident in Vrikodara. The strength of Bhima’s arms is immense, equal to a thousand elephants. With that strength, you, who are like elephants yourselves, were rescued from Varanavata. There is no one whose strength equals his; he could surpass even the best in battle, even the wielder of the thunderbolt himself. When he was newly born and fell from my lap onto the mountain, his body shattered the rock with its weight.” “Therefore, understanding Bhima’s strength with discernment, O Pandava, I formed my plan for the Brahmin’s sake. This decision was not made from greed, ignorance, or delusion, but as a deliberate resolve for righteousness, made with careful thought. Both aims will be accomplished, O Yudhishthira: we will fulfill our obligation to our host and achieve the great fulfillment of righteousness.” She concluded with conviction, “Whenever a Kshatriya assists a Brahmin in any matter, he attains auspicious worlds—this is my belief. A Kshatriya who, acting as a Kshatriya, grants release or death, attains great fame in this world and the next. A Kshatriya who assists a Vaishya brings joy to all people in all worlds. And if a king frees a Shudra who has come seeking refuge, he is born in a noble family, possessing honored royal wealth. Thus, O joy of the Pauravas, the venerable Vyasa, wise and difficult to comprehend, spoke to me before; and for this reason, I have made this resolve.” Thus, the course of action was set, grounded in righteousness, careful thought, and the supreme strength of Bhima, whose valor and devotion would soon bring relief to the suffering town.