The Vetala, ever wise and mysterious, spoke of the power that lies in the actions one performs with mind, speech, and body in this very lifetime, declaring that such threefold action leads to accomplishment. Therefore, he advised, practitioners must engage in these three forms of action here and now; for if they do not, in a future birth they may find themselves as a yaksha, bound to that state. The twice-born, knowing this, remains devoted to these practices. Having imparted this teaching, the Vetala’s face brightened with cheerfulness. He praised the listener, saying, “Excellent, excellent,” and honored him with noble words. In the city of Vasankaṃbalaka, there once lived a king named Sudaksha. He was renowned for his justice, righteousness, bravery, generosity, and devotion to Shiva. The king had a beautiful and auspicious daughter named Dhanavati, who was blessed with prosperity. In time, another daughter was born to him, Mohini. But fate turned, and after some time, Dhanavati became widowed, and her father, King Sudaksha, passed away nearby. In those days, there was a Brahmin named Nyayasharma, who was known as a thief of sacred wealth. Unexpectedly, a woman of the Vaishya caste approached Nyayasharma and, at that moment, touched his hand. She cried out repeatedly, “O Rama, Krishna, Pradyumna, Aniruddha!” in her distress. Nyayasharma, the Brahmin, spoke, “I am a Vipra; for three days I have been placed upon a stake.” Hearing his plight, Dhanavati gave her daughter Mohini in marriage to him. The Brahmin then said to Mohini, “Listen, O beautiful one, when you have a longing in your heart—” But before he could say more, death claimed him, and he departed to the realm of Yama. Mohini, now a youthful woman, remained in her mother’s house. In those days, questions arose: What pleasures are there? What wonders? Who keeps vigil, and who sleeps? The twice-born recited a verse on this, but the Brahmins could not provide an answer. To Mohini, a serene-minded one spoke: “Listen, O enchanting and beautiful one; bed, ornament, and enjoyment are to be known as eightfold by the wise.” Each day, beings die and are born anew. He who, upon attaining discernment, gathers the fruits of action, and he who, knowing the serpent of worldly existence, develops detachment on earth—such a person is wise. From intention arises desire; from desire, greed is born. One who is born of the nature of water possesses taste and the various modifications of taste. In the age of Kali, from Rudra arose delusion, which destroys people at their very hearts. From this delusion, false perception was born and became its beloved. From the union of delusion and false perception, suffering was born, accompanied by sorrow. Among these, a friend appeared—proud, heroic, clever, authoritative, and virtuous. To Mohini, the Brahmin gave a child and, having received gold, he took his leave. Then, at the end of ten months, Shiva himself spoke to Mohini. In the middle of the swing, there appeared a thousand pieces of gold and the child. Instructed by Shiva, the king—who desired a son and was a worshipper of Rudra—acted accordingly. He performed the birth-rites and distributed great wealth. When the king’s father passed away, the son inherited the kingdom and ruled with righteousness. Then, a marvel occurred: three hands were born, astonishing the king. Having recounted this, the Vetala addressed the king, saying, “O King…” He continued, “A learned man who seeks wealth, and a king who is like a guru, are to be known as such. O Brahmin, having emerged from hell, he attained the world of heaven.