Now, listen closely to the account of the child’s early years. The Gopika boy grew day by day in the house of the Brahmin, his childhood unfolding quietly under the care of his foster family. In time, several Brahmins arrived at the Brahmin’s home. They came in secret, as if they had drawn away even the harsh midday summer sun with them, shrouding their visit in mystery. At the proper hour, four eminent sages, sons of Brahma, brought with them fruits and roots as offerings. The fourth sage, with great delight, bestowed upon the boy the sacred Krishna-mantra. It was during this period that the boy’s mother, a virtuous lady, while walking along the path at night, was suddenly taken up—she ascended at once to Vaikuntha, Vishnu’s celestial realm, borne away in his divine chariot. When morning came, the boy, accompanied by the Brahmins, left the Brahmin’s house. The sons of Brahma, having completed their purpose, departed as well, returning to their own abode. There, after bathing, the boy began to recite the Vishnu mantra given to him by the Brahmin. In the vast and fearsome forest, at the base of an ancient ashvattha tree, he sat in contemplation. At this point, Shaunaka inquired, “Venerable one, please tell of the supreme wealth bestowed by Shri Hari.” Sauti answered him: “The mantra of twenty-two syllables, exceedingly rare even in the Vedas, was given by Brahma with utmost devotion to the wise Kumara. It is: ‘Om, Shri, obeisance to the Lord of the rasa circle.’ Along with this, the great hymn to the Supreme Person and the previously mentioned protective charm were revealed. These form a radiant circle of light, shining with the brilliance of ten million suns. Vaishnavas meditate upon this form in their innermost hearts. That form is of fresh raincloud hue, with eyes like autumn lotuses. His teeth gleam more beautifully than a string of pearls, and his beauty surpasses millions of Cupids, being the very abode of playful charm. He stands in the graceful tribhanga posture, with two arms, clothed in yellow garments. His cheeks are adorned with a pair of jeweled earrings, and from his knees upwards, he is garlanded with fragrant jasmine flowers. His chest shines brilliantly, set with the Kaustubha gem. He is ever surrounded by those who possess unfading youth, and is worshipped, saluted, and praised by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and others. He remains untouched, a witness beyond all qualities, transcending the bounds of nature. This meditation, the hymn, and the protective chant have now been described to you, O sage.” At that moment, the boy remained in deep meditation at the foot of the tree, empowered and nourished by the efficacy of the perfected mantra. In his inner vision, he beheld himself seated upon a throne of jewels, adorned with radiant ornaments, surrounded by cowherds and gopikas, all clothed in yellow. He was praised by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and others, supreme beyond the supreme. But then, as the vision faded, sorrow overtook him—he could no longer behold that wondrous form and ceased his meditation, afflicted with longing. As he wept, a voice resounded from the sky: “The form shown once is not to be seen again now.” When that vision passed, another divine form appeared before him. Hearing this, the boy’s sorrow vanished, and he was filled with joy once more.