O revered one, listen as I recount what I once heard: during their time in exile, the Pāṇḍavas, accompanied by Pāñcālī, dwelled in the sacred hermitage of the sages. The five brothers, sons of Pāṇḍu, had gone out hunting in the forest, leaving Draupadī behind in the auspicious abode of the wise. Within that hermitage resided many illustrious sages: Dhaumya, Atri, Gālava, Paila, Jāvāli, Gautama, Bhṛgu, Cyavana, Kaṇva, Jatu, Kratu, and others. Vītihotra, Sumantu, Yajñadatta, Vatsala, Rāśāsana, Kahoḍa, Yavakrī, Yajñakṛt, and Kratu were also present. Along with these, many other venerable sages, beginning with Bhāradvāja, all deeply learned in the Vedas, made their home there. In this serene setting, Yājñasenī—Draupadī—whose beauty graced every limb, stayed with her maidservants, fearless and secure among the sages. Meanwhile, the Pāṇḍavas, heroic brothers armed with bows and arrows, traversed forest after forest in pursuit of game, ever formidable to their enemies. It was at this time that Jayadratha, the illustrious lord of Sindhu, arrived near the hermitage, accompanied by his army. He had been drawn there by the sound of sacred recitation. Hearing the Vedic chants of the pure-minded sages, the king quickly descended from his chariot, eager to meet those within. With two attendants by his side, Jayadratha entered the hermitage, hands joined in reverence, and beheld the sages engrossed in their Vedic recitations. He stood before the master and stepped into the hermitage, which was filled with these holy men. The women and wives of the sages, curious to see the king who had arrived and was seated, approached and asked among themselves, "Who is this?" Among them, the radiant Yajnaseni appeared. When Jayadratha saw her, she seemed to him like another goddess of fortune, her beauty dazzling. Struck by her dark-eyed, divine appearance, Jayadratha asked Dhaumya, "Who is this dark-skinned, lovely-faced woman? Whose wife is she, whose daughter, and what is her name? This woman of exquisite form and grace shines among mortals like Shachi herself. Standing amidst the grove like a clove creeper, she gleams among the rakshasi women as Rambha does, O radiant one. Tell me truly, O fortunate one, whose beloved is this youthful woman? She appears as a royal wife, not a sage’s spouse, O twice-born." Dhaumya replied, "She is Draupadi, beloved wife of the Pāṇḍavas, blessed with auspicious marks, O king of Sindhu. The Panchali resides here in this noble hermitage." Jayadratha then inquired, "Where have the five renowned Pāṇḍavas gone now? Do those mighty heroes dwell here in the forest, free from sorrow?" Dhaumya answered, "The five Pāṇḍavas have gone hunting, riding in their chariots. They will return at midday, bringing game, O king." Upon hearing this, Jayadratha rose and approached Draupadi, coming near to speak with her. He asked, "Are you well, O beautiful one? Where have your husbands gone? Eleven years have passed in the forest, it is said." Draupadi replied, "May you be blessed, prince. Rest near the hermitage, for the Pāṇḍavas will return shortly." But as she spoke, the king, overcome by desire, seized Draupadi, disregarding the eminent sages. It is said by the wise that one should never place trust in anyone; those who do so suffer, as shown by the example of Bali. The illustrious son of Virocana, Dharmishtha, steadfast in truth, performer of sacrifices, generous giver, refuge, and esteemed by the virtuous—never engaged in unrighteousness anywhere, grandson of Prahlada, he performed ninety-nine sacrifices with proper gifts. Always of sattvic nature, Vishnu is worshipped even by yogis; though changeless, the Lord acts for the fulfillment of the gods' purposes. From Kaśyapa was born Viṣṇu, the deceptive dwarf Vāmana, who seized the kingdom and the earth, along with its oceans, by trickery. At that time, Bali, son of Virocana, was a king who spoke truthfully; yet Viṣṇu acted deceitfully for Indra’s sake, as I have heard. If such a thing was done by the embodiment of virtue, assuming the form of Vāmana and seeking to obtain the sacrificial offering, why would another not act likewise? Therefore, one should never place trust in anyone; if greed arises in the mind, O master, what terrible fear is caused by evil deeds! Those overcome by greed indeed commit sinful acts; O sage, there is never any fear of the next world for anyone. Men whose minds are afflicted by greed fall thoroughly—by thought, action, and speech—seeking to appropriate others’ wealth. Men constantly worship the gods, desiring wealth; but the gods, having done their part, are not able to grant it directly. Another’s wealth is taken and given as desired—by trade, by charity, by theft, or even by force. A merchant, taking much grain, cloth, and other goods for the purpose of selling, worships the gods, thinking, "May I obtain great prosperity." In trade, what is there but desire for another’s wealth? When the time comes to acquire, he even longs for a high price. Thus, O Brahman, all creatures are always intent on appropriating others’ property; what kind of trust can there be again? Pilgrimage is in vain, charity is in vain, and study is in vain; for those enveloped in greed and delusion, what is done becomes undone.