He steadied his mind, entering deep concentration. Upon his head shone a beautiful crown, marked with the sign of the moon. Like the rising sun visible to all the gods—Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Kinnaras, and many others—he beheld the place where Rudra, the embodiment of the three Vedas, radiated his splendor. With reverence, he bowed before that matted-haired Lord and offered his praise. He saw the sun and fire, astride a tawny steed; he beheld the great sage, pure and composed of Brahman. There stood the golden-wombed Lord, the three-eyed one. Again and again, he bowed, seeking refuge in him, declaring, “I offer obeisance, for there is nothing else.” He recognized that limitless Brahman as the Lord’s true nature and sought refuge in the self-born one, bowing to the one who transcends even Brahman itself. He acknowledged vast Time as the Lord’s essence and sought shelter with the wielder of the Pinaka bow. Overwhelmed by devotion, he fell prostrate upon the ground, uttering the supreme syllable Om. He beheld knowledge, bliss, and non-duality blazing forth, like millions of fires at the end of time. In that moment, he merged into the pure linga, which became wondrous to behold. None could fathom this mystery; even the learned were bewildered, lost in darkness. Yet a devotee, purified from sin, could attain closeness to Rudra. At dawn, midday, and evening, such a one achieved the highest yoga. “We shall always behold the god and worship the wielder of the trident,” they declared. With a mind disciplined and focused, he dwelt there, worshipping the matted-haired Lord. After many years had passed, the Lord went to visit the ruler of the middle regions. Upon seeing a river with pure, sparkling water, the sage was filled with delight. With a mind purified by devotion, he performed his ritual bath, perfectly observing the prescribed rites. He worshipped Bhava, the origin of all worlds, offering many kinds of flowers, and honored Madhyameśvara, the Lord and wielder of the trident. People gathered there to see Rudra, Lord Madhyameśvara. Among them were ascetics—some with matted hair, others with shaven heads—all wearing sacred white threads. They were devoted to celibacy, peaceful, and intent on realizing the knowledge of Vedānta. Having completed their worship as prescribed, they spoke together. Paila and the other disciples addressed those sages who were absorbed in Brahman. Vyāsa himself was present—Hṛṣīkeśa, the one who divided the Vedas. By a portion of himself, the Lord had become a son named Śuka, who, having sought refuge with supreme devotion, attained divine knowledge. With undistracted minds, they bowed and addressed the son of Satyavatī, saying, “That which is the supreme Maheśvara, the grace of the God of gods—may we quickly see that God, having heard of him from the mouth of the Blessed One.