He was a man devoted to the welfare of all beings—peaceful in his ways, grateful for all he had, and renowned among people. His wife, in turn, was the very embodiment of devotion to her husband, regarding him as her very life. Upright and steadfast in truth, she lived with unwavering fidelity, O sage. Together, they honored their lineage, mindful of their heritage and good fortune. Truthfulness marked their speech, and righteousness guided their every act. Their generosity was boundless: they constructed countless ponds, gardens, and groves, enriching the land and bringing joy to all. She herself was a woman of great charm and contentment. She danced with delight, singing sweetly for all to hear. It was her custom to raise a beautiful, expansive banner, a sight that inspired all who beheld it. So exceptional was her mind and intellect that even the gods themselves offered her their praise. In time, the sage Vibhāṇḍaka arrived, eager to witness these wonders, accompanied by many disciples. The man, along with his devoted wife and a great multitude of subjects, went forth to greet the illustrious sage. Seated humbly upon a low seat, the man joined his palms and addressed Vibhāṇḍaka with reverence. He spoke of the joy that arises from the gathering of the virtuous, a happiness so profound it brings delight even to the gods. The wise, he said, declare that from such assemblies spring forth energy, fame, wealth, and sons. Wherever the good perform great acts of compassion, O lord, it is as though one has bathed in all sacred waters—one’s soul is purified beyond doubt. With great humility, he entreated the sage: “Command me, O foremost of Brahmins—what may I do to please you?” Vibhāṇḍaka, exceedingly delighted, touched him with affection and spoke warmly. He declared that humility and respect bring many blessings in this world, and that through humility alone, even what is difficult for great souls to attain may be achieved by mortals. “May well-being always be yours,” the sage said. “Now speak to me of what I am about to ask. Among your people, you are always ready to raise the banner. For what reason does this event take place? You ought to tell it as it truly is. The deeds of both of us here are indeed a wonder to the worlds.” Then, with honesty, the man revealed his past: “I was once always devoted to wicked conduct, delighting in the harm of all beings—a killer of cows, a slayer of Brahmins, a thief intent on the destruction of all living beings. Thus situated, O great seer, for how long did I remain without being struck down? Always I ate the flesh of animals and robbed travelers as well. “Once, exhausted by hunger, scorched by the summer, and tormented by thirst, I came upon a great lake filled with swans and waterfowl. There I drank the cool water, and upon its bank, my fatigue left me. In that ruined abode of Vishnu, I made a shelter for myself. With leaves, grass, and pieces of wood, I properly constructed a hut. There, living as a hunter, I killed many kinds of animals. “Then she arrived—that virtuous woman, born in the region of the Vindhyas. Abandoned by her relatives and afflicted by suffering, her body worn and aged, she came wandering alone in the desolate forest, driven by the will of fate. Seeing her tormented by sorrow, great compassion arose in me. O Brahmin, when she was weary from wandering, I questioned her as follows. “She told me, ‘I am not a cuckoo, but born in the family of hunters. I always stole the wealth of others and constantly spoke maliciously. For some time, I was maintained by my husband, though condemned by the world.