The mind of the king, once gripped by envy, slipped into turmoil, and along with others, he was overcome by the Haihayas, Tāla-jaṅghas, and other adversaries. In the aftermath of defeat, the king came upon a great lake, and its sight brought him supreme satisfaction. Nearby, a remarkable event unfolded: all the birds suffering from disease sought refuge, hiding themselves—a great wonder to behold. Swiftly, the birds entered the sanctuary around the lake, declaring, “Let us dwell here.” They drank the pleasant water and took shelter at the root of a tree, seeking solace. Meanwhile, the people, counting faults and misfortunes, exclaimed, “Fie! Fie!” and departed, for even those blessed with prosperity are often criticized for their shortcomings. Yet, those who remained found supreme contentment, as if relieved from the fever of suffering. In time, actions and worldly fame were destroyed, and it was understood that no sin equals slander, nor any delusion matches intoxication. There is no snare as binding as attachment, nor any poison as potent as harmful association. With the afflictions of old age weighing upon his body and mind, the noble sage grew aged. Eventually, disease consumed his arm, and he passed away. His devoted wife mourned deeply, lamenting in many ways for a long time. Resolving in her heart to follow him, she placed his body upon the funeral pyre and began the rites herself. Through supreme meditation, the noble sage perceived all that was happening. Great souls, free from envy, see with the eye of knowledge, and so it was that the virtuous woman arrived where her beloved Bāhu was present. The sage, rooted in righteousness, spoke gently to her: “Within your womb abides a universal monarch, a slayer of enemies.” Yet, a woman in her period, mounting the pyre with the king’s son, is seized by anxious thoughts. There is no expiation for a hypocrite, a reviler, or one who destroys the unborn; nor is there forgiveness for a betrayer of trust. But, O virtuous one, all this sorrow will surely find peace. Overwhelmed by intense grief, she wailed and embraced her husband’s feet. The sage comforted her, saying, “Do not weep, O queen; you will attain supreme prosperity. Abandon grief and perform the actions appropriate for this time. Whether one is wicked or virtuous, death comes to all alike. Misery is excessive, whether in the city or elsewhere. I see fate alone as the cause; all are bound by its conditions. O lotus-faced one, all creatures must submit to the sway of death. The ignorant spread rumors, relying only on superficial causes. Perform your husband’s duties with discernment and remain steadfast. Bound by karma, happiness in this world is but a semblance, filled with much suffering.” Freed from sorrow, the slender woman bowed and spoke to the great sage: “Trees do not bear fruit on earth merely for enjoyment. That very Viṣṇu, established in purity, abides where righteousness is upheld. That Hari, lord of the worlds, has assumed the form of a man. The sages indeed say he exists for the removal of all suffering.