Just as seeds that have been burned will never sprout, no matter how much one tries, so too are actions that are selflessly offered to the Lord of the universe—they do not bear fruit, for they are free of desire. The dissolution of actions that bring pleasure and pain is liberation, while their arising is bondage; thus have the scriptures declared. Therefore, resolved to follow the Vedic path without seeking any reward, I shall wander among sacred places, keeping devotion to Hari ever in my heart. I will patiently endure the actions already set in motion, and restrain others, seeking to cure the world’s disease by partaking in the company of the virtuous. In this way, by drinking the medicine of good company, I will strive for freedom. Śivaśarman continued: When my father spoke these wise words, I, Viṣṇuśarman, addressed him. Listen now to what transpired. The merchant’s son, reflecting on a certain person, thought: “He is hard to please and will not speak of my virtues. Fleeing from a wicked family, he has left and gone away.” Turning to his dear companion, he said, “This is the river born of Viṣṇu, purifier of the three worlds. It is said that she removes sin from afar—why would you abandon her?” He continued, “Even a sinner who dies in Magadha, if he dies in the waters of the Gaṅgā, ascends to heaven, leaving behind his faults. Remember the sixty thousand sons of the mighty Sagara: burned by the wrath of Kapila, yet by her touch, they attained heaven. This river, foremost among the celestial, grants even liberation and is served by all who seek release—do not turn away from her, O dear one. Do not disregard the Gaṅgā, revered by the gods and so close at hand; if you desire, she will grant what her worshippers seek. Even animals, without any knowledge, if they die in her waters, become Brahman—how, then, can you abandon her?” Śivaśarman said: Hearing these words, my truth-loving father turned away from all worldly matters and remained in the house. Three times each day, he bathed in the sacred Gaṅgā; and wherever the Purāṇa was being recited in our home, he would always go to listen. One day, he heard of the greatness of the Yamunā’s holy place and learned of its glory. From Avimukta, Haridvāra, Prayāga, Puṣkara, Ayodhyā, Dvārakā, Kāñcī, Mathurā, and other sacred sites, he heard that the merit of this place, containing the essence of all sacred waters, was said by my learned brother to be a hundred times greater. Moved by this, my father quietly left our home, unnoticed by all, and journeyed to that holy place. There, he became a devoted servant at the feet of Govinda, just as we are. Upon arrival, yearning for liberation, he performed ritual baths at the Tirtha that awakens the Vedas, three times a day. He stayed there for several months, dwelling at this most excellent of holy places. Wise and free of desire, he continued his duties in a simple dwelling. But one day, he was suddenly struck by a most terrible fever. Afflicted by great pain, he lost consciousness and for a time lay senseless. When his life returned, he reflected on his plight: “Alas, I have fallen into distress, and my righteous son is far away. He, wise as he is, would comfort me as my body burns with fever; but I have committed the grave sin of going where I should not. I have not performed atonement for that; perhaps there will be no good destination for me. My son will come, and to him I will give my wealth. What I have kept hidden at home, what I have not yet seen—these too I will give.” As my father pondered thus, a traveler, drenched and shivering from the rain, entered the dwelling. Seeing my father lying there, the traveler drew near. Realizing he was a sage, the traveler bowed respectfully and said, “O sage, why do you sleep? The twilight hour has arrived. The sun is setting; this is not the time for sleep.” Hearing these words, my father, though burning with fever, managed to speak. “My friend, listen to what I have to say, for by your good fortune, you may act accordingly. I am a merchant named Śarabha, and my home is in Kānyakubja. Though my wife, enemies, and sons forbade me, I came here, having heard from my son of the greatness of this holy place. Several months have passed since my arrival, and for three days now, I have suffered from fever. My life-breath left me and today has returned; truly, how much of my lifespan remains, O virtuous one?” “I have seen the house of Śamana and have returned again; by some stroke of fortune, you have come to me. Friend, take me to my house, and I will give you much wealth. Show me compassion, O ocean of mercy, and I will reward you when we reach my home. Or, if you wish, dig up a piece of land here and take my wealth.” Śivaśarman continued: Hearing this, the greedy villager, his mind set on gain, replied, “I will do as you have said.” He dug up the wealth from that spot and placed it before Śarabha. The traveler then said, “This wealth, O lord of men, has been taken by me from your land. Give it to me quickly, so I may fetch a palanquin for you. Placing you, who are afflicted with fever, upon it, I will take you to your home.