In that moment, the sage spoke of the dangers that arise when ignorant men, lacking true understanding of the scriptures, use false logic and fanciful stories to mislead others. He warned that clever people often present what is untrue as true, much like skilled painters who create illusions of depth and height upon a flat surface. He lamented that, in general, once people have achieved their purpose, they forget their benefactors—just as a calf, having exhausted its mother’s milk, abandons her. The sage observed that he saw no one in the world who truly repaid a favor; once a person’s aim is fulfilled, their mind turns elsewhere. In earlier times, sages, gods, demons, and men would make oaths to accomplish their goals, but now such oaths are disregarded. Even when someone swears truthfully before gods, fire, or a guru, King Yama, lord of death, cuts away half of their merit. Therefore, he advised, let not your mind be deceived by such oaths; everything has been revealed, so act as you wish. Nanda acknowledged the wisdom of the sage, saying, “So it is, O great sage! Who can deceive you? Those who attempt to deceive others only deceive themselves.” Then the tiger spoke gently to the cow: “O cow, go and see your calf, you who are so fond of your child. Let him suckle your udder and lick him on the head. See your mother, brother, friends, and relatives, and place truth foremost—then return quickly.” Having taken the oath, the truthful cow was permitted by the lord of beasts to depart. Filled with love for her calf, she left. Her face was streaked with tears, wretched, trembling, and greatly distressed; she let out a deep lowing, as if fallen into an ocean of sorrow. Like an elephant caught by the foot in a muddy pit, unable to save herself, she lamented again and again. She reached the cow-pen on the bank of the golden river. Hearing her calf’s cries, she ran straight toward him. As she approached, her child, whose eyes were filled with tears, anxiously questioned her: “I do not see you at ease today, nor do I perceive any steadiness in you. Your gaze is anxious, and you appear very frightened.” Nanda replied, “Drink, my son, the nourishing milk. If you ask the reason for my distress, I am unable to tell you. Satisfy yourself as you wish. But, my son, this is your last and rare chance to see your mother. After drinking today, in the morning, whose milk will you drink? I must leave you, for I am bound by oaths. I must give my own life to the hungry and thirsty tiger.” Hearing these words, the calf spoke: “Mother, I will go wherever you wish to go. It would be praiseworthy for me to die with you, without doubt. Even alone, suffering, I would have to die without you. If the tiger kills me along with you in the forest, surely I will attain the destiny reserved for those devoted to their mothers. Therefore, I will certainly go with you, without doubt. Or else, mother, you stay; let those oaths be mine instead. What is the use of life for one separated from his mother? In the forest, who will be my protector, always orphaned? There is no relative like a mother for young ones who live on milk. There is no protector like a mother, no refuge like a mother. There is no affection like a mother’s, no face like a mother’s. There is no god like a mother in this world or the next. Thus, this is the supreme duty established by the Lord of Creatures: those sons who remain always with their mothers attain the highest state.” Nanda said, “My death alone is ordained; you, my son, will not go. The death of one living being does not occur by the death meant for another. This is your last and highest message from your mother, my son. Remain here, following my words; later, serve me again. Whether in water or on land, do not be careless, my child. All beings perish from carelessness, without doubt. And never, out of greed, should you reach for grass in a dangerous place. From greed comes destruction for all, in this world and the next. Deluded by greed, people enter the ocean or the forest. Even a wise person may commit terrible acts out of greed. From greed, carelessness, and overconfidence, destruction comes to people. Therefore, one should not be greedy, careless, or overly trusting. One must always protect oneself, my son, with effort—from all wild beasts, and from the dangers of foreigners, thieves, and the like. Even when animals, those of sinful birth, dwell together, their minds are known to be contrary, my child. “You should not place trust in those with claws, in rivers, in those with horns, in those who bear weapons, in women, or in servants. Do not trust one who is untrustworthy, nor trust excessively one who is trustworthy; fear arises from trust, and it can cut even the roots. One should not trust even one’s own body, though strong, when the mind is fearful; people reveal secrets when asleep, intoxicated, or careless. Scent should always be carefully examined everywhere; cows perceive by scent, and kings by the eyes of their spies. No one should remain alone in a dreadful forest; one should contemplate only righteousness, and you should not be disturbed, for death is certain for all.” With these words, Nanda imparted her wisdom and love, preparing her calf for the trials ahead, even as sorrow filled their hearts.