When the recitation was complete, the Brahmin beheld the night-dweller before him. Moved by compassion at the sight, he offered words of comfort to the troubled being. Wishing to realize his own true nature, the Brahmin protected the earth itself with the power of his energy. The night-dweller, filled with distress over his own actions, addressed the Brahmin: “Be gracious to me. I have committed the destruction of innocent and small beings. Please, for the removal of my sin, instruct me in righteousness.” Hearing these words from the rakshasa, the foremost among Brahmins felt a sudden urge to inquire about the true path of righteousness. The night-dweller continued, “O Brahmin, through your association, supreme dispassion has arisen in me. By the company of such as you, one attains this highest detachment. As I seek the removal of my own sins, noble one, please instruct me so that I may be freed of them as well.” The great-souled sage, after long reflection, replied, “Indeed, it is fitting to seek the cessation of sins; such an aim is truly beneficial. Seek out those Brahmins who delight in teaching and ask them how the removal of sin may be achieved.” Troubled in his senses and pondering deeply, the night-dweller continued his habitual ways: at every sixth interval, he would devour a single creature. On one such occasion, he encountered a student who lived only on fruits and had just arrived. The student, despairing for his life, nonetheless addressed the night-dweller gently: “Tell me what you wish, and may blessings be upon you. Here I am; instruct me. Even one who is destitute, exceedingly sinful, merciless, and hostile to Brahmins may yet find a way.” The student then said, “I will come to you today itself, after I have offered these fruits to my teacher. My purpose here is to present the fruits I have gathered as an offering. Once I have fulfilled this duty, I will return.” Hearing this, the night-dweller replied, “I believe that even a god could be released from such a sinful livelihood as mine. If you do as you say, I will certainly release you.” The student promised, “I will do as you ask, O Rakshasa, but only in a way that does not violate my vow.” The night-dweller confessed, “With an indiscriminate mind, I have always committed wicked deeds. Tell me, by what means, through the destruction of my sins, may I attain liberation? Having obtained this evil birth, O Brahmin, show me the way to be freed from it. If you do, you will surely attain liberation from me, who am afflicted by hunger. On the sixth occasion, if I am not freed, I will devour without mercy.” These words brought great anxiety to the student, leaving him speechless. He fell into deep doubt about whether he should impart knowledge in such circumstances. In his mind, he prayed, “May the seven-flamed fire protect me, whether or not I have well observed my vows. I always understand the gods; thus, may the fire protect me. I disregard the night-dweller, yet may the fire protect me by truth.” At that moment, by the command of Saptarci, the goddess Sarasvati manifested herself. She spoke, “Do not fear, O daughter of the twice-born; I will deliver you from distress. I will tell you all you need to know, and you will attain liberation.” Having become invisible, the Brahmin then spoke to the night-wanderer, ready to guide him further.