Just as the removal of sin was possible for one, so too, O noble soul, was it possible for another. After a period of deep reflection, the great-souled sage responded, “Indeed, this is fitting; the cessation of sins is truly beneficial.” He advised, “Go and ask those Brahmins, gentle one, who take joy in imparting knowledge: how can one achieve the removal of sin?” Troubled in his mind by this question, he pondered deeply. There lived a Rakshasa who, at every sixth interval, would devour a single living creature. One day, he came upon a student—a young Brahmachari—who survived only on fruits and had just arrived in that forest. The Rakshasa, despondent about his own life, yet speaking in a gentle tone, addressed the night-wandering demon, “Tell me, may blessings be upon you. Here I am—please instruct me. What is the fate of one who is destitute, exceedingly sinful, merciless, and hostile to Brahmins?” The student replied, “I will come to you today itself, after I offer these fruits to my teacher. My purpose here is to present the fruits I have gathered to my teacher. Once I have made this offering, I will return to you. Even a god, I believe, could be released from this sinful livelihood by such an act.” The Rakshasa said, “If you do as you say, I will indeed release you without doubt.” The student assured him, “I will do what is right, O Rakshasa, and will not violate my vow.” Reflecting on his own past, the Rakshasa admitted, “With an indiscriminate mind, I have always committed wicked deeds. Tell me, by what means, through the destruction of my sin, may I attain liberation? Having obtained this evil birth, tell me, O Brahmin, the way to be freed from it. If you do so, you will surely attain liberation from me, who is afflicted by hunger. At the sixth occasion, being cruel-hearted, I devour without mercy.” Hearing this, the student fell into great anxiety, unable to speak a word. He entered a state of supreme doubt regarding the giving of knowledge in such a fearful situation. In his heart, he prayed, “May the seven-flamed fire protect me, whether or not I have observed my vows well. I always understand the gods; thus, may the fire protect me. I disregard him; may the fire protect me by truth.” At that moment, by the command of Saptarci, Sarasvati herself manifested. She comforted him, saying, “Do not fear, O daughter of the twice-born; I shall deliver you from this distress. I will tell you everything; then you will attain liberation.” Having become invisible, the Brahmin spoke to the night-wanderer, “That which purifies from all sins and brings an increase of merit—listen well. It is always to be recited, for those who recite it gain strength and peace.” He then offered his salutations: “I bow to the Lord of the universe; may he remove my sin. I bow to the supreme God; may he remove my sin. I bow to the consort of Lakshmi; may he remove my sin. I bow to him who is praised by the praiseworthy; may he remove my sin. I bow to the supporter of the earth; may he remove my sin. I bow to the mighty-armed one; may he remove my sin. I bow to the beloved of Sri; may he remove my sin. I have taken refuge in Vasudeva, who is beyond description.” Thus, the way to liberation and the removal of sin was revealed, bringing hope and peace to both the seeker and the afflicted.