As the discourse unfolded, a profound and supreme curiosity arose in the listener’s heart. Eager to know more, the listener wondered aloud: What merit is gained by dancing, or what is the fruit of remaining awake in devotion? What blessings come from sweeping, smearing, or offering fragrance and flowers? Or from any other act—be it recitation, sacrifice, or similar deeds? Moved by this yearning for righteousness, the speaker addressed Earth herself with sweet and gentle words: “Listen, beautiful one, to the truth of what you ask. I shall reveal everything—all the meritorious deeds that bring happiness.” He then began to tell a story. Once, after consuming many things, a certain being was afflicted by severe indigestion, O Earth. At that place, some children arrived, and while playing, they found the dead body of a bird—a wagtail. Each of the children cried out, “This is mine! This is mine!” and they struggled with one another to claim it. Finally, one child seized the bird and threw it into the sacred waters of the Ganga. Thus, the bird was carried away by the holy river. By the merit of this act, that soul was reborn in the house of a merchant who had performed many sacrifices. In this new life, he became wise, pure, and devoted to me, O Earth. One day, seeing his parents seated together, the virtuous boy approached them. Bowing low with his head to the ground and joining his palms in reverence, he made a heartfelt request: “May I not be restrained in any way by my father or mother.” Hearing these words, the couple was filled with joy. They replied, “Whatever you say, dear child, whatever is in your heart, let it be so. There are thirty thousand cows here, all yielding auspicious milk. I will tell you something else for your sake, my son: do as is proper—let wealth be given to friends. There are beautiful maidens of good family and of your own caste. If you wish, dear son, to perform further sacrifices, you may do so. We have eight hundred ploughs, each with a pair of oxen. As long as you wish to satisfy the twice-born with food, fulfilling their hunger, all is yours to command.” Hearing these words of his father and mother, the boy, righteous at heart, replied, “I have no concern with giving cows, nor do I worry about friends. I do not desire trade, nor agriculture or tending cattle. There is only one supreme thought for me: my wish is to pursue austerity.” Hearing their son’s resolve, both parents, devoted to their duties, addressed him further: “Now, twelve years have passed since your birth, dear son. When you attain that age, you may consider what is truly auspicious for you. But what is this thought, child, regarding the journey to the boar?” His mother added, “You still call me ‘mother’ today; how have you considered this? No offense arises, son, even in the homes of fields. Even when angry, for the sake of fear, a stick may be taken up.” Hearing his mother’s words, the delight of the merchant family replied with humility and warmth: “I have dwelt in these limbs, having arisen in your womb as an embryo. These two breasts I have indeed suckled, gently and playfully. Mother, please show compassion to me, as is fitting.” Thus, the story unfolded—a tale of curiosity, merit, rebirth, devotion, and the tender bonds between parent and child, all illuminated by the pursuit of righteousness.