The father, with wisdom and affection, addressed his son: “Act as is proper, dear one—let wealth be given to friends, for generosity is fitting. There are noble maidens of good family and your own caste, and if you desire, you may perform further sacrifices in the future. We possess eight hundred ploughs, each with a pair of strong oxen, and as long as you wish to honor the twice-born with food and satisfy their hunger, you may do so.” Hearing these words from both his father and mother, the boy, whose heart was steadfast in righteousness, replied with gentle resolve: “I have no concern for the giving of cows, nor do I feel any worry about friends. I do not seek trade, nor am I drawn to agriculture or tending cattle. There is but one supreme thought in my mind: my only wish is to pursue austerity.” Upon hearing their son’s words, both parents—devoted to their duties—spoke again. “It has been twelve years since your birth, dear son. When you reach that age, you may consider for yourself what is truly auspicious. But tell us, child, what is this thought you have about journeying to the boar? Today you still call me ‘mother’—how have you come to consider this?” His mother reassured him, “There is no offense, son, even in the homes of those who till the fields. Even when anger arises, sometimes a stick is taken up, out of fear, but do not take it to heart.” Hearing these words from his mother, the delight of the merchant family reflected deeply. He said, “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 me compassion, as is fitting. Some souls come and go, others depart and yet others arrive. From where was one born, to whom is one truly bound—who is mother or father? Thousands of mothers and fathers, and hundreds of sons and wives have we all had. Reflecting on this, do not grieve at any time, O mother.” His father, hearing these words, wondered aloud, “Ah, indeed, what is this great secret? Let it be told, my son.” The boy then spoke sweetly to both his mother and his father. “Let this secret regarding the Saukarava be asked by both of you. When you reach the holy place of the Sun, whatever you wish to know, O father, you may ask. Having made my resolve, I will go now regarding the Saukarava.” With that, the lotus-eyed lord of the Ābhīras set out on his journey, accompanied by all his family and their wealth. They departed together, and on the thirteenth day of the month of Māgha, in the first half of the day, he began his journey. After some time, you brought Narayana. Having bathed, satisfied the ancestors, and adorned yourself with clothes and ornaments, you arrived at your destination. There, you met one named Bhangurasa, devoted to his duties. He gave you twenty cows of great value, and day after day, wealth and jewels were bestowed upon you. While you stayed there, the rainy season arrived. The kadamba trees blossomed, as did the kuṭaja and arjuna trees, filling the land with beauty and fragrance.