Sudhana, the virtuous merchant, stood before the fearsome Brahma-rākṣasa, his heart steadfast in devotion to Nārāyaṇa. He pleaded, “O rākṣasa, do not break my vow—for it is dedicated to Nārāyaṇa.” The Brahma-rākṣasa, tormented by hunger, listened to Sudhana’s words and responded, “You speak falsely, good man. How will you return again?” Sudhana replied calmly, his resolve unwavering. “The sages who have mastered the Vedas attain success through truth. A human state is obtained by the prescribed inner self. Having kept vigil there, one dances as one pleases. A maiden is given in marriage through truth; Brahmins speak truthfully. They desire heaven through truth; liberation is attained by truth. Yama takes by truth; Indra shines by truth.” He continued, “Whoever approaches another’s wife, afflicted by lust and delusion, I am stained by his sin if I do not come before you. And whoever, after giving land as a gift, commits harm, having first enjoyed a woman, and having attained pleasure and sport; whoever causes a breach in the dining line among those eating in a single row; on the new moon, after performing a great protective śrāddha, he goes to a woman. The eighth and the new moon, both sides’ fourteenth day—of the teacher, brother, son, friend, and maternal uncle—if a dull-minded person approaches them, then their sin becomes mine. I am stained by his sin if I do not come again. By that sin I am stained if I do not come again. By their sin I am stained if I do not come again.” Hearing these words, the Brahmarakshasa was pleased and said, “I will take that path which leads to liberation, if I do not return again.” He spoke sweetly, “Go quickly, salutations to you!” Sudhana’s devotion shone bright. Again, he stood before Nārāyaṇa and danced, uttering again and again, “Salutations to Narayana.” Having seen the Lord in divine form, Sudhana departed for the city of Mathura. O Devi, the Lord asked him, “Where are you hastening to?” Sudhana answered, “I am going quickly to the presence of the Brahmarakshasa. While alive, one gains the greatness of dharma; after death, how can there be dharma or fame? O highly fortunate one, I have come after dancing as I pleased. I have come from the night vigil for Hari, for Vishnu, the Lord of the worlds—either according to proper rule, or as you desire. By that truth, O terrible Brahmarakshasa, consume me.” Then the Brahmarakshasa spoke sweet words to Sudhana: “You are a merchant, and very wise; such is the path you have attained. By the power of truth and virtue, may I attain liberation; I will not take the merit of your dance as food for a man. Whether half, or the whole, or even half of a watch of time, O best of merchants, give me the merit of a single dance; I will not give you merit as stated—act accordingly.” Sudhana then asked, “By what fault in action did you attain the state of a Rakshasa?” Hearing Sudhana’s words, the Rakshasa laughed and began to speak.