He was a man of great diligence, ensuring that all activities in his domain were properly arranged and carried out. With devotion, he had a splendid temple built in honor of Hari, designed with five distinct shrines. His attention extended beyond spiritual matters: he introduced the practice of drawing water from wells to irrigate the gardens, ensuring their constant vitality. Rituals such as bathing, worship, cleaning, and the lighting of lamps were all performed with the same care and regularity. His four sisters, each devoted to her husband, were blessed with great fortune. In the gardens, the garland-maker would regularly sprinkle water upon the trees, nurturing them so that they flourished with abundant flowers and fruits. All the bounty that was produced was freely given and enjoyed by everyone, in a manner reminiscent of the generosity found in Indra’s realm. Yet, as he continued to give generously, his own wealth began to dwindle day by day. He was mindful of his responsibilities, needing to provide food for his parents and family. Resolving to secure their well-being, he firmly set his heart on becoming a merchant. He traveled to distant places, purchasing excellent goods, including those from the northern regions, always weighing profit and loss with discernment. He acquired precious gems, fine horses, costly cloth, and other suitable wares. On one occasion, as his caravan prepared to rest, they stopped on the bank of a river in a beautiful spot and set up their dwellings. Surrounded by a few loyal servants, he gave instructions for their tasks. As he wandered the area for amusement, he discovered a particularly delightful place, filled with fruit-bearing trees and fragrant flowers. Climbing up, he gazed as far as his eyes could see toward the entrance of a cave. Hearing a curious sound from there, he wondered with certainty about its origin, pondering, “What is this?” He called out, “Come here, O guest; I will offer you hospitality. Here are sweet fruits, honey, meat, and water. When my parents arrive, they will honor you especially. A householder whose parents reside in hell surely suffers; and if a guest, whose hopes are dashed, leaves the house disappointed, it brings misfortune. Therefore, by every effort, the householder must honor the guest.” Thus, he spoke auspicious words, well-versed in righteousness. He then inquired, “Who are you, O sage, knower of ancient lore? Are you a god or a secret being? Tell me the truth. You appear enthusiastic and fond of guests.” Thus addressed, the parrot revealed everything he had done in the past. Whatever was disagreeable to the parrot was equally so for the great sage engaged in austerity. This great parrot, the son of Vyasa, had performed intense austerities. In time, renowned sages arrived there: Asita and Devala, followed by Aṅgirās, Taittirīya, Raibhya, Kāṇva, Medhātithi, and Kṛta, as well as Vāmadeva, Āśvaśirā, Triśīrṣa, Gautama, and Udara. All of them approached Śuka and questioned him about the code of righteousness. Śuka, reflecting on his own journey, admitted, “Though devoted to faith, I strayed in childhood, even while maintaining good conduct before others. My teacher constantly forbade me, as I would sometimes speak unjustly. I have engaged in both preliminary arguments and established conclusions, each striving to overcome the other.