Having resolved firmly within his mind, the merchant set his heart on pursuing the life of trade. With determination, he purchased excellent goods, including fine wares brought from the northern regions. Carefully weighing profit and loss, he acquired precious gems, noble horses, costly cloth, and all manner of suitable merchandise. Once, as the caravan journeyed, they prepared to rest. On the bank of a river, in a beautiful spot, they established their dwellings. Surrounded by a few loyal servants, the merchant would instruct them on what needed to be done. While wandering in the area for amusement, he discovered an excellent place adorned with fruit-laden trees and fragrant flowers. Climbing up, he gazed as far as his sight could reach, toward the entrance of a cave. Even after hearing the origin of a sound from within, he wondered with certainty, “What is this?” Then, 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 give you special honor. Surely, the householder whose parents reside in hell—if a guest, whose hopes are broken, leaves the house—therefore, by every effort, the householder must honor the guest.” Such auspicious words, full of righteousness, were spoken by the merchant. He then addressed the being within: “Who are you, O sage, knower of ancient lore? Are you a god or a secret being? Tell me the truth. You are enthusiastic and fond of guests.” Thus addressed, the parrot revealed all that he had done in the past. Whatever was disagreeable to the parrot was also so for the great sage engaged in austerity. This great parrot, the son of Vyasa, had performed intense austerities. At that time, many sages arrived there: Asita and Devala, Aṅgirās, Taittirīya, Raibhya, Kāṇva, Medhātithi, and Kṛta; Vāmadeva, Āśvaśirā, Triśīrṣa, Gautama, and Udara. They all approached Śuka and questioned him about the code of righteousness. The parrot continued, “Though devoted to faith, I strayed in childhood, even while following good conduct before all. My teacher constantly forbade me, as I spoke unjustly. Both preliminary arguments and established conclusions, each seeking to overcome the other—thus, I was restrained by my teacher and the eminent sages. Out of anger, Śuka pronounced this curse upon me: ‘This boy is a mere prattler.’ As soon as these words were spoken, I became Śuka’s younger brother. The sages regarded that great soul Śuka as the foremost knower of the true meaning. In a future time, O good one, I shall grant a boon to this Śuka: he will always be devoted to the welfare of the good. After dying in Mathurā, he will go to the world of Brahmā. Constantly, without fatigue, he will utter ‘Mathurā’ and ‘Mathura’ aloud. I was captured by a Śabara, who kept me in a cage. Yet, by the sage’s grace, knowledge never abandons me at any time.” Thus, the merchant listened in wonder to the parrot’s tale, learning of his past, his connection to the sages, and the enduring power of wisdom and grace.