Rama, listen closely to the ancient wisdom: the mind and the world are forever intertwined, inseparable in their essence. When the mind is agitated, the world reflects that disturbance; yet, the world’s turmoil does not always unsettle the mind. This profound truth invites contemplation, for the vast manifestation of the universe arises clearly within the mind. Just as the realms of gods, sages, and even the departed are firmly established within the mind, so too is this world rooted there. Consider, O sinless one, vivid analogies: as the king of salt, bewildered by illusion, became an outcaste, so is the world established in the mind; as Bhargava, driven by longing for heavenly pleasures, attained lordship over all enjoyments, so too is the world’s existence founded within the mind. But how, you may wonder, did the son of Bhrigu, captivated by desire for celestial delights, become bound in worldly existence and mastery over enjoyment? Hear, then, the ancient tale of the conversation between sage Bhrigu and Kālaya upon the flower-laden slopes of Mount Mandara, thickly shaded by tamāla trees. Long ago, there, the venerable Bhrigu performed severe austerities, immersed in deep meditation. His radiant son Śukra, wise and youthful, shone with brilliance like the full moon, ever attentive to his father as light attends the sun. Bhrigu remained absorbed in samādhi, unmoving at all times, as steadfast as a stone resting upon the forest floor. Meanwhile, Śukra, still a boy, played contentedly on beds of flowers, upon shining white lotuses, and on swings hung from coral trees. Not yet having attained the highest realization, Śukra wandered between knowledge and ignorance, like Triśaṅku suspended in mid-air. One day, while Bhrigu was deep in nirvikalpa samādhi, Śukra found himself alone, undisturbed, like a king who has conquered his enemies. At that moment, he saw an apsaras passing through the sky, as Janārdana might behold Lakṣmī emerging from the milk ocean. She wore a garland of mandāra flowers, her hair stirred gently by the breeze, her anklets tinkling melodiously, and the air around her fragrant. She moved like a creeper at the foot of the tree of beauty, her eyes rolling with intoxication, her moon-like radiance making the place nectar-like. Upon seeing this lovely celestial maiden, Śukra’s mind became lively and restless, as when the full moon is reflected in the ocean’s waters. Struck in his heart by a hundred arrows of love, he restrained his mind and thoughts, dissolving all other activities, and became entirely absorbed in the vision of the apsaras. As Śukra’s mind soared, he realized: “This woman is indeed in the sky, in the abode of the thousand-eyed Indra; I have now reached heaven, adorned with delightful celestial maidens.” He beheld the gods, beautiful with mandāra flowers in their hair, their bodies shining like molten gold. He saw charming women whose glances showered blue lotuses, innocent and radiant with smiles, lovely, with deer-like eyes. The winds shone with the brilliance of the Kaustubha gem, reflecting one another, their forms dazzling and intoxicated. He heard sweet songs sung by celestial beings, melodies that even bees, indifferent to the fragrance of Airāvata’s trunk, delighted in. He saw the divine maiden resting in gardens along the banks of Mandākinī, wandering among golden lotuses and Brahmā’s swans. The guardians of the worlds—Yama, the moon, Indra, the sun, wind, water, and fire—shone with radiant, blazing flames. He witnessed Airāvata, whose face bore marks from the weapons of mighty gods, and whose tusks had pierced the circle of demon kings. Those who once dwelled on earth now appeared as stars in the sky—celestial beings adorned with garlands, fans, and earrings, beautiful and moving. Rows of aerial palaces, jeweled temples, and golden canopies gleamed in the heavens. He saw gods scattered by the spray from Mount Meru’s slopes, waves of Ganges water filled with mandāra flowers. The avenues in Indra’s gardens swayed with groups of apsaras, colored by clusters of mandāra buds. Breezes fragrant with the nectar of kunda and coral tree blossoms drifted, resembling moonbeams. The Nandana grove overflowed with flowering creepers, eager with the mist of pollen. Nārada and Tumburu played their lutes, resonant with sweet notes, delighting the celestial maidens who danced in joy. Doers of merit, adorned with ornaments, happily resided in aerial chariots soaring through the sky. Celestial women, intoxicated with pride and passion, attended the lord of the gods, like forest vines clinging to trees. Wish-fulfilling trees bore flowers woven with moonbeams, clusters of gems, and branches heavy with ripe jewels. Śukra resolved to respectfully greet Indra, seated upon his throne, as one would honor a second lord of the gods. With this thought, Śukra greeted the lord of Śacī and was respectfully received, like a second Bhṛgu. Indra rose, honored Śukra, took him by the hand, and seated him close by. Indra spoke: “Blessed is this heaven today, Śukra, made splendid by your arrival. Please remain here for a long time.” Thus, Rama, the story reveals the power of the mind, its capacity to manifest worlds, and how Śukra, through desire and vision, entered the realm of the gods, experiencing all its wonders and honors.