Within the resplendent palace, noble women sat gracefully upon couches by gentle windows, their seats adorned with fresh flowers scattered across the floor. Their eyes wandered with quiet curiosity, lingering on the sunlight that danced through intricately carved lattices and on the tawny fans, bright with embedded gems. Though their youthful spirits were lively, they sat in tranquil silence, white chāmaras resting in their hands. In the courtyard, pearls were scattered across the floor, catching the sun’s rays and reflecting them like a second moon. The bees, drawn by the light, mistook the shining pearls for drops of nectar and circled in confusion, much like a bee lost among clouds in the sky. Amid this serene beauty, those who had listened to the sacred teachings of Sage Vasiṣṭha spoke of them with wonder among the noble assembly. Their words were gentle, clear, and charming, each person smiling at the other, delighting in the virtues of the sage’s wisdom. From every direction—city, sky, and realms beyond—came a great gathering: kings, sages, siddhas, vidyādharas, noble monks, and distinguished brahmins. They entered in silence, their gestures full of reverence, accompanied by those whose words carried the weight of deep understanding. The air was alive with golden-dusted bees, intoxicated by the fragrance of half-open lotus buds, while the gentle sound of swinging bells echoed through the halls. The cool dew of the night had been drunk, leaving the morning fresh and clear. Above, clouds fragrant with sandalwood and incense drifted, perfumed further by the scent of fresh blossoms. Dust from scattered flowers clung to their folds, and the soft hum of bees filled the air. In this auspicious setting, King Daśaratha, his voice resonant as thunderclouds—deep, clear, and confident—addressed the chief of sages. “O venerable one,” he began, “by your wise discourse yesterday, have you been freed from the weariness that even surpasses the exhaustion of severe austerities?” He continued, “The words you spoke—joyful and distinct from all common speech—have refreshed us as if by a shower of nectar. Just as the moon’s nectar-like beams dispel darkness, so too do the pure words of the great cool the heart from within. Your teachings bestow unprecedented delight, filled with the highest meaning, and are like showers of nectar that remove the deepest delusion.” “Such a sage is to be revered as a tree of virtue, from whom arises a vine of speech—the sole lamp illuminating the jewel of the Self and the ultimate truth. The wise sayings of the virtuous wipe away all misdeeds and ill-fated actions, just as the cool rays of the moon dispel masses of darkness. Desires, greed, and other chains of worldly existence have become thin by your words, O sage, just as autumn disperses the clouds.” “We have begun to behold the stainless Self, our vision clarified by your teachings, like those born blind who, with eyes newly anointed, see gold for the first time. The mist of worldly tendencies in the sky of our hearts has begun to thin because of the autumn of your words. O sage, even the nectar that drips from the coral blossoms of the heavenly tree does not bring as much delight as the words of those with noble understanding.” “O Raghava, each day spent in the company of such great souls is truly illuminated; the rest are but blind days, dwelling in darkness. Rama, lotus-eyed one, eager to see the true nature of things, awaken once more the sage who abides in tranquility.” When the king had spoken thus, the noble-hearted sage Vasiṣṭha, facing Rama, addressed him with gentle words: “Raghava, sole moon of your lineage, wise one, do you remember the meaning of what I have previously explained, having considered it from all sides? Do you recall, O destroyer of foes, the distinctions among all the various creations according to the differences in the qualities of sattva and the others? Do you remember the ever-taught form of the divine, O Rama—the all, the not-all, the existent and the non-existent, the pure form of the supreme Self?” “Just as this universe has arisen from the Lord of the universe, the ruler of rulers—do you recall that, O noble one, who is the sole recipient of noble teachings? Do you truly remember, O wise one, that the form of ignorance is spread out, slight and fragile, infinite yet appearing finite? Do you recall well, O virtuous one, what was established—that the mind alone is the person, and nothing else—through the inquiry into salt and so forth?” “O Rama, have you thoroughly examined the meaning of all the statements, and has last night’s inquiry found its place in your heart? For what is repeatedly reflected upon and firmly established in the heart bears fruit abundantly; not so when it is neglected or treated carelessly. You are the vessel for pure and distinguished words, O bestower of honor; your heart is solitary and pure, like a bamboo for the liberated.” When this exchange had concluded, Rama addressed the sage, the son of the lotus-seated one, who possessed great power and knowledge. “O revered one, knower of all dharmas, it is solely through you that this has been revealed; I have attained your supremely noble teaching. Whatever you command, all that is just so, not otherwise; free from sleep, I have reflected upon the meaning of your words during the night.” “To dispel the darkness of existence, O Lord, yesterday you spread forth a delightful array of radiant speech, like the sun upon the earth. All that, O undepressed one of undepressed spirit, has been taken to heart by me—charming, virtuous, and wondrous, like a collection of gems from the ocean. Who would not, for success, bear your instruction upon their head—beneficial, pleasing, virtuous, and a source of bliss?” “We, whose veil of worldly delusion is being dissolved, are serene by your grace, like days at the end of the rainy season. Your instruction is virtuous—sweet at the outset, increasing good fortune in the middle, and yielding the highest fruit in the end. May your words, ever blossoming, white, unfading, delightful, and gladdening the heart, always bestow upon us splendid fruit. O master of all eternal scriptures, great lake of ever-flowing waters of virtue, steadfast in manifold vows—now let your favor, free from all sin, be extended to me.” Thus, in this sacred assembly, wisdom was spoken, received, and cherished, as the hearts of the noble were illumined by the sage’s unfading light.