The Dharmavyadha continued his serene and luminous discourse, while Kaushika, humbled and eager, exclaimed— “The mind is drawn toward the senses; if the impulse is not restrained, it will burst forth like a tempestuous wind that rends a frail boat upon the waters.
Then the intellect, once clear, will tread the path of error. But he who subdues his senses is a true Dhyāna Yogi, and the sages and gods alike revere such a one.” Dharmavyadha replied, “O Sage Kaushika, Tamoguna is the most grievous of all—it casts darkness over the soul. Sattva shines with wisdom, while Rajas is a blend of Sattva and Tamas, yet restless and unsatisfied.
Sloth, cruelty, delusion, and weakness mark Tamas; greed, misery, pride, and ego spring from Rajas; while steadfastness in adversity, contentment, kindness, joy, and insight are born of Sattva. This is truth profound—drink deep of its essence, O sinless sage. Seek knowledge, and knowing that the material world is frail, grow detached; shun evil, dissolve the ego, conquer the senses, and dwell in peace and serenity.
Such is the purpose of Jñāna and Yoga. He who is rich in Sattva, though born low, shall in time be born among traders, then as a Kshatriya, then as a Brahmin, and thereafter be freed from the cycle of birth and death.” Kaushika bowed in admiration and asked, “How does fire dwell within the human frame? Reveal this mystery, O noble one.” Dharmavyadha said,
“There are seven bodily essences—Rasa, the vital plasma; Rakta, the blood that bears life; Māmsa, the flesh that upholds form; Medas, the fat that oils and cleanses; Asthi, the bones that frame the body; Majja, the marrow that fills the bones and nourishes the nerves; and Shukra, the seed of creation.
The fire of the soul rises from the navel to the head. Prāṇa governs inhalation and exhalation; Apāna rules elimination; Samāna presides over digestion and balance; Udāna moves upward to speech and growth; and Vyāna circulates through the limbs and joints. Within these airs, the sacred fire lives—the life-giver to all beings. Apāna kindles the flame below the navel; Udāna abides in the throat and directs action; Vyāna moves across the joints; Samāna, seated at the navel, aids digestion and builds the tissues.
When Samāna unites with the soul’s fire, life glows in harmony. The great Yogis, through austerity, perceive the unity of the five Prānas and the inner flame of Ātman. The wise hold the soul in the head, where Prāṇa and Apāna meet and sustain the sacred fire. The soul, though dwelling in the body, remains unstained as the lotus leaf untouched by water. Through it, the inanimate form becomes alive.
The soul is but a ray of the universal Self—the radiant Creator of worlds. To the sage, the diversity of creation shines as one luminous essence—God alone.” Thus spoke Dharmavyadha, unveiling the glory of spiritual wisdom made practical. “The wise,” said he, “are unmoved by good or ill; they stand beyond joy and sorrow, untouched by duality, resting in unity. Such are their duties: to practice Yoga at the appointed hour, to eat with measure, to govern the senses, and to seek God within.
The mind of such a one is steady as a lamp unshaken by wind. Therefore, O Kaushika, guard the senses with vigilance; restrain desire, lust, and anger; live in purity. The mature mind ever stands on watch. Man must act—yet let him renounce the fruit of action. Detachment in deed is true Yoga. The Brahmin, wise in spirit, must live as a beacon of virtue and seek the eternal. For the life of man is fleeting; he who learns through experience and harms none becomes dear to all. Such a one is ever gentle, steadfast in penance, desiring nothing, and content in all things—thus he abides in perpetual joy.”
Dharmavyadha, having spoken thus, asked, “What more would you know, O sage?” Kaushika bowed, saying, “Great soul, you have illumined my understanding. I discern now the depth of your wisdom. My heart overflows with gratitude.” Dharmavyadha smiled. “You have praised not me, but the Almighty who speaks through me. I shall show you the source of my wisdom.” He led Kaushika to an upper chamber—spacious, fragrant, filled with light and air.
There sat Dharmavyadha’s aged parents, adorned with fresh garlands, serene and cared for. Bowing before them, he enquired after their welfare and presented Kaushika in reverence. The venerable couple said, “Beloved son, what want have we, since you provide all? Blessed are we to have such a child—the lamp of righteousness, the savior of our line, destined for celestial realms.
You are our very light. Your devotion surpasses all. First, should your name be uttered, then that of Parashurāma, when speaking of filial piety.” Dharmavyadha turned to Kaushika and said, “This is the secret of my wisdom. While others worship gods for gain, I find divinity in my parents. They are my visible deities. Their service is my sacrifice, their satisfaction my ritual, their love my heaven.
To serve them with food, fragrance, and devotion is to perform all rites. The true shield of a householder is formed of five—Father, Mother, Preceptor, Fire, and Soul. He who honours these lives in righteousness. The virtuous housewife, by her grace, sent you here. By her reverence and your quest for knowledge, I was moved to guide you. Yet, know that your affection did not wholly please me.
You left your aged parents without their leave, chasing redemption through study, while they wept themselves blind in longing. Go to them. Extinguish their sorrow. All your learning is vain if you forsake them. Serve them—it shall bring you true deliverance.” Kaushika, overcome, said, “O meritorious Dharmavyadha, your words are pure and saving. I shall do as you counsel.
It is my joy to have met you; my heart is light with virtue. You have turned me from the path of sin and restored me to duty. You are divine to me. Truly, the righteous path is subtle and rare. You have embodied the wisdom of ancient truth.” Dharmavyadha replied, “I was once a Brahmin in a former birth, versed in Veda and conduct, yet befriended a prince who taught me the bow.
In folly I joined him in the hunt and slew many beasts. Once, my arrow struck a hidden sage in meditation. As he lay dying, I repented and begged forgiveness. He said, ‘Born of a Brahmin line, you have fallen through violence. Be born low in your next life, but retain wisdom and virtue. Serve your parents; that shall redeem you.’ I drew the arrow gently and tended him till he lived, but the curse remained.
Thus was I born as you see me now.” Kaushika said, “Your present life is blessed. Conduct, not birth, marks the Brahmin. He who speaks truth and keeps his mind pure is noble. You, Dharmavyadha, are the greatest of sages.” Kaushika then bent before him in reverence, and the two shone in mutual grace, as wisdom met humility, and enlightenment flowed like a river into the ocean of truth.
