Nārada's Counsel

While Śuka was alone at his recitation, Nārada came to him to teach him the meaning of the Vedas. Śuka welcomed him with the water of honour. What good can I bring you? Nārada asked. Bring me whatever is good for me in this world, said Śuka.

Nārada told him what the holy sage Sanatkumāra had said to the sages: There is no eye like knowledge, no austerity like knowledge, no sorrow like passion and no happiness like letting go. He taught him at length the way of renunciation, how all that is gathered is scattered and all that rises falls, and he gave him the secret by which the gods left the world of men and went to heaven: Let go of right and wrong, let go of truth and untruth, and when you have let go of both, let go of that by which you let go.

Śuka thought it over and could not at first decide. Sons and wives bring great trouble, he thought, and learning great labour. What place is lasting, with little trouble and great reward? Then he thought a while longer and made up his mind. I long for the highest state, from which there is no return. I will leave every attachment and go where my self will find peace, where I will stay, imperishable. That state cannot be won without yoga. So I will give up this house of a body, become wind, and enter the sun, that great mass of light; for the sun does not wane as the moon does. Let all the gods and sages see the power of my yoga.

He took leave of Nārada and went to his father. He bowed to him, walked around him, and asked his leave to go. Vyāsa was glad of it, and said, Ah, my son, stay a little while today, so that I may fill my eyes with you. But Śuka, needing nothing, without attachment, his bonds broken, his mind on freedom alone, left his father and went.