Argument. Sukra’s appearance at the call of Bali; and his advice to him on the attainment of divine knowledge.
Vasishtha said:—So saying the mighty Bali closed his eyes, and thought upon the lotus-eyed Sukra, abiding in his heavenly abode. (Sukra the planet Venus represented as the preceptor of demons, as Vrihaspati the planet Jupiter is said to be the Spiritual guide of the deities).
2. Sukra, who sat intently meditating on the all pervading spirit of God, came to know in his mind, that he was remembered by his disciple Bali in his city.
3. Then Sukra the son of Bhrigu, whose soul was united with the all pervading infinite and omniscient spirit, descended with his heavenly body at the gemming window of Bali (decorated with glass doors).
4. Bali knew the body of his guide by its lustre, as the lotus-flower perceives the rising sun by his dawning beams.
5. He then honoured his guru or guide, by adoring his feet on a seat decked with gems, and with offering of mandára flowers upon him.
6. As Sukra took his rest on the gemming seat from the labour of his journey, he was strewn over with offerings of gems on his body, and heaps of mandára flowers upon his head; after which Bali addressed him thus:—
7. Venerable sir, this illustrious presence of thy grace before me, emboldens me to address to thee, as the morning sun-beams send all mankind to their daily work.
8. I have come to feel an aversion, Sir, to all kinds of worldly enjoyments, which are productive of the delusion of our souls; and want to know the truth relating to it, in order to dispel my ignorance of myself.
9. Tell me, sir, in short, what are these enjoyments good for, and how far they extend; and what am I, thou or these people in reality. (Extent of enjoyments—bhoga, means their limitation and duration).