Argument. Narrative of Gádhi in illustration of the Adoration of Vishnu.
Vasishtha said:—Ráma; it is the government of the restless mind alone, that is able to destroy the delusion, which causes the interminable transmigrations in this mortal world. There is no other means to this end.
2. Hear attentively, O sinless Ráma! this story which I am going to relate to you, in order to show you the intricacy of understanding the nature of worldly delusions.
3. There is the large district of Kosala on the surface of this land, which is full of forests and fruitful trees, forming as groves of Kalpa arbors; and abounding with minerals like the Sumeru mountain.
4. There lived a learned Bráhman, known by the name of Gádhi; who was intelligent and versed in the Vedas, and remained as an image of virtue.
5. From his youth he continued with the calmness of his mind, and abstracted from and indifferent to worldly affairs; and was of as pure and unsullied a soul as the clear sky above.
6. Then intent on some fixed purpose of his mind, he left the company of his friends, and went out to a forest to perform his austere devotion.
7. He found there a lake filled with full blown lotuses, and the moon shining in the sky with the scattered stars about her; and all shedding their lustre like showers of rain.
8. He went down into the lake, and stood in the midst of the waters up to his neck; his body was below water, and his head floated over it as a lotus; and he stood upon his devotion, intent with a view to have the sight of Vishnu present before him.
9. He thus passed full eight months, continuing with his body immerged in the water of the lake; and his face was shrivelled and wan, like the lotuses of his lake for want of sun shine.