Bhishma said. Having got upon the summit of the mountain, O Bharata, the son of Vyasa sat down upon a level place free from blades of grass and secluded.

According to the direction of the scriptures and to the ordinances laid down, that ascetic, who knew the successive processes of Yoga, held his soul first in one place and then in another, beginning from his feet and proceeding through all the limbs.

Then when the Sun, had not risen long, Shuka sat, with his face turned towards the East, and hands and feet drawn in an humble posture.

In that spot where the intelligent son of Vyasa sat prepared to practise Yoga, there were no flocks of birds, no sound, and no sight that was repulsive or fearful.

He then saw his own Soul freed from all attachments. Seeing that highest of all things, he laughed in joy.

He once more set himself to Yoga for acquiring the path of Liberation. Becoming the great master of Yoga he got over the element of ether.

He then went round the celestial Rishi Naradas, and informed him of the fact of his having begun to practise the highest Yoga.

I have succeeded in seeing the path (of Emancipation). I have addressed myself to it. Blessed be you, O you having penances for your wealth. I shall through your favour, O you of great splendour, acquire an end that is highly desirable.

Bhishma said Having received the order of Naradas, Shuka the son of the Island-born Vyasa saluted the celestial Rishi and once more set himself to Yoga and entered the element of ether.

Ascending then from the breast of the Kailasa mountain, he soared into the sky. Capable of passing through the sky, the blessed Shuka of fixed conclusion, then made himself at one with the element of Wind.

As that foremost of twice-born ones, effulgent like Garuda, was passing through the skies with the speed of the wind or thought, all creatures directed their eyes towards him.

Gifted with the splendour of fire or the Sun, Shuka then considered the three worlds as one Brahma, and went along that lengthy path.

Indeed, all creatures, mobile and immobile, cast their eyes upon him as he went with rapt attention, and a tranquil and fearless soul.

All creatures, according to the ordinance and according to their power, adored him with respect. The celestials poured showers of celestial flowers upon him.

Seeing hiin, all the tribes of Apsaras and Gandharvas became filled with wonder. The Rishis also, that were crowned with success, became equally surprised.

And they asked themselves,Who is this one who has acquired success by his penances? With looks withdrawn from his own body but turned upwards, he is delighting us all with his glances.

Of highly righteous soul and celebrated throughout the three worlds, Shuka went silently, his face turned towards the East and look directed towards the Sun. As he went, along he seemed to fill the entire sky with an all-pervading noise.

Seeing him coming in that way, all the tribes of the Apsaras, struck with fear O king, became filled with surprise. Heáeçet[eDeYerle-ees Ye=MeceglHeÂguueesdeveeim~19~~

Headed by Panchachuda and others, they looked at Shuka with eyes expanded by surprise. And they asked one one another, saying,-What god is this one who has acquired such a high end? Forsooth, he comes here, freed from all attachments and desire.

Shuka then went to the Malaya mountains where Urvashi and Purvachitti used to always live.

Both of them, seeing the energy of the son of the great twice-born Rishi, became filled with wonder. And they said,-Wonderful is this concentration of attention of a twice-born youth who was accustomed to the recitation and study of the Vedas! Soon will he pass through the entire sky like the Moon. It was by dutiful service and humble ministrations towards his father that he gained this excellent understanding.

He is firmly devoted his father, endued with austere penances, and is very much loved by his father. Alas, why has he been dismissed by his inattentive father to go along a way whence no one returns.

Hearing these words of Urvashi, and attending to their meaning, Shuk:a, that foremost of all persons conversant with duties, looked on all sides, and once more saw the entire sky, the whole Earth with her mountains and waters and forests, and also all the lakes and rivers.

All the gods also, of both sexes, joining their hands, paid respect to the son of Island bonr Rishi and looked act him with wonder and reverence.

Shuka, addressing all of them, that foremost of all pious men, said these words-If my father follow me and repeatedly call after me by my name, do all of you in a body return him an answer for me. Moved by the affection all of you have for me, do you satisfy this request of mine!

Hearing these words of Shuka, all the points of the horizon, all the forests, all the seas, all the rivers, and all the mountains answered him from all sides, saying,.-We accept your command, O twice-born one! It shall be as you say! It is thus that we answer the words spoken by the Rishi.