[796] For the sake of obtaining a knowledge of the Soul, Asuri had
enquired of his preceptor. In consequence of the latter's instructions
and of his own penances, Asuri understood the distinction between the
body and the Soul and had acquired celestial vision.[797] In that
concourse of ascetics, Asuri made his exposition of the Immutable One,
and Indestructible Brahma which is seen in diverse forms. Panchasikha
became a disciple of Asuri. He lived on human milk. There was a certain
Brahmani of the name of Kapila. She was the wife of Asuri.[798]
Panchasikha was accepted by her as a son and he used to suck her breasts.
In consequence of this, he came to be known as the son of Kapila and his
understanding became fixed on Brahma. All this, about the circumstances
of his birth and those that led to his becoming the son of Kapila, was
said unto me by the divine Rishi.[799] The latter also told me about the
omniscience of Panchasikha. Conversant with all courses of duty,
Panchasikha, after having himself acquired high knowledge, (came to
Janaka) and knowing that that king had equal reverence for all his
preceptors, began to amaze that century of preceptors (by an exposition
of his doctrine fraught), with abundant reasons. Observing the talent of
Kapileya, Janaka became exceedingly attached to him, and abandoning his
hundred preceptors, began to follow him in particular. Then Kapileya
began to discourse unto Janaka, who had according to the ordinance bent
his head unto him (as a disciple should) and who was fully competent to
apprehend the sage's instructions, upon that high religion of
Emancipation which is explained in Sankhya treatises.
Pages:
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
1904
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923