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Fixing his narrow eyes upon Yudhiṣṭhira, the serpent said, “How can we recognize a true Brahmin, O King, and what …

“A Brahmin is characterized by the qualities of honesty, purity, forgiveness, self-control, asceticism, knowledge and religiosity. The highest object of …

“The qualities you have attributed to Brahmins are also found in other classes of men,” Nahusha replied doubtfully, “and how …

Yudhiṣṭhira smiled. It seemed the snake was already quite knowledgeable and was testing him. “If one finds these qualities in …

Nahusha was satisfied with Yudhiṣṭhira’s answer and he asked him to elaborate further. What was the use of dividing society …

Nahusha said, “O King, you are clearly acquainted with knowledge. How then can I devour your brother?”

It was obvious to Yudhiṣṭhira that Nahusha was himself highly learned. After all, he had once ruled the earth and …

“In my opinion, O Bharata, one can reach heaven by giving charity to Brahmins, by being kind and gentle in …

“Which of those acts do you consider the best, and what constitutes non-envy?”

“Each of these items can be considered superior or inferior depending upon circumstance. One must therefore understand life’s ultimate goal …

“Non-envy means always desiring the welfare and advancement of all living beings rather than to exploit them for one’s own …

“How does the soul accept a material body, O Nahusha?”

“The soul, or atman, receives bodies according to his own behavior. Thus he transmigrates life after life, impelled by his …

Yudhiṣṭhira nodded. The snake’s answers were in accord with what he had learned from the ṛṣis. Clearly Nahusha had deep …

Nahusha replied, “By sacrifice and asceticism I became so powerful that I coursed through the heavens on a golden chariot. …

“One day while in heaven, I touched Agastya Ṛṣi with my foot. The sage cursed me and I fell to …

“In accord with Agastya’s words, however, you have now freed me from that curse. My discussion with you has reawakened …

Nahusha released Bhīma and the serpent body immediately died. From out of it the two brothers saw a glowing celestial …

Yudhiṣṭhira and Bhīma returned to the ashram and recounted the incident to the others. When Yudhiṣṭhira had finished, the Brahmins …

Within days of their arrival at Vishakhayapa, the monsoons arrived. They set up their camp on high ground and watched …