Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
292
Do not abandon this humorous anecdote from the Padma Purana, which increases sorrow. Do not be like a peacock feather, grieving like a small creature, O wise one! [155] Women are always easily available to men, like peacock feathers. I tell you, Raghava, the wise do not hold onto sorrow. [156]
Then Lakshmana, who was extremely skilled in the art of speech, said, "O Jambunada, this is not like that, but like this, listen." [157]
There was a famous householder named Prabhava in the city of Kusumapura. His wife was known as Yamuna. [158]
They had five sons named Dhanapala, Bandhupala, Grihapala, Kshetrapala, and Pashupala. [159]
All these sons had meaningful names and were always dedicated to the welfare of their family, and they never took a moment's rest from their work. [160]
The youngest of them was a son named Atmasreya, who enjoyed pleasures like a divine prince due to his good deeds. [161]
He was constantly criticized by his brothers and parents with harsh words because he did nothing. One day, he left home in anger and wandered outside the city. [162]
He had a very delicate body and was unable to do anything, so he became extremely despondent and desired to die. [163]
At that time, a traveler, inspired by the influence of his past karma, came to him and said, "O man, listen!" [164]
"I am Subhanu, the son of the king of Prithustana. Following the instructions of a wise man, I have been wandering through many countries until now. [165]
Wandering on this earth, I reached the city of Kurmapura by divine will. There, I met a worthy teacher. [166]
Being afflicted by the hardships of the journey, that compassionate teacher gave me this iron bracelet. [167]
This bracelet is a cure for all diseases, increases intelligence, and is an excellent means of controlling planets, serpents, and ghosts. [168]