03.096
Lomaśa said.
Then, O Kaurava, that Agastya went to beg for wealth from the renowned king, whom the kings considered superior even to the Vedas. (03-96-1)
Having learned this, the king approached Kumbhayoni; at the boundary of his kingdom, together with his minister, he respectfully received him with great honor. (03-96-2)
The king, having brought water for hospitality according to propriety, with joined palms and devotion, asked him the purpose of his arrival. (03-96-3)
Agastya said.
O king, know me as one who has come seeking wealth. Please, give me a share according to your ability, without causing harm to others. (03-96-4)
Lomaśa said.
The king presented to him the complete record of income and expenditure. Therefore, O learned one, take whatever treasure here you deem appropriate. (03-96-5)
Having observed that income and expenditure were equal, the twice-born man with impartial mind understood that all affliction for living beings arose entirely from acquisition (taking). (03-96-6)
He took Śrutarvāṇa and Vadhryaśva and went from there. At the border of the territory, he received the two according to rule. (03-96-7)
Vadhrayaśva offered arghya and pādya to the two, and after giving them leave, he asked their purpose at the outset. (03-96-8)
Agastya said.
O king, know that we are two who desire wealth who have come here. Grant us both a share, to the best of your ability, without causing harm to others. (03-96-9)
Lomaśa said.
After those two completed both the income and expenditure, the king declared it. Then, upon realizing, let them take whatever remains here in excess. (03-96-10)
Seeing that income and expenditure were equal, the twice-born, being of equal mind, considered that in every way, the suffering of living beings comes from acquisition. (03-96-11)
Then the son of Purukutsa, Agastya, Śrutervā, and Vadhryaśva, the kings, went to Trasadasyu, the immensely wealthy. (03-96-12)
Trasadasyu, having approached with his vehicle to the border of the territory, received all of them according to the prescribed procedure, O great king. (03-96-13)
Having worshipped as per proper rule, Ikṣvāku, the best of kings, then asked those who had been reassured the purpose at the outset. (03-96-14)
Agastya said.
O king, acknowledge for us the wealth and possessions gained here, and, as far as possible, without harming others, distribute them to us. (03-96-15)
Lomaśa said.
The king reported to them that both the income and the expenditure were complete. Therefore, after knowing this, collect whatever remains here in excess. (03-96-16)
Seeing that income and expenditure were equal, the twice-born with an equal mind considered in every way the pain to living beings arising from acceptance. (03-96-17)
Then all the kings, having assembled and after looking at each other, addressed these words to the great sage, O great king. (3-96-18)
O Brāhmaṇa, this Dānava named Nilvala is wealthy on earth. Having approached him, let us all ask him for wealth today. (03-96-19)
That meal of Ilvala was pleasing to them. Then, O king, they all together approached Ilvala. (03-96-20)
