98 Devotion to Ishwara and EldersKaushik went to Mithila. He saw Dharmabyadh selling meat there.
Dharmabyadh also saw Kaushik. He came close to the newcomer.
Then he said, 'That pious housewife has sent you here. I know why
you have come here.' Kaushik was surprised to hear that. How could
a meat-seller know about the unknown matters! How could he tell
the things that happen in other's mind! Dharmabyadh could read
Kaushik well. He took him to his house.
Dharmabyadh said to Kaushik, 'Selling meat is our family tradition.
It is our profession from generation to generation. I don't kill
animals myself. I sell the meat of animals killed by others. I don't
even eat meat. Everyone has a tradition of his family. It's not a sin to
follow this tradition.'
Dharmabyadh told also about his supernatural powers. He attained
this power by serving his parents. Parents were everything to him.
They are gods. They are Ishwara. He used to serve his old parents
first. Then he cared for other things.
At last Dharmabyadh said to Kaushik, 'You have come here without
your parents' consent. You have not done the right thing. They are
now bed-ridden in your grief. Go back to your home quickly. Make
your parents happy. Otherwise all your religious activities will go in
vain. There is no better religion on earth than serving one's parents.'
Kaushik got surprised again. Dharmabyadh disclosed his earlier life.
He said to Dharmabyadh, 'A pious man like you is very rare. I am
lucky to meet you. I shall go back to my home right now. I shall
serve my parents.' Saying this, Kaushik showed respect to him. Then
he made his way back to his home.