was not adorned in the ornamental style customary of the devas.
Upon arriving, she explained to him her new situation:
“After listening to your explanation, which removed all my doubts
and relieved me of the misery that was tormenting me, I came
to birth in the Tãvatiÿsa heavenly realm – a celestial sphere full
of delightful pleasures, all of which I now enjoy as a result of the
goodness we performed together as human beings. Although I
experience this pleasant existence as a consequence of my own
good deeds, I can’t help remembering that you, venerable sir, were
the one who initially encouraged me to do good. On my own, I
would never have had the wisdom capable of accomplishing this
to my complete satisfaction.
“Feeling fortunate enough to be reborn in heavenly splen-
dor, I am wholly contented, and no longer angry or resentful. As
I reflect back on the immense kindness you’ve always shown me,
it becomes apparent to me how important it is for us to choose
discretely in our lives – concerning everything from our work to
our food to our friends and companions, both male and female.
Such discretion is crucial for leading a smooth, untroubled exist-
ence. This is especially true when choosing a spouse to depend on,
for better or for worse. Choosing a spouse merits special attention,
for we share everything with that person – even our very breath.
Every happiness and every sorrow along the way will necessarily
affect both parties.
“Those who have a good partner, even though they may be
inadequate in terms of their intelligence, their temperament, or
their behavior, are still blest to have someone who can guide and
encourage them in dealing with all their affairs – both their sec-
ular affairs, which promote peace and stability in the family, and
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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