Karunya, who studied under his teacher, returns home and does not act, but remains silent. When his father, Agnivesha, asks the reason for this, Karunya reveals that he is struggling between the actions prescribed by scripture and liberation through renunciation.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Section 3: Anecdotes about Coruña

9

In this context, I will tell you a story from ancient times. There was once a Brahmin named Karunya who studied the Vedas. || 9 ||

Regarding this matter, I will tell you a story from long ago. Long ago, there was a Brahmin named Karuna who studied the Vedas.

10

The son of Agnivesha was a scholar of the Vedas and their auxiliary disciplines. Having learned from his teacher, he returned home. || 10 ||

He was the son of Agnivesha, and he was knowledgeable about the Vedas and its branches. After studying under his teacher, he returned to his own home.

11

At that time, in the house of one who was performing austerities and had doubts, The fire-keeper saw a son who was free from actions.

At that time, he was at home, harboring doubts and remaining silent without taking any action. Agni Vaisya saw the appearance of his son who had abandoned action, and...

12–13

"Prah said, 'This statement is worthy of censure. A teacher should act for the benefit of his son.'

Agni's descendant spoke: 'What are you doing, son? You are not performing your own duties.'" 12

"How can you attain success without engaging in action? What reason do you have for avoiding work? Please explain." 13

Thinking of his son, who is also his student and disciple, he gave him words of admonishment as follows:

Agnivesha said.

"My son, what has happened? Why are you not fulfilling your duty? How can you achieve success by focusing only on abstaining from action? Tell me the reason why you are avoiding taking action."

14

Karunya said: As long as one lives, one should perform the Agnihotra ritual and observe the Sandhya prayers. This dharma is described in the Shruti and Smriti texts. || 14 ||

Caruna said.

"As long as one is alive, Agnihotra should be performed, and daily morning and evening prayers should be practiced, according to the scriptures and traditions. This practice takes the form of participation in rituals."

15

Not by wealth does one attain liberation, nor by actions, nor by procreation. But only through renunciation do these sages drink the nectar. || 15 ||

However, liberation cannot be attained through wealth, nor through actions, nor through descendants. Only through renunciation do practitioners taste the nectar of immortality.

16

What should I do, teacher, between these two statements? Having gone to such ambiguity, I have become indifferent to action. || 16 ||

Father, what should I do between these two commandments? Because of this doubt, I am silent about my actions.

17

Agastya said. Having spoken these words, the Brahmin became compassionate and remained silent. Seeing his son in this manner again, the teacher spoke to his son. || 17 ||

Augusti said.

"When I said this, the Brahmin, Karuna, fell silent. Seeing his son's appearance, his father, who was also his teacher, spoke to him again."

18

Agni invested said: Listen, son, to this story in its entirety, so that it may fill your heart. Understand this, son, and do as you please. || 18 ||

Agnivesha said.

"My son, listen to this story. Accept all of its meaning in your heart, and after understanding it well from me, do as you wish."