Simhasanadvatrimshika 2.1

2.1

aṅgulyagreṇa yaj japtaṃ, yaj japtaṃ merulañghane,
vyagracittena yaj japtaṃ, trividhaṃ niṣphalaṃ bhavet. || 1 ||

1. Prayer which is offered with the finger-tips, with the fingers crost, or with thoughts wandering, these three kinds shall be without effect. And so: 2. Not in a stick of wood is God to be found, nor in a stone, nor in a piece of earthenware. For God is found in the heart; therefore the heart is the main thing. Moreover: 3. With regard to a charm, a place of pilgrimage, a brahman, a god, a soothsayer, a remedy, and a preceptor, the success (derived from them) shall be according to one's faith (in them)." The king said: "O goddess, if you are propitiated towards me, then fulfil the desire of this brahman." The goddess said: "O king, your majesty is a benefactor of others, like a mighty tree; you endure hardships with your own person, but avert toil from others. And it is said: 4. Great trees make shade for others, but stand themselves in the heat of the sun; they bear fruit also for others, not for their own profit. And so: 5. For the benefit of others flow the rivers; for the benefit of others cows give milk; for the benefit of others trees bear fruit; for the benefit of others noble men use their powers." Thus praising the king she gave the brahman his wish. Thereupon the king went to his own city.