Simhasanadvatrimshika 4.p6

4.p6

‘When this vow is performed, you will have a son.’ Hearing their words, the brahmin observed the pradoṣa vow on a Saturday, the thirteenth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Mārgaśīrṣa, in accordance with the rites prescribed in the ritual manuals. Through the performance of that vow, Parameśvara was pleased and granted him a son. Thereafter, the brahmin performed the birth rites for his son, named him Devadatta on the twelfth day, and performed the rites ending with the solemn feeding of solid food and the sacred thread investiture. Then he instructed the initiated boy in the Vedas, learned treatises, and all the arts. Then, when he reached his sixteenth year, he performed the gift of a cow ceremony, had him married, arranged a livelihood for him, and, wishing himself to go on a pilgrimage to sacred places, gave advice to his son: ‘O son, listen! I am declaring advice that brings happiness both in this world and the next.’ The son said: ‘Please explain it.’ ‘O son: even if you fall into extreme distress, do not abandon the practice of one's own duty; do not quarrel with others; show compassion to all beings; maintain devotion to Parameśvara; do not gaze upon other men's wives; do not make an enemy of the powerful; conform to the wishes of those who know your secrets; speak appropriately to the occasion; spend in proportion to your wealth; serve good people; avoid wicked people; do not tell secrets to women.’ Having thus instructed his son in worldly wisdom in various ways, he set out for Vārāṇasī.