It behoveth
thee not to destroy any creatures thus. This, O child, is not the
occupation of a Brahmana devoted to asceticism. Peace is the highest
virtue. Therefore, O Parasara, establish thou peace. How hast thou, O
Parasara, being so superior, engaged thyself in such a sinful practice? It
behoveth not thee to transgress against Saktri himself who was well-
acquainted with all rules of morality. It behoveth not thee to extirpate
any creatures. O descendant of Vasishtha's race, that which befell thy
father was brought about by his own curse. It was for his own fault that
Saktri was taken hence unto heaven. O Muni, no Rakshasa was capable of
devouring Saktri; he himself provided for his own death. And, O Parasara,
Viswamitra was only a blind instrument in that matter. Both Saktri and
Kalmashapada, having ascended to heaven are enjoying great happiness. And,
the other sons also of the great Rishi Vasishtha who were younger than
Saktri, are even now enjoying themselves with the celestials. And, O child,
O offspring of Vasishtha's son, thou hast also been, in this sacrifice,
only an instrument in the destruction of these innocent Rakshasas. O,
blest be thou! Abandon this sacrifice of thine. Let it come to an end.'
"The Gandharva continued, 'Thus addressed by Pulastya, as also by the
intelligent Vasishtha, that mighty Muni--the son of Saktri then brought
that sacrifice to an end. And the Rishi cast the fire that he had ignited
for the purpose of the Rakshasas' sacrifice into the deep woods on the
north of the Himavat.
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