Garu˛a did all he could to reassure himself; but the light of wisdom did not dawn on him; on the other hand,error overshadowed his soul all the more. Torn by torments and full of mental questionings, he fell a prey to delusion just like yourself. In his perplexity he approached the celestial sage (NŒrada) and apprized him of the doubt that preyed upon his mind. On hearing his tale NŒrada was moved with great compassion and said, “Listen, Garu˛a: formidable is Ýr¶ RŒma’s MŒyŒ (delusive power); it robs even the wise of their sense and bringing them under its sway clouds their mind with utter infatuation. The same MŒyŒ that befooled me many a time has laid its hold on you, O lord of the feathered creation. A blinding infatuation has taken root in your heart and it will not be readily eradicated by any words of mine. Therefore, betake yourself to BrahmŒ (the four-faced Creator), O lord of the winged creatures, and do whatever he enjoins you.” (1—4)