t. Dwelling on the side
of that foremost of mountains, Mahadeva of high vows (by his penances)
scorched the deities greatly.[1749] At the foot of those mountains, in a
retired spot, Parasara's son of great ascetic merit, viz., Vyasa, taught
the Vedas unto his disciples. Those disciples were the highly blessed
Sumantra, Vaisampayana, Jaimini of great wisdom, and Paila of great
ascetic merit. Suka proceeded to that delightful asylum where his sire,
the great ascetic Vyasa, was dwelling, surrounded by his disciples.
Seated in his asylum, Vyasa beheld his son approach like a blazing fire
of scattered flames, or resembling the sun himself in effulgence. As Suka
approached, he did not seem to touch the trees or the rocks of the
mountain. Completely dissociated from all objects of the senses, engaged
in Yoga, the high-souled ascetic came, resembling, in speed, a shaft let
from a bow. Born on the fire-sticks, Suka, approaching his sire, touched
his feet. With becoming formalities he then accosted the disciples of his
sire. With great cheerfulness he then detailed to his father all the
particulars of his conversation with king Janaka. Vyasa the son of
Parasara, after the arrival of his puissant son, continued to dwell there
on the Himavat engaged in teaching his disciples and his son. One day as
he was seated, his disciples, all well-skilled in the Vedas, having their
senses under control, and endued with tranquil souls, sat themselves
around him. All of them had thoroughly mastered the Vedas with their
branches. All of them were observant of penances. With joined hands they
addressed their preceptor in the following words.

"'"The disciples said, 'We have, through thy grace, been endued with great
energy. Our fame also has spread. There is one favour that we humbly
solicit thee to grant us.' Hearing these words of theirs, the regenerate
Rishi answered them, saying, 'Ye sons, tell me what that boon is which ye
wish I should grant you!' Hearing this answer of their preceptor, the
disciples became filled with joy. Once more bowing their heads low unto
their preceptor and joining their hands, all of them in one voice said, O
king, these excellent words: 'If our preceptor has been pleased with us,
then, O best of sages, we are sure to be crowned with success! We all
solicit thee, O great Rishi, to grant us a boon. Be thou inclined to be
graceful to us. Let no sixth disciple (besides us five) succeed in
attaining to fame! We are four.