CHAPTER LI. DESIRE OF UDDÁLAKA.
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Valmiki and Mitra, Viharilala
40. Sometimes his apish mind turned away from leaning to external objects, and pursued with eagerness the realities of the internal world or intellectual verities (known as sátwikas).
41. At others his fickle mind, departed from the intangible things of the inner or intellectual world; and, returned with fondness to outer objects, which are mixed with poison.
42. He often beheld the sunlight of spirituality rising within himself, and as often turned away his mind from that golden prospect, to the sight of gross objects.
43. Leaving the soul in the gloom of internal darkness, the licentious mind flies as fast as a bird, to the objects of sense abroad.
44. Thus turning by turns from the inner to the outer world, and then from this to that again; his mind found its rest in the intermediate space, lying between the light of the one and darkness of the other. (i.e. in the twilight of indifference to both).
45. Being thus perplexed in his mind, the meditative Bráhman remained in his exalted cavern, like a lofty tree shaken to and fro by the beating tempest.
46. He continued in his meditation as a man of fixed attention, at the time of an impending danger; and his body shook to and fro, as it was moved forward and backward by the tiny waves splashing on the bank.
47. Thus unsettled in his mind, the sage sauntered about the hill; as the god of day makes his daily round, about the polar mountain in his lonely course.
48. Wandering in this manner, he once observed a cavern, which was beyond the reach of all living beings; and was as quiet and still, as the liberated state of an anchorite.
49. It was not disturbed by the winds, nor frequented by birds and beasts; it was unseen by the gods and Gandharvas, and was as lightsome as the bright concave of heaven.
50. It was covered with heaps of flowers, and was spread over with a coverlet of green and tender grass; and being overlaid by a layer of moonstones, it seemed to have its floor of emerald.
51. It afforded a cool and congenial shade, emblazoned by the mild light of the bright gems in its bosom; and appeared to be the secret haunt of woodland goddesses, that chanced to sport therein.
52. The light of the gems that spread over the ground, was neither too hot nor too cold; but resembled the golden rays of the rising sun in autumn.
53. This cave appeared as a new bride decked with flowers, and holding a wreathed garland in her hand; with her countenance fading under the light of the gemming lamps, and fanned by the soft whistling of winds.
54. It was as the abode of tranquility, and the resting place of the lord of creation; it was charming by the variety of its blooming blossoms, and was as soft and mild as the cell of the lotus (which is the abode of the lotus-born Brahmá).