Vinata, with deep affection and wisdom, spoke to her son Garuda, urging him to recognize the true Brahmana by his fiery spirit—a Brahmana who burns like a live coal must never be slain, not even in anger, at any time. She further advised Garuda that if anyone does not perish within his belly, he should know that person is an excellent twice-born. Vinata continued, reminding her son that even when he encounters someone of incomparable power, those devoted to blessings should be treated with reverence. Then, Vinata blessed Garuda: "May the wind protect your wings, and may the moon and sun guard your back. May fire shield your head, the Vasus safeguard your whole body, and Vishnu, who pervades all, protect every limb. And I, your mother, shall always be devoted to your peace and welfare." She assured him that she would remain behind, constantly engaged in auspicious rites, and urged him to go forth along a safe path for the fulfillment of his task. Hearing his mother’s words, Garuda spread his mighty wings and soared into the sky. With tremendous power, he approached the Nishadas, hungry as the god of death at his appointed hour. He consumed the Nishadas, raising a great cloud of dust that reached the heavens, drying up the waters in the ocean’s depths and shaking the nearby mountains. At that moment, Garuda, king of birds, created a vast mouth, blocking the path of the Nishadas. The Nishadas, in panic, rushed toward the mouth of the devourer of serpents. The immense, wide-open mouth swallowed them as they approached, bewildered by the wind, like birds struck down from the sky or trees shaken by a gust in the forest. Garuda, tormentor of his enemies, gathered them up with swift movement and, relying on his own strength, devoured the many fish-eating Nishadas, finally feeling satisfied. Among those he swallowed, a Brahmin and his wife entered Garuda’s throat. The Brahmin, burning like a blazing coal, spoke to Garuda, the one who moves through the sky, saying, "O best of twice-born, quickly let me leave this open mouth; for a Brahmin is never to be slain by me, even if always engaged in sinful acts." Garuda replied, "This Nishadi is my wife—let her leave together with me." Garuda agreed, "Take this Nishadi as well and swiftly depart; quickly compose yourself, for my energy is not yet digested by you." The Brahmin and his wife departed, honoring Garuda before going to their desired place. Once the Brahmin and his wife had left, Garuda spread his wings and soared into the sky with the speed of thought. He soon saw his father and, turning respectfully, reported to him. His father, the great sage, asked, "Is everything well for you, my son, with abundant food? And in the world of men, do you have plenty to eat? Where are you going so swiftly? You should tell me." Garuda replied, "My mother is always well, so is my brother, and so am I; but, father, I am never well when it comes to abundant food. For I have been sent by the serpents to bring the best soma, to free our mighty mother from slavery; today I will bring it. My mother instructed me to eat the Nishadas, but even after devouring thousands, I have not been satisfied. Therefore, O lord, show me some other food, by eating which I may be able to fetch the nectar. Tell me, O revered one, some food to remove hunger and thirst." His father then said, "There is an elephant who always drags the elder brother of the tortoise, with his face turned downward. I will tell you, without delay, of the enmity between them from a previous birth. So listen to the truth of this, and the measure of both of them; hear, my child, a tale that increases detachment—may good be yours." He began the story: In the division of their father's wealth, a dispute arose between two brothers. The elder was a great sage named Vibhavasu, prone to anger, and his younger brother was Supratika, a great ascetic. Vibhavasu did not wish to keep the wealth together with his brother, while Supratika constantly insisted on dividing it. Vibhavasu warned, "In division, O great ascetic, many faults will arise; many, out of delusion, always wish to divide. Once divided, blinded by greed for wealth, they no longer respect one another. When separated, deluded, and self-interested, attached to their own wealth, enemies in the guise of friends sow discord among them. Others, seeing them divided, cause them to fall into mutual conflict; for those who are divided, utter destruction quickly ensues. Therefore, the virtuous do not praise the division of brothers." Despite these words, Supratika continued to insist on division day and night. Repeatedly pressed, Vibhavasu cursed him: "For those not bound by the teachings of elders, who suspect one another—you cannot be restrained, since you desire wealth through division; therefore, Supratika, you shall obtain the form of an elephant." Supratika replied, "You too shall become a turtle, dwelling in the water." Thus, by mutually cursing each other, Supratika and Vibhavasu, their minds deluded by greed for wealth, attained the forms of an elephant and a turtle. Even though born among animals, they remained intent on mutual hatred, each proud of his own strength and power. In this lake, both of great size, following their ancient enmity, the mighty elephant approaches. At the sound of his loud roar, the turtle, lying in the water, rises up, disturbing the entire lake.