Then Balaki remained silent. Ajatashatru said to him: “Is that all, Balaki?” Balaki replied: “Yes, that is all.” Ajatashatru said: “You have spoken to me in vain. I shall teach you Brahman.” Balaki said: “Please do.” Ajatashatru then said: “O Balaki, the One who is the creator of all these persons (manifestations), and to whom all these actions and powers belong—that indeed is the One who must be known.” Thereupon Balaki approached him with sacrificial fuel in hand, as a disciple approaches a teacher for instruction. Ajatashatru said: “It is indeed contrary to custom that a Kshatriya should initiate a Brahmana. Nevertheless, come; I shall make you understand.” Taking Balaki by the hand, he led him away. The two then came to a man who was asleep. Ajatashatru addressed him: “O Great One, clad in white! O King Soma!” But the sleeping man did not respond and remained silent. Then Ajatashatru touched and shook him with a staff. Immediately the man awoke and rose up. Ajatashatru then asked Balaki: “O Balaki, when this person was asleep, where was this conscious being? From where did it return when he awoke?” Balaki did not know the answer.