This is the rule enjoined by the scriptures." The king, surprised at
these wise words of the brahmana boy, accepted the justness of the rebuke and made way,
observing to his attendants: "What this brahmana. stripling says is true. Fire is
fire whether it is tiny or big and it has the power to burn."
Ashtavakra and Svetaketu entered the sacrificial hall. The gatekeeper
stopped them and said: "Boys cannot go in. Only old men learned in the Vedas may go
into the sacrificial hall."
Ashtavakra replied: "We are not mere boys. We have observed the
necessary vows and have learnt the Vedas. Those who have mastered the truths of the
Vedanta will not judge another on mere considerations of age or appearance."
The gatekeeper said: "Stop. Have done with your idle brag. How can
you, a mere boy, have learnt and realised the Vedanta?"