yudhi·shthira said:

223.1

W

hen a king has been crushed by the staff of Time and has lost his effulgence, what would his state of mind be as he wanders the earth? Please tell me this, grandfather.

bhishma said:

On this subject people relate the ancient tradition of a dialogue between Indra, chief of the Vasus, and Bali, the son of the demon Virochana.

Indra approached Brahma, the grandfather, and bowed down holding his hands together in reverence. Since he had just conquered all the demons, he asked him about Bali:

223.5

“I have not found Bali, the one whose wealth never dwindles even when he gives it away. Please tell me where he is, Brahma. He is the wind, ocean, sun and moon. He is the fire that heats living beings, and he is also the water.

I cannot find that Bali, Brahma, so please tell me where he is. It is he who lights up the directions of the sky and then sets; he sends down the rains at the appropriate time, and yet remains unwearied. I cannot find that Bali, Brahma: please tell me where he is.”

brahma said:

It is not right, Maghavat, that you inquire after him. But when a person is asked, he should not say anything that is untrue. Therefore, I will tell you where Bali is.

That supreme being will be found living in an empty house among camels, cows, donkeys or horses, O husband of Shachi.