Life, joy, and the void

4.10.1 Now, verily, Upakosala Kamalayana dwelt with Satyakama Jabala as a student of sacred knowledge. For twelve years he served his teacher. Then, although accustomed to allow other pupils to return home, him he did not allow to return.

4.10.2 His wife said to him: "The student of sacred knowledge has performed his service. He has served well. Teach him yourself."

But he went off on a journey without having told him.

4.10.3 Then, on account of sickness, he took to not eating.

The teacher's wife said to him: "Student of sacred knowledge, eat. Why, pray, do you not eat?"

Then he said: "Many and various are the desires here in this man. I am filled up with sicknesses. I will not eat."

4.10.4 So then the voices said among themselves: "The student of sacred knowledge has performed his service. He has served us well. Come! Let us teach him."

Then they said to him: [5] "Life is a gift of God. Joy is a gift of God. The expanse is a sign of God."

Then he said: "I understand that life is a gift of God. But joy and the expanse I do not understand."

They said: "Joy, verily, is the same as the expanse. The expanse, verily, is the same as joy." And then they explained to him life and space.