Thursday, May 2, 2024
Contents
Introduction
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Hatred for the Lord is self abnegation. Pride is unproductive. Daksha's story proves that egotism and pride lead to self-destruction. Daksha's yagna proves that without a clean conscience, any great task undertaken will end up in shambles. The site of Daksha yagna turned into a battlefield.
Tasks undertaken with a strong mind yield good results. Dhruva's story shows that when we desire for spiritual enlightenment, the Lord will grant it provided we do strong penance. Also the spiritual awakening early in childhood will definitely yield good results.
Narada taught Pracheena Barhi that: karma is finite; it can't produce infinite results; only salvation is desirable. Karma is instigated by past lives. The fruit of karma is enjoyed with the senses. Jiva will perform more karma to attain sensual pleasure. This creates bondage and sorrow. Puranjana's story highlights it. This Skanda is an ad-mixture of devotion and knowledge.
Sataroopa-Manu had three daughters: Akooti, Devahuti and Prasooti. Akooti was married to Ruchi prajapati. The eldest of the three, Devahuti, was given in marriage to Kardama. The third daughter Prasooti was married to Daksha, the son of Brahma.
In the third Skanda, Maitreya told Vidura about Kardama-Devahuti. Now Maitreya was talking about Kardama's daughters.
Kala, the wife of Mareech and Kardama's daughter, gave birth to two sons named Kasyapa and Poornimaanu. Their progeny spread throughout the world. Anasuya, the wife of Atri, gave birth to three sons: Dattatreya, Durvasa and Soma.
The Miracle of Chastity
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Vidura asked"Guru Deva, why did the triumvirate responsible for creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe visit Atri maharshi's house?".
Atri means one without a triple. In other words, he didn't have attachment of subtle, causal and gross bodies. He had no karma, fruits of karma and bondage.
Anasuya means one without jealousy. When one overcomes jealousy, his heart will be pure. Jealous people are not eligible for self-realization. God loves those without jealousy."Arjuna, since you don't have jealousy, I am teaching you the sacred knowledge," said Lord Krishna in the Raja Vidya Raja Guhya yoga chapter of Bhagavad Gita.
Once Narada went to Kailasa. Parvati Devi gave him prasada. Narada praised the prasada, but said the chaste Anasuyadevi's prasada was tastier. Parvati Devi found out the whereabouts of Anasuyadevi. She developed jealousy upon Anasuyadevi. She asked her husband Lord Siva to test Anasuyadevi's chastity. Lord Siva was in a quandary.
Narada then went to Vaikuntha. There he told Lakshmi Devi upon her enquiry about earth"Mother, earlier people on earth used to glorify Vaikuntha. Nowadays they are not that much inclined to glorify Vaikuntha". Lakshmi Devi asked the reason. Narada told about Anasuyadevi's greatness. He said compared to her, Anasuyadevi was more chaste.
Lakshmi Devi became jealous of Anasuya. She asked Lord Narayana to test Anasuya's chastity.
Lakshmi means wealth. Wealth engenders pride. The wealthy are jealous of people richer than them. They think all transactions happen because of them. They want monopoly.
Narada had the same conversation with Saraswati Devi who asked her husband Brahma Deva to test the chastity of Anasuya Devi.
Saraswati Devi is the embodiment of knowledge. Learned people are also subjected to jealousy. Without humility one's knowledge will be of no use. Hence the learned should not be jealous. But the learned expect awards and praise. They can't stand the sight of others being praised.
Brahma-Vishnu-Siva, the triumvirate, went to Anasuyadevi's house. God will make an appearance at the door front of one who is not jealous. No matter how much jealous people worship paramatma, he won't deify in an idol of worship.
The triumvirate begged for food. Devotion is love. Love is pure and supreme. It is deathless and won't allow lust to take over it. It will not let the gunas dominate. God expects such love from his devotees. That's why it was said, where there are devotees, God will be present.
Responding to Pundareeka's devotion, the Lord deified and still awaited for the devotees. Lord Vishnu didn't leave Prahlada for an instant. God is attracted to nothing but love.
The triumvirate begged Anasuyadevi for food. As she was about to serve them, they said they wouldn't accept unless she wore no clothes.
Here clothing means body. God will accept the devotion of those who are not attached to their bodies. The attachment to the body is because of ignorance. The ignorant can't attain Paramatma.
Upanishad said:"The I-mine feelings in the body are because of ignorance. So the learned should get rid of such ignorance by performing austerities".
Anasyuadevi thought if she served without wearing clothes, she would no longer be chaste. On the other hand, not offering them food would make her sinful. She meditated on the Lord and poured water over the triumvirate. They turned into infants.
Atri maharshi arrived and saw the infants. He understood the context. Then three wives of the triumvirate arrived there. Atri maharshi turned the infants back into their adult forms. The triumvirate felt very happy and told Atri and Anasuyadevi that they would be born as her children.
Soon Anasuyadevi gave birth to three sons: Lord Vishnu was born as Dattatreya; Rudra was born as Durvaasu and Brahma Deva was born as Soma.
The three sons begat sixteen daughters. Thirteen of them were given in marriage to Dharmu. The youngest of them, Prasooti, was married to the son of Brahma Deva, Daksha. The thirteen daughters were:
Sradha (discipline), Maitri (friendship), Daya (kindness), Santi (peace), Tushti (satisfaction), Pushti (strength), Kriya (action), Unnati (asendance), Budhi (intellect), Medha (intelligence), Titeeksha (patience), Lajja (shame) and Moorti (idol).
Sradha gave birth to Satya. Sradha means discipline. Those with discipline obtain knowledge. Satya means truth. Knowledge is truthful. Keeping faith on scripture and Guru's words is Sradha. Because of Sradha, one will know Satya.
Maitri gave birth to Prasada (sacred offering); Abhaya (fearless) was born to Daya; Santi gave birth to Soukhya (happiness); Tushti gave birth to Harsha (bliss); Garva (pride) was born to Tushti; Yoga was born to Kriya; Unnati gave birth to Darpa (pompous); Budhi gave birth to Artha (wealth); Smruti (memory) was born to Medha; Titeeksha gave birth to Mangala (auspicious); Lajja gave birth to Vinaya (humble). Dharmu's thirteenth wife, Moorti, gave birth to Lord's avataras Nara-Narayana rishis.
Everyone should lead life following dharma. They should inculcate the thirteen good qualities. Dharmu's thirteenth wife is Moorti which means the form. One with discipline or Sradha will obtain Moorti. From Moorti one will gain self-realization. That is the essence of Nara-Narayana avatara.
The other three daughters of Daksha were also married. One of them was given to Agni. The second one was married to Pitru Gana. The third one, Satidevi, was married to Lord Siva. Satidevi served Lord Siva, wholeheartedly. But she was child-less. Daksha developed enmity with Lord Siva. Satidevi attained salvation at a young age.
Enmity with Viswanatha
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Vidura asked Maitreya"Mahatma, how did a stoic and most exalted among Devas, Lord Siva, become Daksha's enemy? What is the reason for his cruelty against his daughter". Maitreya started the narration.
Once upon a time Lord Siva was seated with Devas and rishis in a ceremony carried out by Prajapati. Everyone stood up when Daksha Prajapati entered. But Lord Siva who was in meditation didn't stand up.
Lord Siva revels in meditation at all times. Siva means auspiciousness. Those who meditate all the time are auspicious. Meditation will turn the mind inward and block worldly transactions. Hence seekers of salvation should be immersed in meditation at all times.
Some people between tasks think about worldly things. It is better to meditate during respite. Wherever we are, the river of devotion should keep on flowing. Such people will be superior devotees. Like Lord Siva they will be auspicious.
Sant Eknath Maharaj sang:"While singing, eating, fighting, waking up, sitting down I am reciting Lord Hari's name".
Lord Siva was meditating on Lord Rama and didn't notice Daksha's entry.
Some people are easily distracted during meditation. They even remember the conversations nearby people are having. Mind can't do two things at a time. If conversations are being heard, it means the meditation isn't deep. If the external world is being seen in the mind, it means the Lord's form is not being meditated up on.
Once a blacksmith was sharpening arrows near his shop. At that time the king of the land went through the street with a retinue of chariots, elephants, horses and relatives making loud noises. Even then the blacksmith didn't notice. A person passing by asked the blacksmith"Did the king pass through the street?". The blacksmith replied "I was not paying attention." Dattatreya overheard that conversation and thought of the blacksmith as his worthy guru. The seeker should keep his mind focused on the Lord and be devout. When the mind is concentrated on the Lord, extraneous things shouldn't enter the mind.
Atma Bodha Upanishad said"One who is blissfully immersed in the meditation on Brahma won't have the awareness of his surroundings".
Daksha was enraged when Lord Siva didn't stand up while others stood up. Then he said:
"O rishis, Devas, I am going to tell you something. Please don't think of it as my ignorance or pride. Please listen to me. This Siva violated the custom. He didn't follow the tradition. He is married to my daughter Satidevi. This fool didn't show any respect when I entered and didn't say one word to me. He roams in cemeteries wearing ash and laughing and crying like a mentally deranged person. I married my daughter to such a mad man. Like a brahmin distracted with worldly things cannot recite veda, this man acts without following convention. Unfortunately I gave my daughter to such an uncouth."
No one can curse a sea. Sun can't be turned off. Sky can't be cut. Air can't be held in a fist. Similarly the revered ones can't be cursed. If one curses a revered person, then all of his curses will turn into praises. With jealousy some people curse mahatmas. Because of that the fame of mahatmas will only multiply but not dwindle.
Daksha censured Lord Siva. On closer examination they are actually praises. When culvert water merges with river Ganga it becomes sacred.
Daksha said Siva has no self esteem. How true! Esteem is attached to mind and body, but not the supreme Lord. Being without gunas, Lord Siva won't experience esteem with praise or grief with censure.
Daksha said Siva had no culture. Culture depends on tradition and the mores of a society. But Parama Siva transcends societal observances.
Daksha said Siva roamed in cemeteries like a mad man. Even a learned one roams around like a mad man in society being unaware of surroundings. Since Lord Siva is an epitome of love, he is intoxicated with the love of the devotees. He is a savior to the believers and distant from non-believers and egotistical people.
Daksha blamed Siva for being naked. How can a formless God be wrapped in clothes? The four directions and the sky are his clothes. It means he is infinite and all pervading.
Daksha said Siva keeps ghosts and disembodied around him. Lord Siva can be approached by anyone. A temple for Lord Siva is always kept open. If Devas can't protect the ghosts and disembodied, who will?
A proud man says he will only talk to men of his status. The ardent devotees of the Lord mingle with ordinary people. It is because they love one and all. If men can have such love, can one imagine how much love the Lord has by residing in each and every body? Hence even the ghosts and disembodied will be near and dear to him. Lord Siva makes them auspicious.
Siva was blamed as jobless and without good qualities. These things are applicable to people who carry out worldly matters. When one transcends the mind such epithets are not applicable to him.
Karma is done because of ignorance and dissatisfaction. Lord Siva is always satisfied and is without karma. He is transcendental. Since karma is done by the embodied, how can it be applicable to the Lord Siva whose true form is disembodied?
Tripad Vibhooti Maha Narayana Upanishad said"All ignorant acts are done with body. Hence they are all false".
Lord Siva kept quiet and didn't reply back to Daksha's outburst. Learned ones don't react to criticism. Pandavas put up with Duryodhana's censure. Lord Krishna put up with Sisupala's criticism. Just because of censure, their aura didn't diminish.
But Lord Siva's vehicle Nandeeswara couldn't remain quiet after Daksha's censure. It cursed Daksha"You out of love for body, being evil, insulted the auspicious Lord Siva in front of others. Your head will turn into a goat's head". Nandi also cursed others who watched Daksha's outburst. Those blaming Maheswara and mahatmas cannot attain salvation. Watching good people being blamed without a word is the same as blaming good people. One should not blame mahatmas even by mistake. When others are criticizing a mahatma one should not pay attention.
Lord Siva returned to Kailasa. He didn't hold a grudge on Daksha and soon forgot his censure. He didn't mention it to Satidevi. Good hearted people reject bad and always keep their hearts open for the Lord.
Daksha Yagna
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The proud Daksha performed a great yagna and didn't invite Lord Siva. All the invited Devas came with their wives. Satidevi, noticing them, approached Lord Siva.
"Swamy, I came to know that your father-in-law Daksha is performing a great yagna. All the Devas are attending the ceremony. If you agree, we will also go" said Satidevi.
"I am desirous of meeting my relatives. Please fulfill my wish. You are stoic and transcendental. I am not of that superior mind. Even if uninvited I can visit my parents' home. It is of no fault. My happiness depends on your acquiescence."
Lord Siva replied: "Devi, what you said about going to relatives' home uninvited is a good sentiment. But those relatives should be free from enmity, anger, jealousy and pride.
Knowledge, penance, wealth, healthy body, youthfulness, good lineage will accentuate good natured people's fame. If those six qualities are present in low lives then it will be disastrous. If humility is present in someone with the six qualities, then his life will be noble. If egotism enters then he will be destroyed.
"Devi, your father Daksha censured me without proper reasons. I forgot about it. Daksha lacks respect for me. He is too proud of himself. It is unwise to meet evil-minded people even if they are one's relatives. Going to such people's homes is unadvisable. The jealous and proud relatives will behave unexpectedly. They will use harsh words. Relatives' harsh words are more injurious than being struck by enemy's arrows. Arrows only affect the body and once removed one can rest in peace. But with relatives' harsh words reverberating in the mind, one can't sleep restfully. They will be in grief day and night", said Lord Siva.
"Devi, your father loves you. Because you are married to me, your father distanced you. By holding a grudge on me, he is full of anger. An angry person can't be a judge of good and bad. He will definitely insult you".
"The fame of ego-less people keeps growing. Evil people can't withstand but turn jealous. They develop enmity. Unable to attain fame, they will remain jealous of famous people and act accordingly."
"Devi, Daksha could be your father, but it is not advisable to meet him at this time. You might think you are not at fault, and you will definitely be insulted."
The friendship with low lives results in a person's downfall. It is not right to befriend those who hate Lord Siva. In general, devotees should stay away from atheists who hate god. Narada Bhakti Sootra advised that the words of atheists and enemies should be ignored.
Satidevi, despite Lord Siva's warnings, was still intent on visiting her parents. She thought she could change the minds of her parents and make them invite Lord Siva. It is better to listen to Lord Siva's advice than fulfill our wishes with free-will. So Satidevi decided to go to Dakha's yagna.
Lord Siva said"Please listen to me. If you don't heed me and go, it will turn inauspicious. The ones with self-esteem can't withstand the censure from relatives. There is a danger that you will die."
Self Sacrifice of Satidevi
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Satidevi expressed her resolve to go to Daksha yagna. If Lord Siva agreed to it, she would definitely be insulted. If not, she would feel pained by him. So he remained silent.
A full pot won't make noise. People without proper comprehension show their insolence. When things take an ugly turn, one should not be in haste. Silence is preferable.
Satidevi was set to go. She decided to go apart from Lord Siva. Destiny is unavoidable. She wished to see her relations. But was afraid Lord Siva would be unhappy.
It is not advisable to leave home when a couple has differences. With love for relatives, Satidevi's heart was pained. She started crying. Her body was shaking. She gave hateful glances at Lord Siva.
Satidevi went to her parents' home. She left behind the auspicious Lord Siva in preference for her family. She went with bare hands. Lord Siva ordered his ganas to follow her. He gave her jewels and ornaments to them. He was thinking they would hinder his meditation and cause more disharmony.
One should not keep disturbing images in the house. When seeing an image makes the mind race to the external world, it should not adorn the house. It is preferable to have the idols of Devas and their ardent devotees. They are the real decorations for a home.
Satidevi arrived at the parents' home. Her mother and siblings welcomed her. But the enraged Daksha offended her. She came to know how Parameswara was censured by him.
She said,"Father, Siva is liked by all. He transcended likes and dislikes. He doesn't have a favorite or an enemy. He gives salvation to his devotees. Only you have enmity with him."
"The virtuous don't take offence to others' faults. But a proud person like you considers good gunas as faults. You are only looking at the faults of Parama Siva".
"Only people who think of the body as self criticize the noble. Mahatmas don't pay attention to censure. They consider praise and censure the same. But their followers won't tolerate it. The people blaming the mahatma will be destroyed."
"We are the servants of our master Lord Siva. His glory is important to us. A follower should not listen to the criticism of the master. The person blaming him should be killed. Or one who listened to the criticism must die. If he is incapable of either, he should cover his ears and leave the place. If he is capable, the tongue of the person criticizing the master should be cut. This is all a follower can do" said Satidevi.
"Father, you hate Siva. It is my misfortune that I am your daughter. I am renouncing the body that came into being because of you. Thereby I cleanse my sins. I will be ever closer to Siva. This body I am in is equivalent to a corpse".
Saying thus, Sateedevi sat facing northward. She closed her eyes and released yoga agni. She immersed herself in meditation on Lord Siva. Her body was slowly engulfed in flames. Everyone watching it grieved.
Sateedevi turned into ashes. Watching this, the ganas of Lord Siva tried to attack Daksha with their weapons. Bhrugu with his yogic powers created thousands of Devas. They came after the Siva ganas with lighted torches. The Siva ganas ran in fear.
Death of Daksha
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Narada went to Kailasa and informed Satidevi's renunciation of body. Lord Siva was unperturbed. Then he informed Lord Siva about the ganas tortured by Devas. Listening to this, Lord Siva was enraged. He donned the frightful Rudra form. Biting his lips, he pulled a hair lock and hit it on the ground with a great sound.
From the hair lock, Veerabhadra emerged with a mountainous body. His head was in the sky."Lord, please command me what to do," said Veerabhadra.
"Veerabhadra, you are born as an instance of mine. Go with my ganas and destroy Daksha's yagna", said Lord Siva.
Veerabhadra made salutation to Lord Siva and attained enormous power.
Veerabhadra carrying a trident, followed by Siva ganas, ran towards the location where Daksha was conducting yagna.
The dust rising from them spread across the world. The people at the yagna site were perturbed. They prognosticated the end of the world.
The wives of Daksha were frightened. Daksha insulted an innocent Satidevi. They thought his sin was causing the dust to rise. Veerabhadra arrived at the yagna site. The Siva ganas arrived after him. The earth and the sky shook with their frightening sounds. Even Daksha was perturbed.
Siva ganas entered the yagna site. They destroyed everything in their sight. They abused the sages. Some tortured the brahmins.
Bhrugu was arrested by Lord Siva's follower Manimanta. Veerabhadra caught hold of Daksha. Chandeesa captured Surya Deva. Nandeeswara caught Bhaga Deva.
Veerabhadra yanked Bhrugu's moustache because when Daksha was censuring Lord Siva, he watched in glee by stroking his moustache.
When Daksha was insulting Lord Siva, Poosha Deva was laughing through his teeth. So Veerabhadra yanked his teeth out.
Bhaga Deva winked his eye encouraging Daksha to insult Lord Siva. Because of that, Veerabhadra yanked his eyeballs.
Veerabhadra pinned Daksha to the floor by sitting on his chest and decapitated him. Daksha perished. Thus destroying the Daksha yagna, Veerabhadra returned to Kailasa.
The Devas at the yagna site were scared and ran to Brahma Deva. Brahma Deva followed by the Devas went to Kailasa. Devas prayed to Lord Siva and sought his forgiveness. Lord Siva mellowed and saluted Brahma Deva.
"O Lord, interrupting a yagna didn't sit well with you as you are one of the gods prayed during yagna. Please forgive the fault of evil Daksha. Please bless so that the yagna may be continued to completion" said Brahma Deva.
"Brahma Deva, I don't think about the evil acts and faults of the ignorant. To preserve decency I punished Daksha. I am not antagonistic to any being" said Lord Siva.
Lord Siva was without hatred even towards the people responsible for his wife's death. Looking beyond faults is a divine quality. Those without hatred and faults attain Lord Siva. Those seeking God's help should inculcate divine qualities. They should give up hatred and practise love.
On listening to the sweet words of Lord Siva, Devas were elated. Brahma Deva and Lord Siva, followed by the Devas, went to the yagna site.
Daksha's decapitated body was still lying there. Following Lord Siva's command, Devas attached a goat head to it. Lord Siva with his yogic power made Daksha alive. He got up and praised the Lord with remorse and sought his forgiveness.
"Deva, Parama Siva, please forgive my evil self. I insulted you. For having criticized you I became a sinner. Being an embodiment of love, you forgave me and showered your grace on me" said Daksha. With Lord Siva's blessing Daksha resumed the yagna.
Lord Siva thought the yagna should be continued no matter how grievously he was insulted. Instead of thinking what has come unto us, we should think what can be done by us.
Daksha carried the havis in hands and prayed to the Lord Vishnu who appeared before them.
Siva saluted Narayana and said"Your feet worshipped by ascetics can bestow all that we wish for. Our minds are always focused on your feet. As we contemplate over your lotus feet, some people think we are inert and lack culture. But we don't pay attention to such people".
The implication is a mind without distractions gives rise to devotion. A devotee should not react to censure. He should move without fear. He should fear only sin. Such people become noble.
Maitreya told Vidura: "Thus, everyone praised Lord Vishnu. Daksha performed yagna. Lord Vishnu took his share of havis and said:
"Daksha, my devotee will be non-dualistic. He will see me in one and all. He won't consider Brahma, Rudra and Devas as different from me. One who sees differences among the triumvirate won't have peace."
"Vidura, I heard this Daksha yagna story from Udhava. Whoever recites this story or listens to it will be free from the birth-death cycle" said Maitreya.
History of Dharma
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We are meant to follow dharma which is a God's gift to mankind. Devas don't have the privilege to live with dharma. Rest of the animal kingdom doesn't have the intellect to follow dharma. Man alone can follow dharma. Hence a man's body is called the embodiment of dharma.
Those without adherence to dharma will fall prey to their senses and baser instincts. When Daksha performed the yagna it turned into a battlefield. Whereas Pandava war with Kauravas in Kurukshetra turned into yagna. The acts carried out without dharma cause havoc.
Daksha with pomp and circumstance ignored dharma. As a result he was punished. One should not sin and never give up dharma.
When one knows that food is spoiled, then he won't eat it. Whereas the ones ignorant of the fact will not hesitate to eat it. One has to figure out if dharma is violated before embarking on a task. When dharma is violated then they should refrain from that task.
To the violator of dharma, illusion is the wife. Pompousness is their son and Maya is their daughter. Pompousness has Covetousness as son. Hatred is the son of Covetousness. Harshness is the daughter of Hatred. Harshness has Fear as the daughter and Death as the son. Agony and Hell are their progeny.
Kanada maharshi said in Vaiseshika Darsana"Dharma is that which helps one achieve fame and make the society progress".
A person's personality and societal progress are based on dharma. Hence, men aspiring for glory should not ignore dharma.
In Poorva Meemamsa Darsana, Jaimini maharshi said"Following gunas and attributes one should perform dharma".
Since man's personality is based on society and society's progress depends on men, they are mutually dependent. The dharma makes them travel with moral rectitude. Hence everyone should follow dharma.
To give light is a lamp's dharma. Swimming is the dharma of a fish. If a lamp no longer gives light, it means it ran out of fuel. A fish that is no longer swimming means it is dead. A man not performing dharma is like an animal. Hence the one procrastinating about dharma is a sinner.
Maha Bharata said"The one who protects dharma will be protected by dharma. Conversely the one contributing to the demise of dharma will die because of it. Hence no one should ignore dharma. One has to resolve to uphold it at all times."
Taking refuge in dharma earth is bearing us all. Rulers rule the subjects by upholding dharma.
An object's or a person's existence is preserved because of dharma. Heat is the dharma of fire. Without fire there is no heat. When one's nature dies, dharma also dies. That means, without dharma one no longer exists.
Similarly this world is standing on dharma. It is that which supports the world.
Taittareeya Upanishad said"This world's existence is based on dharma".
Thus, not only men, but the entire world is based on dharma. We say a wealthy man gave dharma to a beggar. What do we mean?
To give alms is your dharma. Because it is the nature of a man. In the Lord's creation every object has a purpose. Living by knowing it is dharma. Dharma gives but doesn't take or beg.
A sea sends its water in the form of vapor which turns into clouds. Without expecting anything from us, the clouds rain. Rivers support life. But they don't expect anything in return. Trees are sharing their fruit with us without expecting anything from us. Trees don't discriminate between rich and poor. Sun shines on us and keeps us alive. There is nothing we can give back to the sun. These are all examples of dharma done without anticipating anything in return.
The light in the sun, fresh water in the rivers, presence of oceans, greenery in trees are because of dharma. That's why those who follow dharma don't have sorrow. As for the others, there is no comfort.
Sukra Neeti said"Those who don't follow dharma can't enjoy life. So for one's enjoyment following dharma is best".
Adharma is one who doesn't follow dharma. He has misfortune. He has no peace. He is a misfit.
Adharma's family is peculiar and strange. Adharma's wife is Delusion which stands for falsity.
Sankaracharya said"Self is only real. Everything else is an illusion".
Adharma always speaks falsity. He won't say the truth even by mistake. In falsity lies pompousness. The children of Adharma and Falsity are Pompousness and Maya. Pompousness is when one pretends to have something. This is the family of Adharma and Falsity.
Pompousness has Covetousness as son. There is no question of self-sacrifice in pompous people.
Pompous in the company of Covetousness will look like someone who is willing to make a sacrifice. But it is not true.
The son of Covetousness is Hatred. Covetousness always hopes for profit. When someone obstructs his path, he will develop hatred. One doesn't know the beginning and ending of hatred. The consequences of hatred are dire.
Hatred's daughter is Harshness. People who hate and are angry resort to harsh words.
Harsh words are dangerous. When someone's talk is sweet, no one is offended. All of the historical wars took place because of harsh words. Talk has to embellish a person but not generate harsh words.
When Draupadi said"The son of a blind man is blind", it led to serious consequences. If Sita Devi didn't berate Lakshmana and followed his advice, Ravana could not have kidnapped her. In today's world we see many examples where harsh words are the main reason for confrontations.
When talk is full of harsh words life will be hard; health will suffer; old age creeps in; death results. Hence Harshness has Death as the son and Fear as the daughter. Fear is always associated with Death. They are twins.
Death's children are Hell and Agony. The life of Adharma won't just stop at the cemetery. It continues on to the next life.
Behavior violating dharma results in hell where one is dreadfully tormented.
Adharma is a poisonous tree. It augurs dangerous situations in life. One should cut it asunder by not associating with it and by following dharma. As light makes its way darkness will be dispelled. As dharma creeps into a man, the adharma will go away.
Honey bees extract nectar from flowers without damaging them. They then store it in a hive for their use as well as for others.
A person following dharma should extract the fruit of dharma in small increments like the honey bees. That fruit should be useful to him and the society. No one should be hurt in that process.
We should destroy adharma and enhance dharma. The tree of dharma bears the fruits of love. This eventually helps one attain salvation.
The story of Dhruva
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Maitreya conveyed to Vidura about Manu's three daughters. Manu had two sons: Priyavrata and Uttanapada. The fifth skanda will describe Priyavrata. In this fourth skanda Uttanapada's history was given.
Uttanapada had two wives: Suneeti and Suruchi. Suruchi had a son called Uttama. Suneeti gave birth to Dhruva. Uttanapada favored Suruchi over Suneeti.
This is not just someone's biography. It is applicable to all of us. Each of us is like Uttanapada. It means someone whose feet are pointed upwards. While in the womb, the fetus' feet are pointed up and the head is down. Hence all men are Uttanapada.
Suneeti means one who follows dharma. Suruchi means one who is interested in worldly things. Men give more importance to worldly things than dharma. Hence Uttanapada loved Suruchi more than Suneeti.
Suruchi promotes selfishness. Suneeti promotes societal good. Men are more interested in selfish things rather than on what's good for society. Selfishness implies the enjoyment of the senses, mind and intellect.
Jivas spend all of their time to satisfy the senses and the mind. If one wishes to watch a movie, one will be on the lookout for a movie. He won't ask:"What if I don't see the movie?"
Tongue demands variety. Jiva provides all novelties to the tongue for its relish. Even then it is not satisfying. However long we eat, it is not satisfied.The same taste is demanded again and again putting the jiva in strife.
One who can control senses will be happy. The senses perturb the mind. Then they take the mind on a ride among worldly pleasures. At the end the jiva feels sorrow. Hence the senses must be consciously controlled. When the senses are in control, the mind will follow suit.
Sri Krishna said in the Sankhya Yoga chapter of Bhagavat Gita"Arjuna, no matter how hard a wise person tries, the senses perturb his mind with tremendous force".
In general men follow their senses rather than dharma. Mind is a storehouse of desires. That is Suruchi. Whereas Suneeti follows dharma.
Suruchi's son was called Uttam."ut" means above or higher. "tamaha" means darkness. Hence Uttama is one whose mind is enveloped by darkness.
People caught in the transactional world are not favored by God because they are ignorant.
Suneeti's son was Dhruva."Dhruva" means that which is stable and without death. Whoever walks in the path of dharma, spreading love to one and all, will be blessed with knowledge that removes all of his ignorance.
Bhagavad Gita had mentioned the following attributes of Para Brahman: undiminished, indescribable, unmanifest, omnipresent, unimaginable, unchangeable, unmovable, permanent.
Hence Dhruva means unmodifiable reality. That's what gives happiness to jiva. Even then men run after pleasures in worldly activities rather than seek what makes their self blissful. They are slaves to Suruchi and far removed from Suneeti.
One day Uttanapada was playing with Uttama. Dhruva saw that. He too wanted to play with his father. So he approached him. But the king, being afraid of Suruchi, didn't agree to it.
Dhruva means bliss without cause. But Suruchi, like memories of the past, was blocking it. The memory of the past is afraid that jiva will become devotional and ignore it.
Suruchi said"Dhruva, you are not eligible to play with your father."
Dhruva was astonished. He looked quizzingly at Suruchi:"Am I not the son of the king?"
"Dhruva, even though you are the son of the king, as you were not born to me, you are not eligible to play with your father" said Suruchi.
"Dhruva, you are very young. You are born to a different woman. You are seeking something you are not qualified to receive. If you want to sit on the throne like Uttama, then you must have been born to me" said Suruchi.
Suruchi's words left deep wounds in Dhruva's heart. He was very disturbed. His father didn't intervene and merely watched them. The sorrowful Dhruva went to his mother crying.
Suneeti asked Dhruva the cause for crying. Dhruva didn't say a word. Otherwise his step mother would think of him as a tattletale.
Suneeti learnt from the maid what had happened. She too felt grief. She was grievous of her child's mental wounds. She didn't say one word against Suruchi. She didn't blame anyone. If she criticized Suruchi, then it would cause antagonistic feelings in Dhruva. Suneeti felt one could live without health but not knowledge.
One should not blame others in front of children. Children have imitative instincts. Children learn by watching elders.
Suneeti hugging Dhruva said"Dear, don't cry. In this world no one can injure others. If we led a sinful life in the previous birth, we will experience its fruit in the present birth."
Suneeti said,"Dear you are born to an unfortunate soul. Suruchi told the truth. I am not the queen. I am not even eligible to be King's maid."
Suneeti said"Don't be jealous of anyone. Even though Suruchi is your step mother she spoke the truth. Go and worship Sri Hari. If we have no choice but to beg, it is better to beg Paramatma. His grace is inexhaustible. He will give you all you seek".
"Dhruva, Vasudeva is the father to all. Go to the forest. Propitiate Sri Hari by meditating on him", said Suneeti.
"Son, why are you hesitating? A forest is better than a palace devoid of love. I am not sending you alone. I give my blessing to go with you. Don't think you will all be by yourself. Sri Hari will be following you. The god who protected you in my womb, will stand in support of you" said Suneeti.
Dhruva decided to go to the forest. He prostrated before his mother. Suneeti said,"Son, you do the same honor to your step mother. Seek her blessing too." Mothers like Suneeti are role models. Suneeti thought if her son went to forest with ill feelings, then his meditation wouldn't come to fruition.
Seekers should renounce jealousy and hatred. Otherwise they will be haunted during meditation. Only the hearts filled with love can stay firm while meditating on Sri Hari.
Obeying his mother's command, Dhruva prostrated before his step mother. She was impressed that even though she insulted him, he came to salute her. But she wouldn't budge about accepting Dhruva as a member of her family.
Dhruva went to the forest. He was boldly walking in the forest. He kept faith in his mother's words that Sri Hari would be following him. Only people with unwavering faith can meet the Lord.
On the way he met Narada maharshi. Guru will walk to a qualified student.
On seeing Dhruva, Narada was mystified. He hugged him.
Dhruva saluted Narada and sought the easy way to propitiate Sri Hari. Narada was impressed with Dhruva.
"Dhruva, whatever your mother says is the safest way. With a single mind meditate on Sri Hari" said Narada.
"Dhruva, you will be successful. On the banks of river Yamuna there is Madhu forest. Sri Krishna visits it all the time. Go there and meditate on Vasudeva" said Narada. He told Dhruva about Sri Krishna's glorious form and advised him to keep meditating on Vasudeva.
Narada initiated Dhruva with the Vasudeva mantra:"Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya". Dhruva made his obeisance to Narada and went to Madhu forest.
Narada then went to meet Uttanapada. He saw Uttanapada in melancholy. Narada enquired about his melancholy.
The repentant Uttanapada said"Maharshi, by being henpecked, I sent a five year old Dhruva to forest. He is virtuous and all alone in the forest. I am worried about wild animals. I am a sinner for refusing to play with him."
Narada said,"King, your son will receive the grace of Paramatma. Don't worry about him. His fame will be known to the world. He will soon come back."
Uttanapada was still thinking about Dhruva all the time.
Dhruva's Resplendence
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Dhruva went to river Yamuna. He bathed in the river while meditating on Sri Hari.
Those seekers who want to progress in their quest, better fast. Fasting helps in controlling the senses. Mind will not vacillate. On the other hand, completely giving up food is not suggested. Eating in moderation is necessary.
Dhruva started his penance. In the first month, he ate fruits and berries once in three days to protect his body. His mind was entirely on Sri Hari.
In the second month, he ate dry leaves and grass once in six days. He picked them up from the ground rather than from the trees lest they should be hurt. He did penance, thus, in the second month.
We have to note that as the number of days in penance was increasing, Dhruva had been fasting more severely. He didn't eat anything juicy but only dry things.
Dhruva's penance entered the third month. He only drank water once in nine days and continued his meditation on the Lord.
In the fourth month he stopped even the water and survived only on breathing with his mind fixated on the Lord. In the fifth month, he restricted the intake of air and stood on one leg in penance. Then the earth shook violently like when an elephant boards a boat.
As Dhruva had restricted his breath, all the jivas were feeling suffocated. Devas rushed to Sri Hari, unable to breathe, and sought his refuge. Sri Hari came to know that it was Dhruva's penance that was making everyone suffocate. He reassured them that he would intervene.
Sriman Narayana with thousand heads arrived on his vehicle Garuda to the Madhu forest where Dhruva was in penance.
Usually people go to visit the Lord in the temples. In this case Lord himself came to see his devotee.
The Lord won't bless those who are atheists and interested in worldly pleasures. Whereas to see an ardent devotee he would come in love. Sri Hari approached Dhruva.
Sri Hari appeared before Dhruva. Dhruva was crying and saluting the Lord. He wanted to praise the Lord, but was too young to do so.
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Suruchi was moved when she saw Dhruva. Faith can move mountains. Everyone loves those who are friendly.
Devotees who are friendly and loving will receive the Lord's blessing. Like water flowing down from higher ground, humility will flow towards a friendly person from every one.
Suneeti felt happy when Dhruva saluted Suruchi. She thought her son did the right thing and her blessing would always be there. She felt happy that her son was humble to receive the blessings of his step mother.
Suneeti hugged Dhruva as he approached her and overcame the heart ache. Uttama hugged Dhruva and was ecstatic.
Uttanapada mounted a bedecked elephant. He wanted Dhruva to sit next to him. Six months ago he was unwilling to touch Dhruva. Now he was honoring Dhruva. This is the victory of devotion.
Dhruva refused to mount the elephant, unless his step brother Uttama came along. Everyone was surprised at Dhruva's caring and sharing. They all felt happy.
Uttanapada acceded to Dhruva's request and rode the elephant with his two sons. Dhruva was thinking"O Lord, glory to you. Everyone is honoring me because I received your blessing. All these festivities are ephemeral. Let my heart never leave the devotion at your feet."
Uttanapada was repentant about how half of his life went by without devotion to the Lord. Whereas Dhruva could attain it as a five year old child.
Dhruva grew to be a youth. He was loved by one all in his kingdom. Uttanapada abdicated his throne to Dhruva and went to forests for self-realization.
Dhruva married Bhrami and had two sons -- Kalpa and Vatsara.
Uttama didn't marry. Once he went hunting and was killed by a Yaksha. His mother Suruchi also died.
Disturbed by the death of his brother, Dhruva got enraged and declared war on Yakshas. He killed several Yakshas with his arrows.
Dhruva's grandfather Manu appeared and said"Son, don't be in a hurry. Your brother was killed by one errant Yaksha. You already killed several Yakshas with your rage. If unchecked it will transform into a major sin. As a devotee this doesn't behoove you".
"Dhruva, you meditate on Sri Hari everyday. All of his devotees admire you. You always tread the path on which the mahatmas walked. Why are you doing this ignoble act?"
"Son, those who are patient with mahatmas, friendly to their equals, affectionate to the less fortunate, and kind to all jivas will attain God."
"Son, you worship the non-dual para Brahma. People worshipping him transcend the differences between friends and foes."
"Son, those desiring salvation should overcome anger. Like medicine that cures a disease, scripture will help."
Dhruva following Manu's advice stopped his war with Yakshas.
Kubera, the lord of wealth, upon hearing that Dhruva ended the war with Yakshas, arrived at his doorstep with Yakshas and Kinneras. He praised Dhruva"Dhruva, you are the supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu. Following your grandfather's advice you ended the war. I am very happy for you".
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Dhruva did penance on the banks of river Yamuna and attained Vaikuntha by Lord's grace.
Maitreya said to Vidura:"Dhruva's history is glorious. It gives prosperity and longevity; removes sins; is most exalted; grants heaven; is auspicious. It gives a permanent abode in the sky like the Dhruva star. It gives peace of mind. It deserves appreciation". In denouement of Dhruva's history Maitreya said in the yagna conducted by Prachetasas, sage Narada praised Dhruva. Vidura wanted to know about Prachetasas.
Dhruvu's Dynasty - Emperor Prudhu
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In Dhruva's dynasty there was a king called Anga who was pious. He had a son called Venu who was evil. Upon seeing his son's bad behavior Anga left the kingdom. All the subjects were in grief.
Rishis wanted to conduct a yagna. Venu declared himself as Vishnu. He started berating the Devas. Rishis, unable to bear his abuse, annihilated him. They made Prudhu out of his ashes.
Prudhu was crowned as the King. He was kind and considerate and followed dharma. He once conducted a horse sacrifice on the banks of river Saraswati.
During horse sacrifice, a horse is let loose. Anyone can capture it. Those who capture it should be prepared to fight with the king. If the horse was not captured by anyone then it is a complete victory.
Making senses outward is the meaning of letting the horse loose. If anyone caught the horse, it means senses are caught in worldly transactions. When someone captures the horse, he should fight the king. In other words, one should make senses immovable and overcome past memories.
Indra captured the horse. Prudhu's son brought it back. The past memories that activate the senses is Indra. He would make senses unfettered like a horse. Prudhu's son, the one with knowledge, would rescue the horse.
Prudhu conducted hundred horse sacrifices. Sri Hari gave him several boons because of that.
The Advice of Sanaka Et al.
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One day Sanaka, Sananda et al visited Prudhu. He praised the rishis and washed their feet along with his wife Archi.
"Mahatmas, I am blessed by your appearance which is not possible even for yogis. Meeting with you is the same as meeting with the Lord. The householders serving you will be blessed. They are the most fortunate" said Prudhu.
Prudhu said,"Mahatmas, faced with death one day, how can we be happy every day? Please tell us"
"O King, you must worship the lotus feet of the Lord and praise his gunas. Those minds that go outward, can't attain salvation. Hence board the boat of Lord's lotus feet, and cross the ocean of life" said the rishis.
Then the rishis blessed the king and left the place.
Prudhu and Archi had several sons: Vijitaaswa, Haryakshu, Dravina, Dhoomkesu and Vruka. One day Prudhu gave his royal duties to his sons and accompanied by his wife went to forests. All of his subjects felt sad. He performed great penance and attained salvation.
For a jiva, sacrifice is the ornament. Salvation is the fruit. Even though Prudhu had everything one could hope for, he sacrificed all, did penance and attained salvation. Those who don't strive for salvation lead meaningless lives.
Maitreya said:"Vidura, I told you the most auspicious history of King Prudhu".
King Prudhu's great grandson Pracheena Barhi had ten Prachetasas as sons from his wife Satadhruti. Influenced by the sage Narada, the Prachetasas did penance and attained Lord Sankara who enlightened them.
Knowledge is more supreme than anything of use in this world. Whoever rides the sea of life on the boat of knowledge will be successful.
Puranjana's Story
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Enlightened by Lord Siva, Prachetasas did penance. Narada approached Praacheena Barhi.
"O King, your heart is fixated on karma and you are conducting yagnas with karma. Such karma is useful for enjoying the comforts but won't alleviate your sorrow. It can't give you lasting happiness" said Narada. He then told him about Puranjana.
Puranjana was a pleasure seeker. He was searching for a town seeking pleasure. He had a friend called Avijmata who always tried to please Puranjana. Puranjana entered a town with nine gates. As soon as he entered the town, a beautiful woman befriended him. He didn't know who she was. Despite not knowing her, he married her. He had eleven hundred children from her. She had ten maids. A maid with five heads is one among them.
Puranjana immensely loved his wife. He was enjoying all kinds of pleasures. He would do what she commanded and imitate her.
On knowing the weakness of Puranjana, the Gandharva king Chandavegu attacked his town. A snake with five hoods tried to stop him but it was getting weaker.
Time had attacked Puranjana. Puranjana experienced great sorrow. Even then his love for his wife did not lessen.
One called Bhayanamu found an opportune moment to capture Puranjana and brought him to Time. Even then his love didn't diminish. His love for his friend Avijmata didn't grow. Puranjana was in the throes of death. He passed away thinking about her and was born as the daughter of the king of Vidharbha.
Puranjana is the self. Avijmata is the Self. The town is the body with nine openings. The lust is the beautiful Puranjani. Puranjana wedded her. She gave birth to eleven hundred children. She had ten maids. One of them is the five hooded serpent. Children means the thoughts crossing the mind. The ten senses are the ten maids. The five Pranas: pana, apana, vyana, udana, samna, stand for the five hooded serpent.
Body will be robbed by Time. Jiva will suffer as time passes. Even then Puranjana didn't think about Avijmata who is the paramatma. At the time of death he was thinking about his wife. As his last thought was about his wife, he was reborn as a woman.
Puranjana was born as the daughter of the king of Vidarbha and married Malayadhwaja. They had one daughter and seven sons. They gave the daughter in marriage to sage Agastya.
Malayadhwaja died. As Vaidarbhi tried to kill herself due to the loss of her husband, Avijmata met her and told her about the previous life. In all the time, Avijmata was changeless and kept track of his friend. For as long as paramatma was not known, jiva will have to undergo birth-death cycles. One should realize that the world is without lasting happiness and strive for self-realization.
Upanishad said"The world is born out of fleeting thoughts. As soon as the thoughts end, one should know that the world is ephemeral"
Thus, sage Narada preached to Pracheena Barhi. Influenced by Narada's words, he went to the ashram of Kapila where he performed great penance and attained salvation.
Lord Narayana was impressed by the penance of Prachetasas. The Lord commanded them to lead a married life. They obeyed and married Marisha who gave birth to Daksha.
Prachetasas received great enlightenment. Once sage Narada appeared before Prachetasas. Narada's discourse removed all of their doubts.
Narada said:"A person has three stages in each life. First one is from parents. The second one is after thread marriage. The third is from performing yagna. These three stages are useless if Sri Hari is not worshipped."
"The most exalted is self. The Self of all is Sri Hari. By pouring water at the root of a tree, all of its branches and leaves will be nourished. Similarly all the worship done to Sri Krishna will percolate to all the Devas" said Narada.
Maitreya told Vidura"Prachetasas took the advice of Narada and implemented it. Thereby they attained Lord Vishnu's abode".
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