Thursday, May 9, 2024

Bhagavata Skanda 5 Eng HTML Final

Introduction

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This skanda dwells on the ashram dharma. It is replete with several important and impressive messages. The history of Priyavrata is helpful for those crossing the sea of life like a boat. Brahma Deva advises Priyavrata that just as fighting the enemy from inside the fort is better, a family way of life is suitable for overcoming lust, rage, hatred and covetousness.


Through marriage it is possible to overcome past memories. It is better to take up sanyasa after several years of married life. While praising married way of life, Bharata's life shows that by renunciation one can go beyond worldly transactions.


Desires are very tricky. Any one strong desire can cause rebirth. Bharata loved a doe and died thinking about it. As a result, he was reborn as a doe. Hence one has to be wary about the kinds of desires one entertains. The apsarasa Poorvachitta was symbolic of the pent up desires.


Priyavrata's Story

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Men don't want sorrow but they don't want to change their attitude towards things that cause sorrow. They sow a pumpkin seed and expect a mango tree. Similarly one stands in the scorching sun and dreams about air conditioning.


Everyone seeks pleasures. But they don't perform the karma that gives a happy fruit. Without sowing the right seed, they want to enjoy fruits.


Bondage is not external. Beauty is within. As long as one is under the delusion of mind, there is no escape from strife. One with disease won't sleep well even on a silk mattress. The beautiful nature isn't there for the blind. When one's mind is in bondage, seeking external pleasures, there is no liberation. The shackles of bondage won't go away that easily.


One can ask"Is renouncing bondage the answer?" True, but the seeds of bondage would still be there. They are there with us and will be there with us. Hence seekers should work hard to not let them grow into mighty trees.


There is no lasting peace in bondage. Nor is there complete happiness. Sorrow and happiness are states of the mind. The memories of the past instigate karma. For as long as the memories linger, one is a problem to oneself, no matter where he is living. One has to train the mind and make it stable. One should be satisfied with what he has.


Only God can rescue one tormented with worldly affairs. One has to have complete faith in the paramatma. One should believe in God's grace. One should not trust the senses. One must stay away from fleeting temptations.


With ardent devotion when one seeks refuge in the Lord, there is no power that can shake it. Devotion is supreme. It frightens the cause of fright and gives sorrow to the cause of sorrow. It takes care of the well being of the devotee. The devotee need not worry about how to overcome an obstacle. When all doors are closed, the door leading to paramatma is always open. If one can obtain the grace of the Lord, then the world will be at his feet.


Like waves in the ocean, life is full of ups and downs. Just as one bathes between the waves of an ocean, one has to pursue a spiritual life within the ups and downs of life. This is what this skanda teaches. It gives peace of mind.


Soota told Sounaka and other rishis gathered in Naimisa: Pareekshit asked the virtuous Suka Brahma"Mahatma, Priyavrata is a noble person. He was always immersed in self. How could he turn into a householder? How did he enjoy it? Isn't it the case that those seeking salvation won't partake in worldly transactions? Those wishing to lay at the feet of the Lord, will have to remain aloof from the transactional world. How could they gain the grace of the Lord?"


"O king, those who imbibe the nectar from the lotus feet of the Lord, can't give up the thoughts of Sri Hari because of their bonds with wife and family. Priyavrata got his initiation from sage Narada and was interested in self-realization. But his father, Manu, wanted him to have a family. But Priyavrata didn't agree to it. He felt a family would interfere with his devotion. To change his mind the four-faced creator, Brahma Deva, arrived" said Suka Brahma.


In a deserted cave, that was far from bustle, Narada was giving a discourse to Priyavrata. Manu arrived there to pick up his son Priyavrata. At that moment, on his swan Brahma Deva arrived. They all praised Brahma Deva.


Brahma Dev said"Son, Priyavrata, jiva is under the control of Eswara and doesn't always have free-will. Just as with reins men steer the horses, with the three gunas paramatma controls jivas".


Jiva performs karma and God gives the fruit. Accepting the auspicious fruit, like the blind following others, jivas follow paramatma. They experience happiness and sorrow based on the fruit paramatma gives them.


A self-realized person, even when performing karma, is not attached to it. Just as a person waking up after a dream recognizes the dream, a self realized person views the happiness and sorrow in life as an illusion. He won't be caught in the birth-death cycle of life.


To one who is self-realized there is no rebirth. He will renounce everything. But one who hasn't realized the self shouldn't give up karma. Even when he goes to a forest, there will be a possibility that he will raise a family.


Unless the lust for family is completely gone, there is nothing one can gain from renouncing the material world and going to a forest. For those free from all kinds of lust, there is no need to go to the forest.


When the desire is strong, one has to live without giving up the world. For as long as one stays in the world, the desires multiply without ever getting nullified. So how can a jiva attain salvation? Since the desires are present, he has to partake in worldly activities. To get rid of them, he has to renounce everything in his mind. This is the secret of karma yoga. And the supremeness of household duties. One with dangerous enemies can't roam freely. For a seeker there are six enemies: the five senses and the mind. They can wreak havoc at any time.


One who destroys his enemies can roam freely anywhere. A soldier shooting arrows from inside the fort finds it easy to destroy the enemy. Similarly one should stay in the household affairs to overcome the enemies: the five senses and the mind. Once he controls them, he will attain the paramatma.


Katha Upanishad said"The state when senses, mind, intellect are firmly in control is the highest one can achieve".


Partaking in the household duties, one has to wisely overcome desires. One who conquered his senses can rest well in his house. But one who is a slave to his senses can't experience joy by taking up sanyasa and moving to a forest. Thus, Brahma Deva advised Priyavrata to take up family way. Priyavrata agreed to it.


Manu abdicated his throne to Priyavrata and took up sanyasa. As per Lord Brahma's command, Priyavrata carried out his royal duties. He married Viswakarma's daughter Barimmati. He ruled the earth with dharma.


Priyavrata had ten sons and a daughter called Urjaswati. She was given in marriage to Sukracharya. They had a daughter called Devayani.


As time passed, once again Priyavrata's mind was with thoughts of renunciation. One day he called his sons, divided his kingdom equally among them, and leaving behind his wife and family, he went to seek self-realization as sage Narada taught him.


After Priyavrata went to forests, his son Agneedhru succeeded him. He ruled with dharma and treated all of his subjects like his children.


Once Agneedhru had a desire to have a child who would please his forefathers. He went to Mount Mandhara and did penance for Brahma Deva. Brahma Deva sent an apsarasa called Poorvachitta to test Agneedhru.


Agneedhru's History

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As Agneedhru was doing penance, Poorvachitta approached him. He opened his eyes and saw her. His mind was perturbed. The cupid took control of his heart.


Agneedhru married Poorvachitta who lusted for him. They had nine children.


The desires in the mind are Poorvachitta. Poorvachitta distracted Agneedhru when he was in penance. When we sit down for meditation, the forms, sounds, experiences from the past haunt us. It means Poorvachitta came to rule the mind and distract it away from meditation.


Past memories are obstacles to progress. One should treat them as enemies and disarm them. The thoughts from the past cause one to perform acts, some of which are sinful. Objects and transactions are external. Mind seeking them creates feelings of pleasure. It will cover-up wisdom and make reality disappear.


Poorvachitta brings up past desires during meditation and entices us. One has to be blind to it. One might have had several desires and experienced some of them. But the lust would not have subsided. Satisfaction was not gained. Why should we witness desires that cause dissatisfaction and sorrow? By meditating on Lord Krishna or Lord Siva Poorvachitta would be discouraged.


Sometimes during pooja the thoughts from the past resurface effortlessly. At such times one has to deal with them firmly."I won't listen to Poorvachitta. Nor will I enjoy it. Is the pleasure gained from reciting Lord's names present in the desires of the past?" Thus, one should ask and Poorvachitta will disappear.


When one wants to silence his mind, Poorvachitta tries to make him talkative. If one can't help, then one should follow her and begin talking. But they should be about the Lord. Singing praises of the Lord will help. Like birds leaving a tree, Poorvachitta will exit from the mind.


The thoughts of pleasure seeking are because of Poorvachitta. Hence the seeker should be awake and avoid the bondage with desires of pleasure seeking. This will pave the way for salvation.


Maho Upanishad said"The thrill seeking is bondage. Renouncing is salvation".


Poorvachitta had nine sons. She eventually left Agneedhru and returned to Brahma Deva's abode. Agneedhru divided his kingdom among his sons. But he couldn't live without Poorvachitta. He couldn't gain satisfaction in comforts.


One can't be satisfied with comforts in life. The finite comforts can't provide infinite bliss. The mind demands more and more thrills. The desires from the past memories haunt the mind. Refraining from them and not following them will make them disappear. On the contrary, if one entertains such thoughts, the karma will be performed accordingly. Newer desires will unfold. The mind thus distracted causes misery.


Agneedhru couldn't overcome the separation from Poorvachitta. He spent all of his time thinking about her. After dying, he was reborn as an apsarasa.


We decide our destination by ourselves. The desires make us act and decide the destiny. Good thoughts will make us walk in a noble path which will lead to a positive outcome. With bad thoughts, one will turn evil and attain hell. Hence one should refrain from thinking about ephemeral things. One has to meditate on that which is permanent. One should not confuse the body for self which is the witness of the intellect and sat-chit-ananda.


Skaanda Purana said"One should give up the delusion of the impermanent body as the self. One should always think of oneself as truthful, knowledgeable and a witness to intellect and mind."


As Agneedhru went to the loka of apsarasas, his sons, Nabhi et al., married the nine daughters of Meru.


Rushabha Deva

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Agneedhru passed away. His son Nabhi, wanting a son with dharma, performed a yagna.


It was said in Veda"Yagna is the knavel for all the worlds whose center is the Jamboo Dweepa".


Nabhi performed the yagna with his wife Meru Devi. As a result they had a son called Rushabha Deva.


All actions done to benefit the world are called yagna. People performing such a yagna will be blessed and conceive a child who will be wise and enlighten the world.


Rushabha means one who is second to none. In reality it is God that has no second. Hence Rushabha is the avatar of the Lord to set the world on the right course. The Rushabha avatar is an embodiment of knowledge.


Nabhi's subjects were elated and he was satisfied that his subjects approved of his son. Nabhi abdicated his throne to Rushabha and went to Badarika forest along with his wife. There he did penance and attained salvation.


Rushabha married Jayanti. They had several sons out of whom Bharata was well known.


Bharata was a virtuous man. His lineage gave rise to Bharata Varsha which was formerly called Jamboo Dweepa.


Rushabha was the embodiment of all good attributes. He didn't discriminate against anyone. He used to feel sorrow when others were sad. He showed by example how to lead the life of a householder. In his rule, his subjects never sought anything from anyone. The king took care of all of their needs.


Rushabha taught the scripture to his sons. Later he bequeathed his kingdom to them.


"A man's body is supreme. After being born as a human, one should not carry out actions that cause sorrow. Free will and pleasure seeking can't be the goal of humans because even birds and animals seek them. With meditation and penance one should purify his heart. This is the single most dharma of a man" said Rushabha.


A man seeking pleasure with his body eventually falls ill. Desires prompt one to carry out karma. This will lead to rebirth. The body suffers and the mind feels sorrow. Hence karma is not to be followed. Only knowledge is worth following.


We don't lead a blind man to an open pit. Similarly we don't tell a man intent on salvation to keep on performing karma.


"Sons, man should shed ignorance. Knowledge alone can do that. Like sun rise drives away darkness, enlightenment will end the ignorance" said Rushabha.


One should always think of the Lord and give up actions provoked by desires; listen to tales about the Lord;by staying away from lust and rage, sing praises of the Lord's gunas; control the senses, mind and intellect; endure dualities; join a group of spiritual minded people and be satisfied in their company; be of firm belief that the body is impermanent. Anyone becoming an obstacle to devotion should be avoided. One should always follow dharma.


"Sons, I never detoured from the path of rectitude. Hence everyone called me Vrushabha" said Rushabha.


Rushabha made his eldest son Bharata as the king and went about his way. He shed royal clothes and ornaments. He left the capital all by himself. After renouncing everything he sought the path of knowledge.


Rushabha roamed around like a madman. He was blind to others, dumb to those seeking him and deaf to people talking to him.


Evil people thinking of him as gone mad, tormented him in multiple ways. In some places he was kicked by people. Some defecated on him. He was spat at. Others threw stones and soil on him. Some abused him. Despite all the suffering, Rushabha Deva never felt sorrow. He moved with a pure conscience.


He was always reveling in the Self. He only ate what others gave in alms and did not crave for food.


Rushabha Deva had shown by example how to renounce. He transcended salvation itself. He never displayed any miracles. He led a life without bondage.


"O king, a hunter won't trust the prey he catches. Because it would run away if he is not careful. Similarly mahatmas, despite controlling their senses and mind, won't trust them. Hence Rushabha Deva didn't perform any miracles and showed enormous strength of the mind" said Suka Brahma to Pareekshit.


Rushabha Deva had arrived in Karnataka. There he was roaming in a bamboo forest. Once by the friction of the bamboo shoots, fire erupted. It soon burnt the entire forest. Rushabha Deva didn't run away. He coddled Agni Deva and perished in the fire. It is not possible to imitate him by anyone.


Suka said"Can any yogi be like Rushabha Deva? They will be going after miracles which Rushabha Deva abhorred. I salute the Rushabha Deva for being one of a kind".


Bharata's Story

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Rushabha's son Bharata became the king. He married Viswarupa's daughter Panchajanani and had five sons. He ruled the land with utmost care towards his subjects. Hence the land that was called"Ajanabha" was renamed as Bharata Desa.


Bharata performed several yagnas and dedicated the fruit to Sri Krishna. Because of this detachment while doing karma, his mind was cleansed. He had immense devotion for Lord Krishna. So he turned his mind inward and remained content.


Bharata used to wear deerskin. His hair was matted. He meditated on the Lord at all times. He abdicated his throne to his sons and renounced all things before moving to Pulaha ashram.


He renounced at a young age when he could still enjoy the comforts of a royal life. His mind was fixated on the Lord.


These days people enjoy pleasures until retirement age. They plan on renouncing after retirement. It is ignorant to think that when all the youthful days are spent on worldly pleasures, asceticism will dawn suddenly in old age. Many people falsely think that as the body withers the desires in the mind will subside.


Those who put off devotion to post-retirement are not guaranteed to live that long. So it is better to start on a spiritual path as early as possible.


All the relationships we establish in life are fleeting and end at the time of death. People ignoring this will be in bondage and far from salvation.


One should start a devotional way of life when the body is still willing. Worldly pleasures and attractions delude the devotees. They adversely affect the intellect, increase selfishness, and will not help in renunciation.


After knowing the truth, one will develop aversion for worldly pleasures. Then the intellect will pursue renunciation. Devotion acquired at an old age is not real. Old people with unfulfilled desires take up devotion.


Students take competitive exams at a young age -- not after they retire. So devotion and renunciation have to be done when one is still young. Success or loss should be determined at that age. The test of spirituality taken at an advanced age has nothing to do with devotion.


Bharata was young, a king, married, wealthy beyond imagination, yet he renounced all of them and went in search of the parameswara. He gave up desires with his wisdom and perseverance.


Everyone has to renounce everything one day. A seeker is one who knows this truth. When we renounce out of ignorance, we feel sorrow. Whereas renouncing with wisdom causes happiness.


Desires and bonds have to be given up one day. So they should not preoccupy the mind. That which stays constant with us is the paramatma. Knowing this truth Bharata sought paramatma. A true sanyasi is one who has utmost aversion to the world.


One day Bharata, after doing ablutions in the river, sat on the river bank in meditation. A pregnant deer came to drink the river water. As it was about to drink, a lion roared nearby. The deer got frightened and ran across the river.


The doe in her womb got delivered as the deer jumped in fright. The deer died upon reaching the other bank. Bharata saw the doe in the river and felt sympathy. He rescued the doe and took it to his ashram.


Bharata deeply loved the doe that had no mother. He thought"Who will give it milk? Who will raise it?" and felt very sad.


Man is under the delusion that he feeds his family all by himself. He forgets by whose kindness he is able to live. He thinks he achieved something all by himself. He forgets who gave him the intellect. He thinks he is the most handsome among all. He forgets who gave him the good attributes.


When we do a pious act, we should be aware that it is possible because of god. Egotism leads to fall. Bharata did the right thing by rescuing the doe, but was wrong to think that he alone could bring it up. Such a thought creates attachment that will cause rebirth.


Bharata gave up his kingdom but not the affection for the doe. A desire starts with a wave and soon spreads like an ocean. To show kindness is good. But to stay attached to something is detrimental.


Bharata was raising the doe in his ashram. He would cuddle with it, play with it, feed it and sleep with it. One can have a dog as a pet. But to bark with it is not the proper conduct. If God decides that one wants to be a dog, then that's what one gets in the next birth.


The love for the doe made Bharata neglect his meditation. He didn't want to leave the doe to the mercy of elements and stopped going to forest to fetch flowers and fruits, thereby neglecting his pooja. He used to jump when the doe jumped. He would sing lullabies as it slept.


It is to be remembered that Bharata's great grandfather Agneedhru gave up penance by falling in love with the apsarasa Poorvachitta. Poorvachitta stands for past memories. The karma in the past resurfaces as Poorvachitta during meditation


In the past Bharata used to take care of his children and look after their well being. That karma created the new bond with the doe. The doe could be the most recent attachment, but the love and affection for beings had been there in all of his earlier life.


Worldly matters are obstacles to meditation. One who faces turmoil, can't sleep well. Like an oil lamp that is put off by wind, the mediation will go awry with past memories.


Bharata would start his pooja and frequently open his eyes to ensure the doe was safe.


The doe was not in the ashram but in Bharata's heart. It doesn't matter who is in the mind as long as it is the Lord. Bharata renounced all materialistic bonds but there still remained his affection for beings.


Bharata used to pray to god for the welfare of all. After acquiring the doe, he would pray just for its well being.


If the doe ran out of view, Bharata would be perturbed like someone who lost his wallet. He would cry until the doe came to view.


If the doe was out of his view, Bharata would think:"Is my doe safe? Did a wolf attack it? The doe has no one but me to care for. I am a wretched being. I left the doe all by itself. God, I hope it didn't die. Will it roam in the grass freely and happily? Am I fortunate enough to watch it return to safety?"


We see this kind of thinking in all households. Parents will be worried, when their children go out of their homes even for a few hours. They will pray for the safe return of their children. Bharata was having similar feelings and sentiments. Hence it was said the householders are auspicious. If desires can be regulated as householders then handling sanyasa will be easier.


Mind is good at projecting what-if scenarios. It imagines and deludes. If the mind is fixated on one thing, then it will go into paranoia. Bharata was paranoid about the doe.


Bharata would cry"When will my doe return and make me happy? When will it make me content by hopping and running hither and thither? When I am in meditation, will it rub its budding horns on my back? Will I be able to play hide-and-seek as usual during pooja?"


Bharata was inviting obstacles to his pooja and meditation because of his love for the doe. It was strange that after taking sanyasa and renouncing everything, Bharata was still in bondage due to the doe.


Suka Brahma told Pareekshit"Thus, Bharata's meditation, penance, recitation of Lord's name and pooja went wayward because of the doe. His mind always thought about the doe and nothing else. Even a great sanyasi like Bharata could not avoid karma. So what more can be said about ordinary humans?"


Where can one go leaving behind the attachments of the world? Wherever he goes a new attachment will emerge. Bharata wasted his time thinking about the doe. But time doesn't stop for anyone. The lord of death doesn't care how busy we are tending to our loved ones.


Like a snake entering a rat hole, the time had arrived for Bharata to die. Everyone must face death. People waste time being unaware of it.


Death can arrive at any time. If all the wakeful moments are spent in constructive activities, death won't be a burden. At the time of death we will remember things we are attached to.


In the throes of death, Bharata was hallucinating about the doe as if it was crying for him. Time has dharma but not kindness. Bharata eventually died. Because of his attachment with the doe, Bharata died like a common man, even though he gave up his kingdom to attain salvation.


Bharata was reborn as he was thinking intensely about the doe when he lay dying. Since he was thinking about the doe he was reborn as a deer.


That deer had the memory of the past life. It remembered all the spots along Gandaki river. It was reminiscing about the places where it rescued the doe and took its care. Bharata, in deer form, recalled how he gave up his kingdom and family to be in the penance for the Lord. Then he realized how much he degraded because of his attachment with the doe. Thus he fell into sorrow.


Bharata, in the form of deer, went to Pulaha ashram. He remained detached from everything around. He took care not to repeat the mistakes of the past lives. He wanted to exhaust the accumulated karma and not create new karma. He realized attachment wouldn't do any good and would cause sorrow.


Bharata, in deer's form, would get up before sunrise and bathe in the Gandaki river. Then it would cry for not being able to lift its arms in salutation to the sun god. When mahatmas arrived at the ashram, it would observe them keenly so that it could overcome the degradation it had in the previous life.


If it felt hungry, it would only eat dry grass. It was worried about accumulating sin by eating the green grass which would be alive. Because of that sin, it was afraid, it might incur the risk of rebirth. People who are afraid of sin will be noble and of clean conscience.


When the people at the ashram sang praises of the Lord, it would feel elated and cry silently. It used to fast once in fortnight along with the ashram people.


Bharata, in the deer form, realized that the time to end its life had arrived. He ran towards the river, took a bath and sat on the river bank in meditation. He died with his mind fixated on the Lord.


Bharata's Birth As A Brahmin

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Bharata was born to a noble brahmin who studied vedas, gave alms to the poor, was free from jealousy, was always humble and devotional.


The brahmin had two wives. The first wife had nine sons who followed their father's footsteps in acquiring the traditional knowledge. Bharata was born to the second wife who also had twin daughters. This was the final birth of Bharata.


Bharata remembered his previous lives. He was aware he was born as a deer. So he decided to lead a life as an inert and dumb person so as not to accrue more karma.


The brahmin used to love Bharata dearly. But Bharata didn't want any more attachments as he resolved not to be born again.


The brahmin performed his thread marriage even though Bharata was protesting. As his father tried to teach him mantras, he would purposely mispronounce them. He would not follow cleanliness in general. The brahmin tried to make him change without success. The brahmin eventually died. Bharata's mother also died.


After the brahmin's demise, Bharata's brothers didn't take good care of him. So he was not well educated. The brothers practised the karma of vedas. Bharata transcended them with knowledge. So they never understood him. People also were insulting Bharata for his looks.


If someone called out his name, Bharata wouldn't respond. He was aware of his short-comings when he took care of the mute doe. If he needed to talk, he would do so with the devotees of the Lord.


Bharata, considered as deaf and dumb, was taken advantage of by others. They would make him run errands and give him food in return.


Bharata didn't wear clean clothes. He was not bothered by cold and hot seasons. He always slept on the ground. Without daily ablutions, his body was unclean. Everyone looked down upon him.


Bharata would think: one should indulge in talk only where necessary; eat food without bothering about its taste; while walking be attentive about the insects that might get trampled upon. In the last birth, bodily senses, mind and intellect were conditioned to attain salvation.


A king called Vrushalapati wanted to sacrifice a human to propitiate Goddess Kali so that he could beget a son. He sent out his soldiers in search of a man. The soldiers found Bharata and brought him to the temple.


The soldiers made Bharata take a bath and gave him new clothes. They decorated him with ornaments. They asked him to bend his neck. They took out a big sword to decapitate him.


Then Kalika Devi emerged from the idol. She grabbed the sword and cut them asunder. She didn't hurt her devotees.


Suka Brahma said:"O King Pareekshit, mahatmas are not perturbed even when in mortal danger. For them it is just an ordinary event";


Meeting Between Bharata and Rahooguna

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One day the King of Sindhu, Rahooguna, was headed to Kapila Maharshi's ashram to obtain knowledge about Brahma. One of the palanquin bearers was missing. The king ordered that they find someone to bear the palanquin. They found Bharata.


Bharata was young and strong. So they dragged him to the palanquin against his will.


Destiny couldn't be avoided by the great king Bharata who once rode on a palanquin. That didn't bother Bharata. Having no attachment to his body, he found no difference between royal or menial duties.


As the palanquin was being carried, the king was inconvenienced by the vibrations because of Bharata. He was stepping carefully, sometimes jumping to avoid crushing an insect under his feet.


The king said"The ride is not comfortable. Be careful"


The frightened bearers said"We are being careful. But this newly recruited bearer is jumping and stopping at times. He is very strange. Because of him your ride is unpleasant".


Rahooguna followed Dharma. But at the moment he was enraged.


The king made fun of Bharata."Brother, you are tired of carrying the palanquin all by yourself. Hope you don't feel sleepy. You are a weakling" said the King.


Bharata carried the palanquin without replying back. Once again the palanquin vibrated. The enraged king said"You scoundrel, you are so arrogant. Are you dead? I am the king. You are disobeying me. I can punish you like the god of death in a minute. Be Careful".


Bharata said"O king, you said I am a weakling. That is true. Being strong or weak is the attribute of the body. As I am not this body, what you say is true"


"You said I am dead while being alive. That too is the truth. The body you are seeing and conversing with, even though still alive, had to die one day. In this world every object that is seen is destined to die", said Bharata.


"You called yourself the king. That is also true. You are not the body made of the five elements. Nor the senses, mind and intellect. You are a witness to all of them. You are the self that is resplendent. Hence you are the king, witness and all pervading"


"O king, you said you will punish me. Even that is alright. Since identifying with your body, you thought I am the same way. There is no need for falsities. The events seen in dream are perceived as false in the wakeful state"


The King was flabbergasted. He got down from the palanquin and fell on the feet of Bharata.


"Mahatma, who are you? You are wearing the ceremonial thread. Are you a brahmin? Or are you a saint? Who are your disciples? Why are you roaming? Did you come to enlighten me? I hope you are not Kapila maharshi for whom I am making this trip" said the king.


"Mahatma, I am not afraid of Indra's weapons. Nor am I afraid of the tridents carried by the Devas. Fire, sun, wind, kubera can't frighten me. But I am subservient to pandits who know about Brahman. When they are hurt, I am perturbed. Please forgive me. You are the avatar of Brahman. Please enlighten me and save me".


"O King Pareekshit, the ruler of Sindhu had keenness of mind making him eligible for the knowledge about Brahman" said Suka Brahma.


When the king chided him the first time Bharata didn't respond. Since the king was talking to his body, he didn't feel it necessary to converse with him.


In the second chiding, Bharata decided to preach to him. He wanted to carry the weight of both the body and mind of the king. With his extra sense Bharata could see king Rahooguna's nobility. He knew the king was headed to the Kapila ashram to receive the knowledge of Brahman. So he wanted to prepare him. An egotistical person is not eligible to receive scriptural knowledge from a guru. Only the humble ones are eligible. He removed the last remaining fault in the king before he met Kapila maharshi. By listening to Bharata the king gained enormous wisdom.


Non Duality

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Bharata was equanimous with praise and censure. Realizing this, the king sought his forgiveness. Rahooguna was a noble king who followed dharma. He was keen to learn scripture. He wanted to take advantage of the opportunity presented to him in the form of Bharata to clear his doubts.


"Mahatma, your words are very cryptic and loaded with great knowledge. I am an ordinary being unable to understand the deeper significance of your words. Please clarify my doubts in lay man's terms" said the King.


"Mahatma, you said you don't have gross and subtle bodies. I am unable to understand it. I am not willing to accept that the body is an illusion. I am under the impression that the body is melded with self. Body has a relationship with the senses. They in turn have ties with the mind. Mind is linked with intellect. And intellect is attached to self. Viewed thus, the body and self are inseparable. Isn't milk in a pot on fire boiling? Isn't rice cooked the same way" asked the King.


Bharata said raw rice turns into cooked rice upon the application of heat. It need not be rice. It could be wheat.


Self doesn't undergo change. It is a witness. Since self is unattached, it has no relationship with the body. The functions of the body are related to the mind and its alterations. Because of the mind, men think their self is the body.


In dreams, we experience several things including happiness and sorrow. We know they are not real. When do we realize it? After we wake up. Whoever has detached himself from the senses, has woken up. He has realized that the world is an illusion.


The world has no meaning unless one perceives it with his mind. As the mind perceives, so is the world. The alterations one sees in the world are in fact the different states of mind. The mind has gunas, attributes, likes, dislikes, sins and the rest. Because of the mind, one is attached with the world and drawn to its pleasures.


Maha Upanishad said"Mind is responsible for everything. Because of the mind there is a world. As the mind retreats, so does the world. Hence it is better to keep it under control".


To revel in pleasures, the mind creates attachments. When the mind is restrained from the worldly pleasures, then it helps us attain salvation.


Rahooguna saluted Bharata and said"The serpent of attachment to body has poisoned my wisdom. Your eminent words have resuscitated me. Mahatma, please make your words palatable to the ignorant one like me".


"O King, the world is seen as the congregation of bodies made of the five basic elements. The five elements make all forms including the palanquin and palanquin bearers. The king of Sindhu riding the palanquin is also made of the same five elements. The self is equated with the body made of the elements. The king is suffering from the disease of identifying his self with the body. This is the illusion of maya" said Bharata.


If the world and bodies are an illusion, then what is real?


Only knowledge is real. It is pure, transcendental, all pervading, resplendent in all. Such a non-dual form is Vasudeva.


Such non-dualistic knowledge is acquired by mingling with yogis.


"O King, in my earlier birth I was a king called Bharata. Because my mind was overpowered by senses I was born as an animal".


"O King, the god's grace is unparalleled and exceptional. Even though I was born as an animal, because of god's grace, my memory of the past lives was intact. As a result, I was afraid of mingling with people creating more karma and sin for myself. By being a loner, pure at heart, I fixated my mind on the Lord's feet" said Bharata.


"O king, by listening to Lord's stories, mingling with Lord's devotees, acquire the sword of knowledge and cross the ocean of life without attachments" said Bharata.


The Jungle of Life

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After talking about self, Bharata went on a discourse about the jungle of life. Those who cross the jungle of life, attain a peaceful world. One without a map can't find the destination.


The attachments in the world are because of pleasure seeking. Those who lost their way enter the jungle of life where they can't get peace of mind.


There are six thieves in the jungle of life. They are the five senses and the mind. They steal the wealth of knowledge from a merchant called intellect when he loses his way in the jungle.


The wild animals in the jungle are the wife and children. They enter the mind and ravage it.


In this jungle there is a garden with creepers and thorns. That is the home. It looks fine and safe from outside. But as soon as you enter it, it is hard to exit. Hence one should not travel alone in the jungle of life. One has to follow his predecessors. And eventually reach Vaikuntha.


Sant Namadev Maharaj sang"Maharshis traversed on a path called Lord Hari's chant which has taken them to the Lord's abode".


In the jungle of life there is no rest or sleep. The mosquitoes of karma constantly bite. For a restless pilgrim a town of Gandharvas will come to sight. It is not real. Yet it looks that way. Similarly in the jungle of life, the body and mind look real when they really aren't.


There is a disembodied ghost in the jungle of life. That is the gold. In Kali yuga, Kali resides in gold. Like a monster it will frighten one and all. There is sorrow in earning and safe keeping it. Does gold provide comfort?


For as long as man is desirous of wealth, he has no peace of mind. It is hard to discern the true friend among those who flock around a rich man. The ones who befriend a pauper are the real friends. Wealth does not translate into nobility. Both immoral people and thieves have wealth.


Like the one traveling in the jungle loses his way after being covered in the eyes by the rising dust, in the jungle of life the gunas stirred by the whirlwinds of lust cover up the eyes. As a result, one doesn't see what needs to be seen and won't hear what needs to be heard.


In the jungle of life there will be bad people like owls that hoot and wild animals making ominous sounds. The bad people speak harshly. No matter how hard one tries to ignore them, it is impossible unless the Lord's names are uttered. Thus, reciting Lord's names will yield good results even in an otherwise harsh jungle of life.


Sant Eknath Maharaj said"A house where the Lord's names are chanted always is as holy as Kasi. Hence recite Lord's names peacefully."


Tyagaraja sang"Is wealth comforting? Or Lord Rama's proximity soothing?"


In the jungle of life one is subject to hunger. He will seek the company of people who don't follow dharma to end his hunger. This results in sins, thus disturbing the peace of mind.


Sometimes when one is thirsty, he will run after mirages. That will result in tiredness but the thirst remains. In the jungle of life the mirages are covetous people who refuse to part with their wealth.


In the real jungle thieves waylay and steal the money. In the jungle of life, everything is stolen by powerful people. Watching them makes one grieve.


In the jungle of life there are huge mountains. One will try to climb them. Without proper shoes he will suffer from thorn pricks. Similarly as one tries to acquire scriptural knowledge without a guru, he will have outstanding doubts that will torment him like thorns.


If one survives after all these, when he tries to rest, a poisonous serpent bites him. Sleep is that serpent. The sleeping man looks like a corpse.


In the jungle, one sees a bee hive and tries to extract the honey but gets bitten by the bees. In the jungle of life, one tries to romance with a woman and gets abused by her relatives.


"O King, you too are walking in the jungle of life. Give up the attitude to punish and choose to love all. Attain bliss by leaving aside the worldly transactions. Overcome the maya by praying to the Lord" said Bharata.


"Mahatma, one can meet noble people like you only on this earth. Hence the human birth is most exalted and pious. The dust from the feet of the virtuous like you is only available on the earth. It has the power to cleanse even a sinner. Here one can attain ardent devotion not possible for even Brahma and Devas. My ignorance was dispelled by your discourse. By being ignorant I made you suffer. Please forgive me" said Rahoogunu and prostrated before Bharata.


Suka Brahma said"King Pareekshit, Bharata's mind was in bliss like an ocean without waves. He took the censure and praise from king Rahooguna equanimously. Rahooguna gave up his attachment to the body".

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Bhagavata Index

Skanda/Part 1
Skanda/Part 2
Skanda/Part 3
Skanda/Part 4
Skanda/Part 5
Skanda/Part 6
Skanda/Part 7
Skanda/Part 8
Skanda/Part 9
Skanda/Part 10
Skanda/Part 11
Skanda/Part 12

Bhagavata Skanda 4 Eng HTML Final

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".


Is Yoga Religion?

Before I dwell on the million dollar question, here are some interesting facts about Yoga. The practice of yoga has existed since 3000 BCE...