Once, Muktabai asked Gora Kumbhar to test all saints present in her assembly. Gora Kumhar slapped each one on the heads to test as is done by potters. He also slapped on the head of saint Namdev ji. Namdev ji felt insulted; however, he did not say anything. He thought out of pride whether he could be tested like earthenware. The expressions of other bhaktas (devotees) were unchanged. Gora Kumhar conveyed his decision that heads (earthenware) of all except Namdev ji are strong.
Hearing the judgement of Gora Kumhar, Namdev ji reacted to him that rather his head is weak and he needs education. Namdev ji shared the entire episode to Vitdalnath ji. Vitdalnath ji said, if Muktabai and Gora Kumhar said this, then his head must be weak. Vitdalnath ji further said to him that he had not experienced the almighty Brahman as he did not take guidance from sadguru. He should go to his Bhakta Visoba Khecher to attain spiritual wisdom. Namdev ji searched out Visoba Khecher in a Shiva temple. Namdev ji saw that Visoba was sleeping there by putting his legs on Shiva linga. Visoba knew that Namdev ji would be arriving so as to teach him a lesson, Visoba did this. When Namdev ji saw this, he thought, the person who is insulting the God, how can he give spiritual teachings. Namdev ji asked visoba to remove his legs from Shiva linga. Visoba asked him to place his legs in the direction where Shiva does not exist. Namdev ji tried to shift his legs in various directions but wherever he shifted the legs, Shiva linga appeared there. Namdev ji was highly surprised. Visoba told him that he is in fact weak. He is not able to have vision of almighty everywhere. In this universe, almighty is present everywhere in minute form. Hence, he should see almighty in all non-living & living beings. Namdev ji, thereafter started having vision of almighty everywhere. On the way back, he sat under a tree to take his meal. Meanwhile, one dog escaped with his roti (bread). Today, Namdev ji saw almighty in the dog. Roti was dry. Hence, Namdev ji ran after him with butter saying stop, roti is dry. Let me apply butter on the roti. Spiritual Significance:
Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran
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Story:
Ajamil was doing many types of sins while leading life. One day, he went to a forest. He saw one low caste person was playing sexual actions with a prostitute and body forms of the woman. He was enticed with the seductive form of pros and his mind got corrupted. Ajamil fascinated by the pros, brought her house and started vicious conduct. Once, some saints who were roaming around visited his house. The pros offered them food. When asked by pros, Ajamil saluted them. Saints asked Ajamil that they had taken food in his house and hence, donation also should be given. Ajamil said that he did not give any donation to saints and they could demand anything else. Then saints said to him that in case son was born to them, put his name as Narayana. Ajamil asked them, what benefit they would get, if he named his as Narayana. They told him that name of their almighty is Narayana and in case he named his as Narayana, it would give pleasure to them and he would remember Narayana. Ajamil agreed to name his son as Narayana. A son was born to them and was named as Narayana. Ajamil was much attached to his son and kept calling Narayana repeatedly. Calling Narayana repeatedly became habit of Ajamil. Death time of Ajamil came and attendants of Yama came to take him. He called repeatedly Narayana. As he was calling Narayana, attendants of Vishnu ji came. They said to attendants of Yama to leave him. Attendants of Yama said that the character of Ajamil was very corrupt and he did not deserve to live. Attendants of Vishnu ji agreed with them and said but his some sins have burned. He could be permitted to live more. Attendants of Yama told that he pronounced Narayana to his son not Vaikunth’s Narayana. Attendants of Vishnu ji told that despite repeating word Narayana without knowing, it is beneficial. As in case of fire touches by mistake, it burns. Ajamil was saved from untimely death. Ajamil had listened of all their conversations. He repented very much and his life changed. Thereafter, he started taking simple food and his buddhi became steady in almighty beyond three gunas of prakriti. At the time of natural death, attendants of Vishnu ji came to take him. Ajamil purified by repeating name Narayana. Spiritual Significance:
Source: Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran by Shri Ramchandra Keshav Dongra ji Maharaj The Story
During the ninth day of the Mahabharatha war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the third yuga had ended and last yuga - Kali yuga had started. However because of the power of Lord Krishna, Kali could not spread all through the earth. After departure of Shri Krishna, Kali started spreading evil in the minds of people. But Kali could not enter Parikshit's kingdom as he was a kind ruler. One day, the Kali had requested Parikshit that Kali Yuga started and he should be permitted to enter his kingdom. Kali said, the four ages – Satya yuga, Dwapara yuga, Treta yuga and Kali yuga are a cycle. Parikshit permitted him to enter his kingdom with a condition that he does not hurt innocent people and will not be everywhere. He can only be where there is gambling, drinking of alcohol, prostitution or immoral relationship between man & woman and violence. Kali asked Parikshit one more place as all these four places are dirty. Then Parkshit permitted him in gold. One day, Parikshit was searching his belongings. Out of curiosity, he checked one box left by his grandfather. It was containing a gold crown. Without thinking consequences, he wore the crown. This crown was of Jarasadh. Son of Jarasadh had asked Sehdev to return the crown of his father. But Sehdev was not interested as Bheem brought it forcefully. Hence the crown was unjustifiably acquired. Money or gold acquired unjustifiably brings Kali. As Parikshit wore the crown, kali entered in mind of Parikshit. After a few days, Parikshit wearing the crown went for hunting in a forest for the first time. He killed many animals. He found that he had separated from his army. In the afternoon, he felt hungry and thirsty. He saw an ashram of sage and entered into it. Shamik rishi was in Samadhi (deep meditation). Parikshit thought he is king of the kingdom and rishi is not welcoming him. He thought, sage is acting for not to welcome him. A dead snake was lying near the sage. Out of anger, Parkshit picked the dead snake and hanged around the neck of the sage. When Shamik’s son, Shringi come to ashram, he got furious to find a dead snake on his father's neck. He removed the snake. With a deep breath he closed his eyes and meditated. He realized that it was King Parikshit who had done this. Shringi cursed Parikshit in anger that he will die within seven days by biting of a Takshak nag as he had put snake in his father’s neck. When King Parikshit had heard the curse, he immediately gave up the throne up to his son Janamejaya. He proceeded to bank of Ganges River and abandoned food and water. Parkshit thought that Shringi rishi has blessed him as he was indulged in sensual pleasures. Otherwise, he would not have taken vairagya (detachment). Many saints came to meet him but nobody could assure him Moksha in seven days. Under the divine inspiration, Shukdev ji had come to provide moksha to Parikshit. Shukdev ji says Parkshit, he should not worry and assured him to offer whatever he got. Seven days are sufficiently left. Be in present and worship almighty. Parikshit listened to the Bhagawat Purana the whole of the next seven days from Shukdev ji. As Parikshit listened to the stories, his fear of death went away. He realized the ultimate truth of life and death and gave up his body to attain moksha. After seven days, Takshak nag came and bit Parikshit’s body after the soul left it. Spiritual Significance:
Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran by Shri Ramchandra Keshav Dongra ji Maharaj Worship and service of Shri Vitdalnath ji was done every day in the home of Namdev ji. When Namdev ji was three years old, his father was to go somewhere. He asked Namdev ji to serve Vitdalnath ji and informed him that Shri Vitdalnath ji is owner of this house. It would be sin to take food without offering him first.
Then, Namdev ji asked the procedure. His father told him that he should get up early in the morning, take bath and prepare the food. Later, clean the feet of Shri Vitdalnath ji slowly so that it did not hurt him. After completing bath of Vitdalnath ji, decorate him. Ask him, which dress he would like to wear. After dressing him, offer him milk and food etc. The father advised Namdev that only after repeated request, Shri Vitdalnath ji takes the offerings. Namdev ji was a small child. He could not sleep previous night. He got up at four o’clock in the morning to serve Vitdalnath ji. He did whatever, his father told him. He applied sandal paste on the forehead of Vitdalnath ji and offered milk to Vitdalnath ji. He prayed that he is almighty and looks after entire world. He is not in a position to offer anything. Whatever belongs to him, he is offering. Namdev ji requested repeatedly but Vitdalnath ji was continuously gazing him instead of drinking milk. Namdev ji again pleaded that he is child and never done his service earlier, hence he might be angry. Namdev ji kept requesting to drink milk. Namdev ji thought, milk might be less sweet. So he brought sugar and mixed in the milk. Namdev ji told Vitdalnath ji, in case he did not drink milk, he would also renounce drinking milk and break his head in his feet. The child was very anxious. In case Vitdalnath ji did not drink milk, father would be angry. Namdev ji ultimately decided to break his head. As soon as he was going to break his head, Vitdalnath ji lifted the milk pot. Vitdalnath ji was joyous with the devotion of Namdev ji. Namdev ji was also happy. Namdev ji was expecting some milk left for him. But Vitdalnath ji was ready to drink entire milk. Namdev ji retorted what has happened today, whether he would drink entire milk. Listening this, Vitdalnath ji picked Namdev ji in his lap and then both exchanged milk for drinking. Spiritual Significance:
Source: Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran by Shri Ramchandra Keshav Dongra ji Maharaj Shukdev ji tells a story of elephant Gajendra Moksha to Raja Prakshit. On Trikuta Mountain, one strong and powerful elephant named as Gajendra lived. He was husband of many female elephants. It was very hot summer. Gajendra along with female elephants & children went to a lake for playing in water. The elephants began to splash water on one another.
Suddenly, a crocodile named as Magara caught one leg of Gajendra. Gajendra tried hard to get rid of him but could not break free. Elephant is terrestrial animal and Magara is aquatic animal. Terrestrial animals become weak in water. He then, called out for help. All elephants gathered around him and tried to help, but in vain. Magara was pulling the Gajendra into deep water. The struggle between Gajendra and Magara continued for one month. Other elephants thought that Gajendra would not survive and hence, they left from there. Gajendra was began to tire and believed that nobody would help him. He realized that only almighty could help him. Gajendra desperately called up Narayana for help. Hearing the call of Gajendra, Vishnu Bhagwan appeared on his vehicle Garuda. Gajendra saw Vishnu Ji and offered one lotus flower. Vishnu ji accepted lotus flower and killed Magara with his sudarshan chakra. Spiritual Significance:
Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran by Shri Ramchandra Keshav Dongra ji Maharaj Story
Atamdev, one brahmin was living in the village, near Tungabhadra River. Atamdev was pure hearted person, but his wife, Dhundhli was quarrelsome and cruel lady. Atamdev had no child. Because of that he was miserable. One day, he decided to commit suicide and proceeded towards the river. He met there one saint. The saint asked him reason for sadness. He said, he has plenty of food and wealth but there is nobody to enjoy it. Hence, he has come here to commit suicide. Saint told Atamdev, it rather blessing. Almighty want everything should be done through you. Son is a form of sorrow. Atamdev sought blessings for son because son is necessary for moksha. Saint explains that for the protection of the generations, one should do good work. Shradha (annual rites done after death) can only facilitate to get better next life but it cannot provide moksha. Rather if you offer yourself to almighty, it will bring well-being to you. But Atamdev insisted saint on getting son otherwise he will commit suicide. Then saint gave him one fruit and asked to give it to his wife. After eating the fruit by his wife, she will be blessed with a son. Atamdev came back home and gave the fruit to his wife to eat. Dhundhli started fallacious arguments instead of eating fruit. She thought by eating fruit, she will be pregnant and therefore miserable. Bringing up the child will get greater misery. She fed the fruit to cow and played as she is pregnant. Later she brought the son of her sister pretending that he is her son. Dhundhli named her son as Dhundhukari. The cow gave birth to human son with big ears. He was named as Gokaran. Both boys grew up. Gokaran was wise but Dhundhukari was wicked, adulterous and remained un-clean. Dhundhukari indulged into five prostitutes. He was not observing trikal Sandhya. Atamdev was feeling guilty for his son and thought he was better without son. Dhundhukari expended entire wealth and started beating his parents. Looking all this, Gokaran came to Atamdev and preached about vairagya (dispassion). He told, it is better that he should leave attachment of wife & son and go to forest for bhakti. Atamdev went near to river and started meditation for 10-12 hours a day. He was fully absorbed into almighty. By studying tenth skanda of Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, he got moksha (liberation). Dhundhukari started earning through illegal means. He stole jewelries from king’s palace and handed over to prostitutes. Prostitutes thought, if Dhundhukari remained alive, they would be captured by king. King would take away entire wealth and may punish also. Hence, it would be better to kill Dhudhukari. They tried to kill him by hanging but he did not die. Later, they stuffed his mouth with hot coals and he died. When Gokaran heard about death of Dhundhukari, he went Gaya and did pinddaan (Shradha). On return to home, Gokaran heard voice of weeping. Gokaran asked, who is weeping and why such condition. Ghost told that he was his brother and has become ghost after death. Gokaran asked despite performing shradha, how is he continuing as Ghost. He decided to ask Suryanarayan Bhagwan the remedy. Suryanarayan Bhagwan informed Gokaran that by Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, he can be get liberation. Gokaran arranged seven days Shrimad Bhagwat Katha. Dhundhukari also came listening to the katha but could not get place to sit. Then he entered into a stick with seven knots. Every day, one knot was breaking. On seventh day, last knot was also broken and the ghost got moksha. Spiritual Significance explained by Dongra ji Maharaj –
Source Shri Shrimad Bhagwat Rehsaya by Shri Ramchandra Keshav Dongra ji Maharaj It is believed “Avatar” or divine descendent refers to the Supreme Divine taking a brief human form for his own purposes, which are considered to refer to the welfare of the world which is His own creation. Potentially, Jiva in every being is in the sense an Avatar, which is best expressed by the Mahavakya, Tat Tvam As.
Bhagwan Vishnu have already incarnated on earth 23 times, while the 24th avatar is yet to be known as 'Kalki Avatar'. Out of these 24 avatars, 10 avatars, called as Dashavatar, are considered to be the main incarnations of Vishnu. This is Matsya avatar, Kurma avatar, Varaha avatar, Narasimha avatar, Vamana avatar, Parashuram avatar, Rama avatar, Krishna avatar, Buddha avatar and Kalki avatar. Of all the Avatars, Shri Krishna alone is considered a Purna Avatar, a direct and complete representation of the Supreme Divine Himself. Spiritual Significance:
Matsya a Fish, Kurma a Tortoise, Varaha a Boar, through Nrsimha, a half-lion Man, making a transition to the human sequence of Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna and Kalki making the ten accepted by the Vaishnava tradition. Stories of 24 Avatars are as under: Raja Janaka is popularly known as the father of adopted daughter Ma Sita who married with Shree Rama son of Raja Dasratha of Ajodhya. Raja Janaka is called Videha i.e. due to non-attachment to material possessions. He was king of Mithila (or Videha) kingdom in 8th or 7th century BC. Its capital is believed to be either Janakpur (in present-day Nepal), or Baliraajgadh (in present-day Madhubani district, Bihar, India). He was intensely interested in spiritual discourse and in his court had rishis such as Yajnavalkya. Yajnavalkya is credited for coining Advaita (non-dual, monism). He wrote texts such as the Yajnavalkya Smriti, Yoga Yajnavalkya and some texts of the Vedanta school.
The Episode of 1000 cows Once, Raja Janaja announced a debate among Vedic scholars on the topic “Truth” and kept an award of thousand cows whose horns were tied with ten gold coins. Yajnavalkya asked one of his pupils to drive these cows to the house. Asvala was the hotri priest of Raja Janaka. He questioned him, whether he treat himself best knower of the truth. Yajnavalkya said, “I prostrate myself before the greatest knower of Truth, but I am desirous of the cows. I have taken the cows because I wanted the cows. Asvala commenced the debate on “concept of Truth”. Thereafter, a number of sages raised questions to Yajnavalkya. These sages were Arthabhaga, Bhujyuh Lahyayani, Usasta, Kahola Kaushitakeya, Uddalaka Aruni, Gargi Vacaknu and Vidagdha Sakalya. During the course of debate, Yajnavalya explained the various aspects of “Non-dual self and Material creation, sense organs, forms of gods, death, yajna, Self-Realization, Self-Surrender etc. and won the debate. Source: The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad The spiritual Concepts enlightened by Rishi Yajnavalya:
5. Absolute consciousness or Brahman - One who inhabits within the earth, air, water, fire, sky, heaven, sun, moon, stars, dimensions of universe, ether, darkness, light, all beings, sense organs, mind, intellect etc. but these does not know who controls from within, that is the Internal Ruler, your own immortal self. These are name and form only. The Internal Ruler or Self alone is the only True Knower; The Absolute Self is the Eternal Witness. The Self has no form but all forms are the Self. It is above heaven and below the earth, It is this heaven and earth as well as between them, and It is pervaded by the “un-manifested ether” (unformed) eternal "ether" (Absolute eternal knowledge). 6. Attributes of Brahman - Yajnavalkya describes the formless Absolute Brahman in terms of Neti-Neti i.e. "not this, not this". It is neither gross nor minute, neither short nor long, neither red color nor oiliness, neither shadow nor darkness, neither air nor ether, unattached, neither savour nor odour, without eyes or ears, without the vocal organ or mind, non-luminous, without the vital force or mouth, not a measure, and without interior or exterior. It does not eat anything, nor is It eaten by anybody. Under the mighty rule of this Immutable, the sun and moon are held in their positions; under the mighty rule of this Immutable, heaven and earth maintain their positions; under the mighty rule of this immutable, moments, Muhurtas, days and nights, fortnights, months, seasons and years are held in their respective places; under the mighty rule of this Immutable, some rivers flow eastward, others flowing westward continue in that direction, and still others keep to their respective courses. 7. Ignorant - One who is ignorant of the Non-Dual Divine may perform all proper duties to his gods, such as accepting the austerities of his cast or duties, making offerings and so forth but "such acts" are "perishable".
10. Self-Surrender - Surrendering one-self without further desire means remaining at rest with Absolute Consciousness. Surrendering to the Absolute is the true way one "conquers further death".
Samundra Manthan during journey of life
The mythological episode of Samundra Mandhan (Ksheera Sagara Manthan or Sagar Manthan) or Churning of ocean is mentioned in Bhagavata Purana, in the Mahabharata and in the Vishnu Purana. The story is about churning of ocean by Devas and Asuras in search of Amrita or nectar of immortality. Tales of in Vedas, Puranas and other Hindu religious books have always tried to teach man some profound principles in life symbolically. This story gives us a good description of how our nature works. Every human being is influenced by positive and negative tendencies. Effective balancing of the positive & negative tendencies and harmonizing both these energies attain salvation and true bliss in this lifetime. When milk is churned, butter becomes separated from the milk. In the material world, one achieves positions and wealth during the life journey. But those who aspire for bliss initially get Halahala (Poison, sufferings) and if they conquer it and further are not swayed away by powers, wealth & successes, get ultimate bliss. In spiritual journey, butter is sattva and mental brilliance or pure intelligence. As by heating process at medium or low temperature, butter converts into Ghee, likewise by practice of austerities like deep meditation, self-control & discipline and other spiritual practices, the practitioner experiences supernormal vision and bliss. The episode symbolically explains various stages of elevation of Human Being –
The mythological episode and the spiritual concept are explained as under: The mythological episode:
The episode symbolically represents the forces working within human beings.
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Bhagavata Purana consists of the story of Shukdevji reciting to the dying king Parikshit. Story: Shukdevji was son of sage Vyasa. Sukadeva studied with guru Brihaspati for many years and he became expert at Veda Vedanta. Vyasaji then asked Shukdevji to marry. Sukadeva said, I was born from the Divine Fire, I had a father like Veda Vyasa, and I studied under a Guru like Brihaspati, the Guru of the Gods; I learned for many, many years Veda, Vedanta and now you’re throwing me in to the whirlpool of maya and attachment. Vyasaji informed that as per scriptures, one should go stepwise in life viz. Brahmacharya, Grahasta, Vanaprastha and then Sanyasa. Vyasaji tried to convince him but he refused to marry. Vyasaji then asked him to go to King Janaka of Mithila for training who is an ocean of wisdom. Shukdevji was keen on learning, but he was doubtful of the knowledge a Palace dwelling king can possess. He was greeted by the guard who said, “Who are you, and what business do you have in our city, and where do you think you are going?” Shukdevji said, “I’m a Brahmin, I’ve come to see the King, my father sent me, but I don’t think there is any reason to see the King. My father said that I would see the darshan of someone who is known as Videha, He doesn’t have a body, He’s liberated while living, He is a jivanmukta. Shukdevji thought this man is so bound by attachment; he’s got guards and soldiers standing with weapons around his city saying “Who are you, and what business do you have to enter my door?” No reason to go in at all, I don’t even want to see this guy, I’m going home!” The guard said, “wait, wait please, I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just that my job is to stand here and ask everybody. When Janak heard that Shukdevji, his Guru’s son had come to see him, he sent the prime minister. Prime minister greeted Shukdevji and invited him in to the hospitality chambers where he was served delicious food, and he was massaged by beautiful maidens and given a nice bath and given fine clothes to wear and treated like a royal guest. Shukdevji said, I’m a brahmin, I was born from the Divine Fire, I had a father like Veda Vyasa, I had a Guru like Brihaspati. I studied the Vedas for all my life, and here these people are trying to bribe me with beautiful clothes and sumptuous feast and beautiful ladies, I have no desire whatsoever.” Janakji said, “What is the purpose of your visit here?” Shukdevji said, "My father sent me to you, to learn higher spiritual knowledge, please take me as your student. I must ask you, I don't understand, 'how can a palace dwelling king indulged in the wealth of palace, in the company of queen and children be such a highly recommended Yogi?'" Janakji said, “Well, you know, it says in our scriptures that a man should be a Brahmacharya, then he becomes a Grahasta, and then he is a Vanaprastha, and then he takes Sanyasa. Shukdevji said, “A man who is bound to a sacrificial pillar could hope for escape, but a man who is bound to care for a wife and family can never hope for escape. How can he flee from the attachments, the bondage to family? I don’t want to get married!” Janakji said, "We will talk about that later, if you want to be my student, you have to pass a test, take this cup of oil, keep it on your head, go around the palace, keenly observe every room, I will need every detail from you, also you shouldn't spill even a drop of this oil if you want to be my student." Shukdevji walked into each room of the palace, observed every room in detail and came back in the evening. "O King, I have fulfilled your task." said the young Shukdev. King Janaka asked many questions to confirm that he had indeed completed his task without fail; King asked Shukdev "How could you observe every room in such detail when you had a full cup of oil on your head?" "I observed every room, but my focus was always on the cup." said Shukdev. "Same way, though I live in this world performing my duties as a king, husband, father, I always keep my focus on the higher reality." said King Janaka answering Shukdev's earlier question. Janak further said, “I have all of these responsibilities, but none of it is mine. I’m the administrator of this kingdom on behalf of a higher King. I’m only a servant in the kingdom of God. And that’s why they call me liberated while living.” Sukadeva bowed down to the King, and went back to Veda Vyasa’s house, and said, “Father, Whatever you say, I’m ready to do.” Shukdev got married and he had two children. At the time of marriage, Shukdev was 25 years old. Even after staying in the house of pilgrimage, Shukdev started following the yoga path. He narrated the story of Srimad Bhagwat to Raja Parikshit, whose testicular serpunition - after examination of death, attained liberation. Wisdom: While performing duties as Grahasta, one can remain detached and attain liberation. Reference:
Source:
The story is a conversation between Nachiketa (a teenage boy) and Yama (Lord of death) from ''KATHOPANISHAD'' (5th Century BC). Story: Nachiketa was the son of the sage Vājashravas. He was performing a sacrifice named Viswajet Yajna. In this Yajna, the performer had to give away all his wealth. In ancient times, Cows were designated as valuable and special possessions and hence Vajashrava, desiring a gift from the gods, decided to donate all his cows to Brahmins. Nachiketa was in his teens, and he was observing the sacrificial ritual with innocent interest. He was surprised to notice that his father was giving away only old and disabled cows unable to give milk. Nachiketa was very intelligent & with pure heart. He said his father that he has heard in this Yajna, one has to give up all that one possesses. This being the case to whom will you give me?” Vajashravas did not give any reply. After some time Nachiketa asked again the same question, but in vain. He did not get any response from his father. Again for the third time, Nachiketa repeated the same question. Vajashravas could not control his temper; he burst out saying to his own son, “I will give you Yama, the God of Death.” Nachiketa followed the words of his father and went to the kingdom of Death. However, during that time Yama was not present. None dared to admit Nachiketa. So he waited near the gate for three days and three nights without taking even a drop of water. When Yama returned and found Nachiketa at his doorstep he felt sad for keeping a Brahmin waiting for three days and three nights. He ordered his attendants to fetch holy water to invite and welcome Nachiketa. After the hospitality offered to Nachiketa, Yama told Nachiketa, “Dear child, I have not done good by keeping you waiting for three days. So I request you to ask for three boons.” Nachiketa asked Yama: 1. First boon - O Lord, let my father not be anxious about me, and let his anger against me vanish. When I go back to earth, let him recognize me and receive me back gladly.” “Granted son,” said Yama. 2. Second boon - Teach me the proper ritual for the fire sacrifice. Yama agreed and taught Nachiketa the proper ritual for the fire sacrifice. 3. Third boon - Is there indeed a life beyond death. Yama said, “Boy, do not ask me about matters of life and death. Even the gods are not clear on all points. Ask me something else. I will grant all your wishes other than this.” Nachiketa persisted and said, “O Yama, I only wish to know about the mysteries of life and death, and nothing else.” Yama tries to offer Nachiketa worldly pleasures so that he may change the nature of his request for the third boon, but Nachiketa insists by stating that all the worldly pleasures are short-lived and do not render long lasting happiness. Nachiketa was bold enough saying that one can never reach the eternal through the worldly possessions. Therefore he has renounced all desires for worldly pleasures and has come here with the hope of winning the Eternal through the instructions of the God of Death. It was too difficult for Yama to change the mind of young Nachiketa. So finally, he agreed to tell Nachiketa about the mysteries of life and death. Yama told: Wisdom: 1. The Self is immortal. It was not born, nor does it die. It did not come out of anything, neither did anything came out of it. Even if this body is destroyed, the soul is not destroyed. Smaller than the smallest and larger than the largest, the Self is living in all beings. Mere reading of the scriptures or intellectual learning cannot realize Atma. One must discriminate the Atma from the body, which is the seat of desire. It reveals itself to the deserving one. The goal of the wise is to know this Atma. 2. This body is the chariot, intelligence the driver, the senses are the horses, conscience the rein and the Atma is the lord of the chariot. The Self is superior to body, mind and senses. 3. Greater than the individual soul is the enveloping super consciousness, the seed of everything in the universe, still greater is the Ultimate Person than whom there is nothing greater. He is the goal of our aspiration. Once That (Supreme Self) is realized, death loses all its terrors, and the one who has realized becomes immortal. 4. The path to realization is long and difficult. Inability to realize Brahman results in one is being enmeshed in the cycle of rebirths. Understanding the Self leads to moksha. Reference:
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