Hari
OM
Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and
parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.
We
are following the text "Beyond Sorrow" in which we
explore the nature of suffering and how to manage and move through
difficulties.
We
have just two more posts from this text of essays which tell the story of work
required to alleviate our angst in this life. This next one is an example taken
from scripture, the Srimad Bhagavatam. (It is heavily edited here, for
brevity.)
Uddhava,
the devoted disciple of Sri Krishna, sought to understand the nature of
suffering. He asked, 'Oh Lord, it is indeed difficult to maintain poise and
peace within when one is ridiculed, insulted or unjustly spoken of by others.
Kindly instruct me that I may have strength to follow thy path.'
Sri
Krishna replied, 'difficult indeed is it to maintain poise when pierced by the
harsh words. I will tell you a story of a mendicant who was maltreated by the
wicked, but who bore all insults patiently.'
Once
there lived a braahmin who was exceedingly rich ad yet very greedy. Never did
he welcome guest, friend or relative with even a kind word. His family and his
servants despised him. He hoarded money and never used it to benefit others.
Suddenly, all this wealth was lost. He was penniless. As he reflected on this
new condition, sobbing with remorse, he saw clearly the vanity and
pointlessness of earthly treasure. "Woe is me, I have wasted my life!
Greed does not cease with the possession of wealth, and fear rises at it's
potential loss. The fifteen evils (theft, cruelty, falsehood, ostentation,
lust, anger, pride, haughtiness, dissension, enmity, distrust, competition,
sex, wine and gambling) are said to be the outcome of wealth. Even kith and kin
turn into foes.
"Having
taken human birth, to attach to lust and gold is to disregard the summons of
the Infinite...why is it that even so-called wise men suffer from time to time
from greed? Lord Hari has seen fit to show me my errors and make me weary of
the world; therefore for the rest of my life I shall practice austerities and
devote myself to spiritual pursuit."
Resolving
thus, the good braahmin of Avantii succeeded in loosening the knots of his
heart and became a mendicant, calm and tranquil. With his mind, senses and
praanas under control, he wandered alone across the country. Seeing the aged,
shabby monk, wicked people insulted him and injured him. Maintaining his inner
poise, he silently bore all physical and mental wounds and in spite of all
obstacles, steadfastly followed the path of good. His inner chant was 'nothing
ever causes me pleasure or pain; mind, the scriptures declare, is the only
cause of suffering. The Self, immersed in its own glory, remains unaffected by
the modifications of the mind; upon It is reflected the experience of the
world. Man identifying himself with the mind and its modifications, attempts to
satisfy his desires and thus becomes bound. Charity, observance of moral
practices and vows help in the highest yoga; the control of the mind. He who
can bring the mind under control is strong; there is no swing of happiness or
wretchedness and the identification with the Self is to understand the Unity of
All. To exist in Union with Self is to be free of all worry. Therefore, I must
practice devotion to the Supreme Self which is the great refuge.'
This
was the song of that sage, who, though vilified and insulted by the wicked,
kept his poise and swerved not from the Truth.
There
is no cause for the pleasures and pains of life outside of ourselves. It is the
deluded mind that gives rise to happiness or misery. Therefore, Beloved
Uddhava, with thy intellect absorbed in Me, control thyself in every way. This
is the very essence of yoga.
