First Canto Chapter Thirteen

In this chapter, Dhritarashtra together with Gāndhāri goes into the forest for Vānaprastha, upon the advice of Vidura.

Vidura, who had gone on a pilgrimage, was initiated into the knowledge of the Self (atma jnana) by Maitreya Maharishi. He returned to Hastinapura, well versed in this subject.

Vidura had asked many questions to Maharishi Maitreya. But after listening to just one or two answers, he developed absolute exclusive devotion towards Lord Govinda. With this he stopped further questioning.

Every question has only one answer, and that is ‘Understanding or realizing God!’ Every question, every research, every form of penance or every other effort culminates only in this answer. Always remember this! This is the final result. This is the end! Once this fact is understood, there are no more questions and answers. The person who understands, ‘God is everything; He is the answer to all my questions; for all forms, for all sensible and insensible topics, for Veda in totality, for all its essence, in fact for all knowledge, the final result is obtained only by understanding Him’- will no longer have any questions to ask.

Seeing their relative Vidura who had returned home, Dhritarashtra, Yudhisthira along with his younger brothers, Kripacharya, Sanjaya, Gāndhāri, Kunti, Draupadi, Subhadra, Kripi, Uttara and all other relatives, their spouses and their children were immensely overjoyed. They felt as if they had regained their lost life (prāṇa) once again!

They rushed and warmly welcomed Vidura. Embracing him, offering him obeisance and greeting him profusely, they shed tears of joy. They recollected the war events. In future in detail we will talk about the greatness of Vidura.

Yudhisthira seated Vidura comfortably and honoured him. Vidura then had his food and relaxed for a little while. Thereafter again when he was seated comfortably, Yudhisthira offered obeisance to him and in the presence of everyone, he enquired, “O Mahatma Vidura! We have grown up under your protection. You offered us shelter. You saved us, as well as our mother, from many terrible unfortunate calamities. You saved us from dangers of fire, water and poison. Do you remember us?

How did you sustain your life during the period of your pilgrimage, when you travelled throughout the entire earth? In which all sacred places and sacred rivers did you offer service?

bhavad-vidhā bhāgavatās tīrtha-bhūtāḥ svayaṁ vibho

tīrthī-kurvanti tīrthāni svāntaḥ-sthena gadābhṛtā

This is because ardent devotees of Lord like you are nothing but forms of the holy sacred places! As Lord Krishna who holds the mace eternally lives in your heart, you cause sacredness to the sacred pilgrim centres themselves! Every river you bathe in acquires sacredness! It becomes pure totally!

You may perhaps wonder, how can a river attain purity? A river is said to be so pure that it washes away the impurities of those who bathe in it. How then can someone bestow purity upon it? Yes. The river attains purity when an absolutely pure person bathes in it! These are the ardent devotees of the Lord. They have fixed their minds permanently upon the Supreme Lord! These are people who have willingly understood and realized God! Through knowledge (jnana) they have attained God! Through penance they have realized God! Through meritorious deeds of many births they have understood God! They are the holy persons in whom an aspect of Paramatma exists. They are Avadhootas. They are great Mahatmas.

It is not enough to add the title Avadhoota to one’s name. Many persons call themselves Mr. Avadhoota. Of what use is it? Just because a person is named Krishna, does he become the Supreme God Krishna? By taking on the name Rama, one does not become Rama, the Supreme Lord. Keeping Rama’s name is to remind the person that he should develop the noble qualities like Rama. It is a way to recollect Lord Rama time and again. It is for the benefit of parents, friends and acquaintances who need to call him. They too should earn some merit (punya) isn’t it? By repeated chanting the name ‘Rama or Krishna’, they definitely are acquiring lot of merit.

But the one who has been named Krishna is not earning any merit. This is because he indulges totally in unnecessary criminal deeds. None of his deeds are considered meritorious, such is his life. How then can be become Krishna? One should understand the good qualities of Krishna and imitate those qualities. What is the use of understanding His acts wrongly and trying to imitate them? Krishna swallowed fire. Can you swallow fire? He created this entire universe. Can you do so?

Imitating His ordinary deeds is not great. Krishna came like an ordinary being into the universe and performed extraordinary deeds. You are reducing him to an ordinary person and trying to imitate his ordinary deeds. Is it right? Even in the Puranas there are many such stories. There are instances of people holding a discus in their hand, wearing long flower garlands and a golden crown like him. By imitating his dressing style, can a person become Krishna, the Supreme Lord? It will at best be compared to a dramatic performance. No one will say, “Oh, Krishna has descended to earth for our benefit”. They will say, “He enacted Krishna’s role today”. They will further talk amongst themselves, “Do you recognize him? He is my neighbor Bhimarao. What make up! Have you heard his dialogues?” Irrespective of perfection in actions, disguise and behavior people still continue to accept that he is enacting the role of Krishna. They may say, “He acts superbly”. But none will say that “Oh, Krishna has come down for us again”.

Similarly, a person who externally displays the characteristics of an Avadhoota, cannot become a real Avadhoota. Just by looking into the heart of a person whom you accost, you will understand whether he is an Avadhoota or not. When he arrives it will be as if Lord Dattatreya himself is actually arriving!

Yudhisthira continued, “As Krishna eternally lives in your heart, you bestow auspiciousness and purity to the rivers themselves.”

When pure persons bathe in the river, it is as if Paramatma himself has bathed in it. Hence the river attains purity. When ordinary persons who have some accumulation of sin in them and who do not think about God bathe in these rivers, they obtain the purity from the river.

When you are passing by a street and accidently God’s names fall on your ears, you become pure.  Likewise the person who was chanting that name also gets benefit when he chants:

Krishna! Krishna! Govinda! Krishna Govinda! Datta Krishna! Govinda!

In response to this question, the eminent Brahmins replied, “O Emperor Yudhisthira! In the future period of time, this boy will develop deep affection towards those who have experienced Godhead (Brahma vētta)!”

When such sweet words fall upon our ears, how blissful and delightful we feel! They are so soothing to the ears. They continued, “In addition, he will be firmly dedicated towards the Supreme Truth (satya nishta, truthfulness)!”

In these two words, satya nishta and Brahma vetta, the entire future story of Parikshit, the grandson of Yudhisthira, is contained!

“In protecting the citizens, he will be like Srirama, the son of Dasharatha”.

Aha, what a delightful and superb horoscope it was!

“In terms of charity, this boy will be at par with Śibi, the emperor of Uśinara kingdom. He will be supremely generous. He will, at all times, offer protection to the needy. Just like Bharata, the son of King Dushyanta, he will not only enhance the glory of his family, but also will enhance the fame of all those who engage in performing sacrificial rituals (Yagnas)”.

In the future we will be covering the stories of Emperor Śibi, Lord Śrirama and of Bharata, son of Dushyanta.

“In terms of archery, he will be at par with Arjuna and Kartaviryarjuna!”

Even the greatness of Arjuna and Kartaviryarjuna we will cover as we go ahead.

“He will be unconquerable like the God of Fire, Agni deva”.

Who is this Agni? What is fire? We shall discuss these in detail later.

“He will possess in depth character and will be as profound as the ocean. In valour he will be like a lion! Just as they serve Himavanta, noble beings (satpurusha) will serve and seek shelter under him”. We shall also discuss about Himavan later.

“In patience he will be like earth.” What is the greatness of earth? We shall discuss this.

“Like the earth he will be exceedingly tolerant towards his citizens. Like Lord Brahma, he will have feelings of equanimity towards everyone”. What is the meaning of equanimity like Lord Brahma? We will delve into it later.

“In kindness or in showering favours, he will be like Lord Shiva”. Let us also discuss about Shiva later on.

“In offering protection to all living creatures, he will be equal to Vishnu, the husband of Goddess Lakshmi”. Anyway we are discussing the story of Krishna. We will be going in-depth into that story.

“He will be an ardent devotee of Lord Srikrishna. In generosity and other noble traits, he will be akin to King Rantideva.” Who is this Rantideva? Why is his generosity appreciable? We shall also discuss this.

“In adherence to righteousness (dharma) he will be like Yayati”. We shall discuss about Yayati too.

“In courage he will be equal to Bali Chakravarti.” We will be discussing the story of Bali too.

“Like Prahlada he will possess supremely dedicated devotion towards Srikrishna”. Who is Prahlada? We shall be discussing this.

“He will possess deep reverence towards his elders. He will perform many Ashwamed Yāgas. He will be like a father to kings who have saintly characteristics (raja rishi). He will punish the wicked. In order to establish dharma on this earth, he will restrain Kali Puruśa (the Lord of Kali yuga).

Upon hearing from the son of a saint that he is to meet death due to snake bite, he will develop deep dispassion towards this materialistic world and will attain Vaikunṭha (abode of Lord Mahavishnu). From Maharishi Śuka, son of Maharishi Vyasa, he will obtain Self-knowledge. On the banks of River Ganga he will shed this physical body and attain that state of liberation where fear does not exist. This is the ultimate truth!”

In this manner, the exponents in astrology explained in detail the horoscope of the infant to Yudhisthira. They accepted the gifts given by him and went to their respective homes.

In order to be freed from the sin of killing kinsmen, Yudhisthira decided to perform Ashwamedha Yāga. But he did not have with him the wealth that was needed for this purpose. Understanding his desire, his younger brothers based on the valuable advice of Lord Srikrishna, travelled north and locating the golden plates and other riches that were previously left behind by King Marutt, brought it back to the kingdom.

The government has the right over such wealth which has been left behind by someone. Hence they could get it. Using this wealth, Yudhisthira, who was afraid of the sin incurred due to killing kinsmen, obtained the needed materials for the yāga. He performed three Ashwamedha yaagas.

Lord Krishna, accepting Yudhisthira’s invitation, attended the yagna and ensured that with the help of the learned Vedic scholars Yudhisthira completed it rightfully. In order to bring happiness to the Pandavas, he stayed there for many months.

Thereafter, Krishna took permission from Yudhisthira and accompanied by Draupadi, Arjuna, their other relatives left for Dwaraka along with members of his Yadu clan.

With this the 12^th chapter of the first canto comes to an end.

All of you have heard about the yagna. As you recollect and listen to it again and again, you will understand better.

Sriman Nārāyaṇa!

The learned scholars who were immensely pleased with his generosity, said as follows to Yudhisthira, who was filled with humility,

“O crown jewel of the Puru lineage! When your entire lineage was destroyed, the supremely efficient Lord Sri Mahavishnu, out of compassion towards you, has saved this child and handed him to you.

Tasmān nāmnā viṣṇu-rāta iti loke bhaviṣyati

Na sandeho mahā-bhāga mahā-bhāgavato mahān

For this reason, this child will become famous in this world as Vishnu-rāta i.e. one who has been protected and blessed by Vishnu. He will earn endless fame. He will become a supreme devotee of the Lord (Bhāgawata bhakta). He will become a great Mahatma and his fame will last till eternity. There is no doubt in this.

Yudhisthira then enquired, “Will this boy obtain that kind of fame which is appreciated by supreme saints?”

It is normal to ask questions about the future when the horoscope of the infant is prepared. Elders will be anxious to know how the infant would fare during the various stages of life.  They will want to know the various planetary combinations that occur in his life and their impact on his health and other matters. Likewise Yudhisthira too wanted to know whether the boy, through his deeds, would earn that reputation by which saints would hold him in esteem. What a brilliant question he asked!

Contrary to this, we generally want to know whether our child will study well, whether he will go to America, whether he will gain material prosperity, whether he will become a great politician and the like. Here, on the other hand, Yudhisthira wants to know whether the fame that Parikshit would acquire would be such that even saints would hold him in esteem. He was unconcerned about the praises that ordinary people around him heaped.

People these days consider the false praises showered upon them by others, out of some personal expectation, as true praises. They are impressed when people clap for them. They take pride when they have many followers. They are thrilled to see a huge gathering at functions conducted by them. This is not true praise. True praise is that which eminent saints shower. Ordinary false praises are showered by selfish people in order to fulfill their selfish goals.

Yudhisthira further asked, “Will he follow the path that has been laid down by our saintly kings who were from our lineage? In our lineage, we have had many saintly kings.”

This question brings out the greatness of Emperor Yudhisthira. He did not seek to know whether his grandson would expand the empire, earn more wealth and reach supreme materialistic prosperity, whether he would wage wars victoriously and so on. He was more inclined to know whether his grandson would walk on the path of God. Whether he would respect saints? Will he acquire great fame as an ardent devotee of the Lord? Will he look after the citizens well? Will he walk on the righteous path?

What a fine person Yudhisthira was! With such a pure mind Yudhisthira wanted to know about his grandson’s future. From this question of Yudhisthira, it is clear that walking on the path which is appreciated by the eminent saints is itself the most important requirement in life.

People can argue anyway they like. But what is most important is that one should walk on that path and behave in that manner which is appreciated by saints! He should acquire devotion towards Srihari!

Sriman Nārāyaṇa!

The intellect (buddhi) that is eternally fixed upon Paramātma will not succumb to the trap of likes, dislikes and other bad tendencies. It remains as Paramātma at all times. Such person remains in the form of eternal bliss. He himself is bliss. He showers this bliss upon others. How can sorrow exist within him then? Without getting trapped He remains beyond illusion.

Those ignorant ladies were unaware of the greatness of their husband Srikrishna. Just as the foolish persons consider the Supreme Lord, who has incarnated in their lineage, to be a mere human being, these wives considered Krishna to be their husband, who was under their control and who offered them services when alone.

With this the 11^th chapter of the first Canto comes to an end.

First Canto Twelfth Chapter

In this chapter Yudhisthira celebrating the birth of Parikshit is explained.

When Maharishi Suta narrated that Srikrishna had returned to Dwaraka, Maharishi Śounaka enquired,

‘O great Saint! Ashwatthama released the extremely powerful Brahmāstra and destroyed the fetus in the womb of Uttara. But Lord Krishna once again revived the fetus and filled it with life. The wise and great Parikshit was born thereafter. He performed many meritorious deeds. How did he meet his end? What level did he attain after his death? Please narrate this O great saint! We are eager to listen. We seek to listen to the story of Parikshit who received initiation from Maharishi Śuka’.

Maharishi Suta replied, “Yudhisthira, whose desires had been dissolved totally through offering service to the holy feet of Srikrishna, ruled wisely. He loved his citizens as his children and ruled like their father. He utilized his earnings to perform Yagnas by which he earned eligibility for reaching higher planes. He was fortunate to have a good righteous queen and good brothers. He had a vast empire and was the ruler for the entire Jhambu dweepa (earth). His fame spread even to Heaven.

To Yudhisthira, whose mind was engrossed in Lord Krishna, even those luxuries that the Celestials aspire for, did not give joy. To the hungry, only food gives the needed satisfaction. Apart from food, nothing else can give him happiness.

The valourous Parikshit, who was within his mother’s womb saw the fiery Brahmastra approaching to destroy him. At that time he saw a divine celestial who was the size of a thumb. He was pure and was wearing a glittering golden crown. He was extremely handsome. He was dark in appearance and was wearing golden yellow garments. He was changeless (nirvikara). He had 4 long arms. He was wearing golden earrings. His eyes were red in colour. That divine being was rotating a mace that He held in his hand. Just as the Sun melts snow, this divine being neutralized the fieriness of the Brahmastra. Parikshit, who was in his mother’s womb, who was observing this divine being, wondered who it could be.

His form was beyond the understanding of the mind and senses. He was a personification of righteousness. The omnipresent Lord Srihari was that divine being!

Having neutralized the Brahmastra, this Lord immediately disappeared from the view of this fetus, which had just entered the 10^th month. What a wonder! All this took place when the baby was still in its mother’s womb. At an auspicious time when all the planets were in good auspicious positions, the heir of the Pandu lineage was born’ said Maharishi Suta.

Swamiji says: But for Srikrishna’s grace, this boy would not have been born. Who apart from the Lord has the capacity to neutralize the Brahmastra? He blessed the fetus with His darshan in a thumb sized form.

I will explain in detail later the meaning and essence behind the thumb sized form of the Lord. Parikshit was the fortunate being who saw the true form of the Lord even when he was in his mother’s womb. We do not know if anyone else is as blessed as him. What he saw was the original form of the Supreme Lord. What more can be said about his fortune! After all, his parents were noble persons. What about the greatness of his grandparents?  What about the goodness of his other paternal relatives? What was his relation to Paramatma who had saved him? Think deeply about his lineage. How else could the fetus get the strength to withstand the fiery and terrible Brahmastra?

‘Seeing the radiance of this new born baby, the citizens wondered whether Emperor Pandu himself had been re-born!  Yudhisthira, with untold happiness, had the purificatory rituals such as Punyahvacana and Jātakarma performed for the infant through eminent Brahmins such as Dhoumya and Kripacharya.

As Emperor Yudhisthira was well versed in the knowledge that charities had to be given in plenty upon the auspicious occasion of the birth of a son, he gave away gold, cows, land, villages, good elephants, fine horses and plenty of foodgrains in charity to the learned scholars, servants and many other deserving people.

It is the ancient tradition that upon the birth of a child, each person should, according to his/her ability participate in charitable activities. This practice is still being adhered in many households. With the hope that the new born child will be blessed with longevity, good health, good education and will become prosperous, many seek the blessings of their elders and also engage in charitable deeds.

Yudhisthira was after all the epitome of righteousness (dharma raja). How could it be possible for him to not engage in charitable deeds that were righteous in nature? He was not a small king; he was the emperor of the entire earth!

As Srikrishna’s chariot entered the royal path, all the ladies of the royal households went up to the terraces to catch a glimpse of Him.

The citizens of Dwaraka, who were used to having the daily darshan of this Lord who retains Goddess Lakshmi in his heart, were not satisfied even after being in His presence for a very long time that day.

Lord Venkateshwara retains Devi in His heart and hence is Śri-nivasa. Likewise, His chest is the residence for Goddess Lakshmi. His arms are the residence to the guardian-deities of the world and His lotus feet are the shelter to those devotees who glorify Him. His face is nectarous to our eyes.

As the chariot of Lord Krishna, who was decked in golden yellow Pitambara clothes and who was wearing the Vanamala garland, entered the royal paths a white umbrella was held over His head. He was fanned with Vinjāmara fans. Flowers were showered upon Him in plenty. At that time the Lord was glowing magnificently like a cloud that is encircled by the Sun, Stars, Moon, rainbows and lightning.

Srikrishna went to the residence of His parents and bowing His head in deep reverence, He offered obeisance to Devaki and other seven mothers. All of them embraced Him. With overflowing love, the mothers seated Him on their laps. The joyful tears from their eyes wet Him completely.

From there, He proceeded to His luxurious palace, which had in it every form of luxury. In it resided His 8 queens and 16000 women.

The wives, who from a distance observed the arrival of their husband, who had been away for a very long period of time, with great excitement coupled with shyness, stopped their meditations and also the disciplines that they had been practicing in his absence. They immediately got up from their seats and stood up.

These wives, who were of an in-depth character, at first embraced the Lord mentally in their heart. Thereafter they embraced Him by meeting His gaze. From the place where they were standing, they either bent their head in shyness or met His gaze and embraced Him through that gaze. Then they physically embraced Him. How fortunate they were!

Overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing their Lord, they could not control their tears. Lord Krishna was always beside them; He was exclusively (ekanta) with each of them, yet at every second, His feet appeared newer to them.

Who can ever get tired of observing the lotus feet of that Lord, which Goddess Lakshmi, who inherently is of a restless nature, will never leave (never gets tired)?

Lord Krishna had caused disputes amongst those kings, who empowered with mighty armies, had spread their tentacles in all directions and had become burdensome to Mother Earth. Just like the wind which causes friction and creates a forest fire that ultimately burns down the entire forest, Lord Krishna, without himself taking up any weapon, had caused friction amongst these kings which ultimately led to their mutual destruction. In this manner, He reduced the load of Mother Earth and was peaceful.

Neither did the Lord take up any weapon to kill anyone nor did He instigate any of them to kill. He just caused a friction between them. All of them were cheats and traitors. He just caused one traitor to fight another. He reduced the load of Mother Earth.

The Supreme Lord, who, using His power of illusion had incarnated amongst humans as Krishna, enjoyed amongst competent women, as if He was an ordinary human being. Even then, these wives, even with their unsurpassed beauty and deceitful sports could not create even the slightest wavering in His mind. With their sensuous smiles and sportive gazes, perhaps they could captivate Manmatha, the God of love, but they could not cause even the slightest stir in the mind of their beloved husband Krishna.

Tam ayaṁ manyate loko hy asaṅgam api saṅginam – The Lord has no association with any object, although He is everything.

Ātmaupamyena manujaṁ vyāpṛṇvānaṁ yato ‘budhaḥ

Irrespective of the tasks undertaken, Srikrishna remains unattached to them all!

The ignorant human being, who is unable to grasp this secretive knowledge, considers the Lord to be an ordinary human who is tied to karmic bondages of this universe, like everyone else. Thus the ignorant person gets further trapped in illusion.

Spiritual ignorance is the root for all this! Such persons believe, ‘O He too has attachments just as we do. He is also tied down with bondages. He too is enveloped by all forms of lust, desires and anger’. They do not realize that He is everything. Trapped in this illusion, they behave in this manner.

Every living being had this illusion towards Srihari. In reality, the Supreme Lord has no connection with joys-sorrows which arise out of the traits of nature (Prakriti guṇas). Only he who realizes this fact merges into Him!

Even then, this Lord appeared as if He too had a body which was controlled by Nature and its three attributes (Prakṛti-guṇās). This is the īśwaratwam of that Supreme Almighty! Even though He does not exist, He appears to exist. Even though He exists, He appears as if He does not exist.

This is very difficult to understand, isn’t it? Although He is attached, He appears to be unattached. Let us consider the example of an object called stone. How does a stone appear? It appears like a stone, that’s it. It has no movement. How was it created? Perhaps from some metal, from earth or from some chemicals. Understand that this form itself is Paramātma! He is illumining or making Himself visible through this form of stone! He appears like a stone. He appears like water. He becomes like fire. If you think deeply, you will grasp this subject.

The intellect (buddhi) that is totally fixed upon Paramātma, will not succumb to the trap of likes-dislikes, isn’t it?

Sriman Narayana!