Fruits of Attachment - IV
Do not judge a book by its cover!
In the "Fruits of Attachment" series, we talked about King Bharat, whose journey was transformed significantly by one pivotal event. Born to King Rishabh, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Bharat became attached to a deer, resulting in his rebirth as a deer. However, he was granted a human form once more in his third birth. Intent on freeing himself from attachment, Bharat adopted unique behaviours to avoid forming connections with others. The exploration of his third birth continues in this narrative.
Encounter with King Rahugan
On a bright day by the mesmerising banks of the river Ikshumati, Jad Bharat was lost in his own world. In the near distance, King Rahugan, regal and commanding, was travelling in a lavish palanquin.
As the palanquin swayed gently, the bearers realised they were struggling under the burden and needed extra hands to lighten the load.
Scanning the area, their eyes landed on Bharat—brawny and robust, a figure who exuded strength. Without seeking his permission, Jad Bharat was thrust into carrying the king's palanquin.
With a surge of effort, Bharat hoisted the palanquin skyward alongside his fellow bearers. As they started moving forward, Bharat's keen eyes darted around, scanning the ground for any tiny creatures he might step on. Determined not to kill any innocent beings under his feet, he deftly sidestepped them, causing the palanquin to sway perilously to one side.
This frustrated the king whose voice boomed, cutting through the atmosphere like a thunderclap:
"Why can’t you carry the palanquin properly? Can’t any of you do your job right?"
The fellow bearer, with a heart racing from anxiety, stepped forward, resolute in defense.
“Your Majesty," he declared, his voice steady despite the swirling unease, "it is not our fault that we falter; it’s the new bearer whose pace drags us down! We cannot carry the palanquin swiftly while burdened by his sluggishness."
The King's Fury and Harsh Words
King Rahugan cast a scornful glance at Jad Bharat.
"Well, well, are you not an exhausted, old man? Just take a look at you—so thin, so fragile! Honestly, you look far too old for such labour."
He said, laughter mingling with his taunts. But Jad Bharat continued to carry the palanquin in silence.
As the palanquin continued to sway unpredictably, King Rahugan's frustration surged within him, and he shouted with anger:
"Oh, foolish one, what do you think you are doing? You are walking like a living corpse. You disregard my orders and are behaving impertinently. I will punish you for this act and teach you a lesson that will bring you back to reality."
The Soul's Wisdom: Bharat's Profound Response
King Rahugan was excessively proud of his status as a king. He believed that his position entitled him to mistreat his subordinates as he pleased. Within him, two predominant qualities existed: passion and dullness. It was for this reason that he spoke harshly to Jad Bharat, not realising that Jad Bharat was an enlightened soul.
Jad Bharat looked at the king, smiling and spoke in a soft tone:
"Oh, king, you are angry at me because you think I am not carrying your palanquin properly. You spoke harshly and sarcastically when you said I have been carrying the burden too long, and I am tired. You desire to hurt me with your shallow words. I am afraid it is pointless. Your words do not hurt me. May I tell you why? You believe that this body is real, and the burden this body is carrying all this while is also real. If this is true, then your words should hurt me. But the truth is that I am not the body, and the burden I have been carrying is also not real. The "I" has no absolute connection with this body or the unjust insults that you are harbouring towards me, because I am the soul. I am not flesh and bone; I am a soul that is timeless and untouched by your insults."
Jad Bharat hoisted the palanquin onto his shoulders once more and continued to walk after his exchange with the king. King Rahugan was speechless; he realised his mistake after hearing Jad Bharat's words based on the scriptural text. King Rahugan relinquished his pride as a mighty king; he hurriedly descended from the palanquin, fell to his knees, and prostrated himself before Jad Bharat, a figure he had once dismissed.
Transformation of King Rahugan
King Rahugan spoke in a voice choked with tears born of shame, addressing Jad Bharat:
He confessed, "Your words have shattered my pride into a thousand pieces. I beg for your forgiveness! Reveal to me your true identity, for I am Rahugan, the mighty ruler of Sindhu and Sauvira. I embarked on a sacred journey to meet Lord Kapil, seeking the wisdom that leads to salvation. However, I believe that you are Lord Kapil Himself, who has come to save me, and I humbly request you to teach me the true knowledge."
Spiritual Teachings
Jad Bharat looked deeply into the desperate eyes of the king, agreed to help him and said:
"Listen very carefully while I explain it all to you."
Jad Bharat sat on a slab of rock while the king, Rahugan, knelt humbly at the lotus feet of his revered Guru. Jad Bharat then taught King Rahugan about God, the soul, the essence of the human body, and the journey toward God-realisation.
King Rahugan expressed his heartfelt gratitude as he acknowledged Jad Bharat for shattering his pride and ego. He recognised the invaluable lessons bestowed upon him; this wisdom is only attainable through the grace of a true Guru. Jad Bharat revealed that a man's ultimate duty is to love and surrender to the supreme Lord wholeheartedly.
Jad Bharat bestowed his blessing upon the king and then wandered around the earth until he ascended to the divine abode of God, fulfilling his remarkable destiny.
Summary
This text narrates the story of Jad Bharat, whose previous life was marked by attachment to a deer, and he was reborn as Jad Bharat. He deliberately acted as a madman to avoid forming connections with anyone. While carrying King Rahugan's palanquin, Jad Bharat's unsteady gait enraged the king, who insulted him. Accepting his true nature as a soul separate from his physical form, Jad Bharat responded with profound spiritual wisdom, humbling the proud king. Ultimately, King Rahugan sought knowledge from Jad Bharat, who instructed him on spiritual truths before continuing his journey and returning to God's abode.
Moral
- Do not judge the book by its cover.
- Refrain from reacting and insulting someone without fully understanding the circumstances and the whole truth.
Let's Reflect
How would you have reacted if you were King Rahugan, not knowing the greatness of Jad-Bharat?
