Use Your Time Wisely

Do not dwell on the past but move forward with a positive attitude.

Use Your Time Wisely

In the previous blog, we narrated the story of King Pareekshith and Sage Shamik's son, Shirngi illustrating how these two persons lost their sense of self when they became angry and acted in a way that caused harm to themselves and others. Now, we continue with this story explaining other important moral values.

Shringi cries before his father - Sage Shamik

Shringi's tears of remorse

After casting the curse, Shringi was still furious with the King but also regretful for his own actions. He then approached his father, Shamik, with tears in his eyes. Shamik opened his eyes, removed the dead snake around his neck, and inquired about the situation. When Shringi recounted the entire incident to his father, including the curse he had placed on King Pareekshith, Shamik rebuked his son. Shamik expressed his displeasure with Shringi for delivering such a severe punishment to a fair and compassionate ruler for a minor offence.

Compassionate Sage Shamik

The wise Sage Shamik considered the King's grave offence within the context of his life and deemed it a trivial mistake. King Pareekshith insulted the Sage by placing a dead snake around his neck because the Sage was in deep meditation and did not respond to him. Despite that, the compassionate Sage forgave the King for his inappropriate behaviour.

King Pareekshith regrets his behaviour towards the Sage Shamik

Contemplating on his mistake

Upon returning to his palace, Pareekshith regretted his behaviour towards Sage Shamik. While reflecting on the poor choices he had made, he received news that he would die from a snake bite within seven (7) days. Pareekshith immediately installed his son Janmejaya on the throne and went to the banks of the river Ganga, determined to fast unto death with his mind fixed on the lotus feet of Lord Krishna.

King Pareekshith was known for his wisdom and spiritual knowledge. Unlike most people who are unaware of how long they will live, the king knew that he had only seven (7) days left. Realizing the limited time he had, he resolved to use it wisely. Many of us fail to invest in acquiring spiritual knowledge and instead focus on worldly pursuits, even when we realize that our time is limited.

The Sages arrive at the bank of the river Ganga to meet King Pareekshith

King Pareekshith renounces the world

As Pareekshith began his life as a hermit, the foremost sages of the time – Atri, Vashishth, Bhrigu, Parashar, Vishvamitra, Parashuram, Gautam, Agastya, Ved Vyas, and others arrived on the banks of the Ganges. The King bowed his head and welcomed all of them with respect. He explained the entire situation to them and thanked God for the opportunity to renounce worldly pleasures.

The sages promised to stay with him until the time of his death. Pareekshith then asked two questions of the assembled sages:

1. What is something that a man should do at all times irrespective of the circumstances he is facing?

2. What is the duty of a man who is about to die?

The arrival of Shukdev

The narrator of the Bhagavatam

Shukdev, the sixteen-year-old son of Ved Vyas, arrived on the scene. King Pareekshith paid homage to him and thanked Lord Krishna for sending Shukdev. Pareekshith then repeated the same two questions he had posed to the assembled sages. The dialogue between Shukdev and Pareekshith can be found in the Bhagavatam. The philosophy revealed as part of these discussions, which we will continue to explore in the coming blogs, is of immense value to people of all ages and is just as pertinent today as it was back then.

Summary

This story illustrates that we should think before we act and use our time wisely so we do not regret our actions or events in our lives.

Moral

  1. With unwavering determination, we can accomplish anything, both in the material and divine realms. Despite having only seven days to live, Pareekshith focused on attaining God and ultimately achieved his goal.
  2. God orchestrates circumstances that are ultimately in our best interest. Pareekshith's curse created an opportunity for Shukdev to reveal the Bhagavatam, benefitting not only the assembled sages but mankind as a whole.
  3. Wise individuals recognize the positive qualities in those who have wronged them and do not hold onto negative feelings. This perspective fosters peace and compassion.