Posted at 08:16:31 IST on Mar 21, 2010
Storyline for the 6th Session delivered on the 3rd day of the Yajna, on the
evening of 19th Mar 2010
Sri Rituraj Maharaj started his talk with the definition of a Sthitha Prajna.
He noted that Sthitha Prajna is one who is unperturbed by either the pain of
grief or the thrill of joy.
He also noted that man creates a heaven or hell for himself entirely by his own
attitude; true loss (Vipaththi) is when he forgets the Divine while constant
remembrance of God is the true wealth (Sampaththi).
Then the renowned scholar recounted the story of Ajamila from the 6th canto of
the Srimad Bhagawatam which highlights the prescribed duties of mankind.
Ajamila was a virtuous Brahmin living in the city of Kanyakubja. He was well
trained in Vedas and had earned good name as a righteous person. Once, while he
was returning home from the forest, he happened to see a public woman in the
lustful company of a Sudra. Enamored by her, he gave up his duties to his wife
and parents.
This story stands as a testimony to how circumstances and bad company can
totally wreck a man. Ajamila changed completely thereafter. He married this
unchaste woman and to please her, he even started thieving and killing innocent
people.
One day, a group of saints were passing by that village and they wanted to take
shelter in a righteous household. The villagers directed them to Ajamila’s
house as he was known to be a noble Brahmin.
But when the saints actually met Ajamila’s wife, they came to know that Ajamila
was a thief. In spite of that, they insisted on staying there for the night.
When Ajamila returned, he was perplexed about their presence. But his wife
allowed them to stay there and perform their ritualistic worship. It was the
first time that an idol of God was installed in their dwelling and the whole
environment sanctified by the presence of saintly people.
When the saints were finally about to leave, they requested the lady to name
their next son as “Narayana”.
A son was born and being the youngest, “Narayana” was very dear to both the
parents. When it was finally time for Ajamila’s death, as the Yamadoots
approached, Ajamila called out to his son Narayana. Though the child could not
respond, the compassionate Lord did. Since Ajamila seemingly remembered Lord
Narayana’s name in his final moments, Vishnudoots arrived immediately and
prevented Yama’s attendants from taking Ajamila to hell.
When the Yamadoots reported this apparent violation of the righteous code to
Yama Dharma, he explained to them that Ajamila had atoned for all his sins the
moment he uttered the Divine name. He also chided them that rules couldnot bind
the One who has created the entire cosmos.
At this point, Ajamila realized his folly and the unconditional Grace of the
Lord that had rescued him in spite of all his sins. He gave up his negative
tendencies and immersed himself in Sadhana to attain the Lotus Feet of Hari.
The noted speaker went on to narrating the story of Vritrasura. Viswaroopa, the
son of Thwashta Prajapati, was slayed by Indra for stealing a portion of the
sacred offerings. Twashta, then performed a sacrifice to get a son who would
take revenge, killing Indra. As Twashta did not chant the mantra correctly, he
instead begot a son Vritra who would be killed by Indra.
When Vritra realized that Indra’s weapon Vajra, actually embodied the prowess
of Narayana because of the penance of Dadhîci, he invited Indra to use it.
Vritrasura prayed: “Just like a small bird looking for its mother, just like a
calf being hungry looking for the udder, just like a wife waiting for her
husband, just as eager is my mind to see You, O lotus-eyed One.” When he was
finally struck by Indra, a light emanated and merged in Lord Narayana. Indra
got back the ruler ship of the heaven, but it was Vritra’s victory which was
greater as he won over the Lord’s heart.
At this juncture, the speaker also highlighted the purity and devotion of the
boatman who requested Lord Rama to allow him to wash His Divine Feet. Kevat
said that while he ferries people across the river, Lord Rama helps them cross
the ocean of Sansara – hence, both of them belong to the same profession!
Then, through an anecdote related to Emperor Akbar and Tansen, Maharaj Ji also
brought forth the sweetness of Lord’s name. As Akbar stood puzzled at the
melody in Haridas’s voice, Tansen explained that the difference lies in the
fact that while Tansen sang for the Emperor of Delhi, Haridas sang for the Lord
of the entire Universe!
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