Saturday, October 6, 2018

Favourite Stories of Bhagavaan Shree Ramana Maharshi: King Janakar and Sage Sukar

[Once a questioner asked Bhagavaan, “Can the atyasramis (those beyond all states) own property?” Bhagavaan replied, “There is no restriction for them. They may do what they please. Sukar is said to have married and begotten children.” — #Talk #291, #Talks #with #Maharshi]

Sukar was the only son of #Vyaasar, author of the Brahma Sutras and the Puranaas and master of the Vedas. From his childhood, Sukar had understood through pure intellect and by freedom from distractions that the world is full of delusion. His mind was disturbed when he tried to probe into the source of delusion. He went to his father on Mt. Meru and voiced his doubts. Vyaasar, the very incarnation of Lord Vishnu, addressed Sukar’s misgivings but his son was not satisfied. Understanding his son’s mental state, Vyaasar told him, “Dear son! If you still harbour doubts, go to the king of Videhaa, King Janakar. May you benefit from all that is virtuous!”

Sukar reached the kingdom of Janakar with considerable effort and waited near the king’s private chambers. The servants announced his arrival to the king. Janakar wanted to test the determination of Sukar and thus, the servants did not give him admittance for seven long days. But Sukar maintained his equanimity. Seven days later, the king’s retinue allowed him to have an audience with the king with all the royal courtesies. Beautiful men and women attempted to entertain him with song and dance. Sukar was neither elated by this royal treatment nor was he flustered by the king’s earlier indifference. Janakar was very pleased with Sukar’s immaculate attitude. He offered him the sixteen kinds of hospitality, praised his ancestry and humbly addressed him thus, “It is my great good fortune that you, who are endowed with the knowledge of Brahman, came all the way here, seeking audience with me. Please command me as to what service I can render you”.

Sukar reiterated all that he had told his father and raised the question that was tormenting him, “What is the origin of delusion? How does one overcome it?” Janakar’s response was the same as had been his father’s. So, Sukar explained that he had heard this response before, and it had not resolved his doubts. Janakar then elaborated further, “You are fully detached from all things, are without doubt the very embodiment of Brahman. What your father stated, what I have understood and what you are contemplating, are all the same— the knowledge of the Self. Total detachment is essential for this. You are seeking the source of delusion. And, it has brought you all this way. This very desire is the manifestation of delusion. Attempting to know anything other than the Self is delusion. Such a desire also occurs by the very force of the Self — attempting to know and knowing it. However, in the attempt to quench one’s desire to know, the Self gets lost in the background and one is caught in a vicious whirlpool. Therefore, conquer this desire to know more about delusion and endeavour to attain the state of equanimity once again, for that is your true state.

On hearing this explanation, Sukar became completely silent, was emancipated from all desire and filled with perfect contentment. He now understood the greatness of his father through the renowned Janakar.

கருணாகரமுனி ரமணாரியன் திருவடி போற்றி 🌸🙏

🌺 திருச்சிற்றம்பலம் 🌺


posted from Bloggeroid

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