Bhagavada Vahini - Chapter 44 (End of Bhagavada Vahini)

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Bhagavada Vahini by Sathya Sai Baba

 

Chapter 44

The Consummation in Gopala

 

 

 

Devaki and Vasudeva, who spent their days in prison, were

indistinguishable from mad persons. They sat with unkempt hair, lean

and lanky through want of appetite and the wherewithal to feed their

bodies. They had no mind to eat or sleep. They were slowly consumed

by grief over the children they had lost. When their prison life

entered its second year, Devaki conceived for the eighth time! O, it

was wondrous! What a transformation it brought about! The faces of

Devaki and Vasudeva, which had drooped and dried up, suddenly

blossomed like lotuses in full bloom. They shone with a strange

splendour.

 

Their bodies which were reduced to mere skin and bone, as if they had

been dehydrated, took on flesh, became round and smooth, and shone

with a charming golden hue. The cell where Devaki was shut in was

fragrant with pleasing odours; it cast a wondrous light and was

filled with inexplicable music and the jingle of dancing feet.

Amazing sights, amazing sounds indeed! Devaki and Vasudeva became

aware of these happenings, but, they were afraid to inform Kamsa,

lest in his vindictive frenzy, he might hack the womb into pieces.

They were anxious about the strange future of the son that will be

born and were restless with weird forebodings. (See also SB, Canto

10: 2 - Prayers by the Demigods for Lord Krishna in the Womb

<http://srimadbhagavatam.org/canto10/chapter2.html> )

 

And what of Kamsa? He knew his time was fast rushing towards its end;

he was torn by the greed to continue as unquestioned Emperor of the

Realm; he was overcome by conspiratorial inclination; he overran the

territories of the Yadu, Vrishni, Bhoja and Andhaka principalities and

added them to his domain; he was so intent on establishing his

dictatorial regime that he threw his own aged father, Ugrasena, into

prison; thereafter, his will was sovereign.

 

When Suka related this story, Parikshith interrupted him, with the

words, " Alas! What folly is this? Knowing full well that his end was

drawing near, knowing, that, in the eighth pregnancy, the Person who

was to destroy him was growing fast, knowing that the Voice that

spoke from the Sky cannot be untrue, did Kamsa resolve upon these

acts of inordinate greed and unspeakable wickedness? This is indeed,

unbelievable! "

 

Hearing these words, Suka burst into laughter. He said, " Maharaja!

Evidently, you think that all those who know their end is drawing

near, will, like you, utilize the time at their disposal, in seeking

to realize the Vision of Him who is the embodiment of Time! But, such

yearning as yours can arise in the mind, only as a consequence of a

favourable balance of merit, acquired in previous lives. It cannot

arise all of a sudden. Consider the vast difference between what you

are engaged in, when you knew that the allotted span of life is

hastening to its finish, and the undertakings Kamsa was engaged in,

when he knew that his end was in sight! These two attitudes are

named, Deva and Asura <http://vahini.org/glossary/d.html> , Divine

and Demoniac. For those who are equipped with the Devi or Divine

virtues of eagerness to do good acts, and to have good thoughts,

faith in God, compassion towards all beings, contrition for swerving

from the straight path, truth, nonviolence, and love, only thoughts

of God and urges to do sanctifying deeds, will emerge during the last

days.

 

Instead, those who are immersed in selfishness egotism, greed, vice,

violence and unrighteousness will suffer from evil urges, in their

last days and destroy themselves. The former attain Kaivalya, or,

beatitude; the latter achieve only hell, Naraka.

 

The eye of the onlooker sees the same consummation-death. But, the

goal reached by either is distinct; it is invisible to those around

them. The goal is determined by the thoughts that arise in the mind

of the dying. Destruction of life is common; the Darsan

<http://vahini.org/glossary/d.html#Darsan> of God is something to be

won, and earned. That is unique. Hence the proverb, " Vinaasa Kaale,

vipareetha buddhi " : when disaster is imminent, the intellect turns

against! Only those who are about to be destroyed will get and welcome

such evil intentions. Those who are to be blessed with the vision of

God will hold fast to the pure and the elevating, in their last

thoughts.

 

When Suka spoke thus, in all sincerity, Parikshith Maharaja said, " No,

this is not the result of my effort, or the consequence of the merit

acquired by me in previous lives. The fruit of the goodness of my

grandfathers and father is directing me along the correct path. More

than all, the illumination shed by gems of wisdom like yours and the

consecrating effect of the Grace of Krishna - these are heightening

the devotion and dedication, that rise within me. Of course, the

association one is privileged or compelled to share has a promotional

(or adverse)effect.

 

But, luckily, since the moment of birth, the Grace of God has been

guide and guardian to me. I have been shaped and sustained by

association with good men, comradeship with just and moral

personages, acquaintance with great scholars, and the inspiration of

the magnanimous deeds of my illustrious grand-fathers. I must also

acknowledge the help rendered by wise and discriminating ministers,

who served as my right hand, and earned and enjoyed the love and

reverence of my subjects. All this could never be the consequence of

my efforts. However, excellent the seed, if the field is unfertile

can the harvest be plentiful? However high my ideals are, if my

kingdom had no high tradition laid down by my ancestors, no sages and

scholars to instruct and inspire, no ministers to execute and

elaborate in action, no subjects to appreciate and act the ideals,

they can only be like the vessel of milk spoiled by drops of

acid curd, isn't it?

 

Had it not been for them, my ideals would have evaporated and I would

have imbibed the vices of people who flatter me, and become another

hard-hearted Kamsa! Therefore, I conclude that the sinful acts of

Kamsa have to be attributed, to a certain extent, to the vices

inherent in the scholars, elders, ministers, and subjects of Kamsa's

kingdom.

 

Of course, you are most competent to pronounce upon the correctness of

this inference. Well. Why should I waste the few remaining hours of my

life in seeking faults in others or analyzing their causes and

consequences? It is best I sanctify every second; tell me, Master,

about the holy moment of Birth, when my very Breath, Gopala, appeared

upon the earth. " Praying thus, Parikshith fell at the feet of Suka

and sat up, with eyes closed, eager to listen. He was yearning in

happy expectation, to learn from Suka the amazing mystery of the

Birth.

 

Suka related the story thus: " Maharaja! The foetus of the seventh

pregnancy was taken and transferred to the womb of the wife of

Vasudeva, Rohini by name, who was in Gokula, under the protection of

Nanda. This was done in order that the child may grow into a

companion and helpmate for Gopala. Rohini gave birth to a son, who

was named by Garga, the family Preceptor, as Balarama, since he was

extra-ordinarily strong in body and he charmed every one by his

innocence and intelligence. Since he was transferred from the womb of

Devaki to that of Rohini, he was also named Samkarshana

<http://vahini.org/glossary/s.html#Samkarsana> (He who was attracted,

drawn).

 

Meanwhile, the eighth pregnancy completed nine months; Devaki and

Vasudeva held their lives in the grasp of their palms, for, they were

agonized over what might happen any moment - when the delivery will

take place? What Kamsa will do to punish them or to destroy the enemy

he feared! They sat helpless, in great anguish, without food or

sleep. When Kamsa learnt that the nine months had passed, he took

extra precautions to see that the child does not escape him. He

ordered that Vasudeva and Devaki be shackled with chains, on hands

and feet; he locked the doors of the prison with even more formidable

contrivances. He placed larger numbers of even more alert and able

guards around the prison. He arranged that, once every five minutes,

the guards must examine and satisfy themselves that the inmates are

within the prison walls. Kamsa was ceaselessly worried and anxious

about the birth and what might happen to him, therefrom.

 

But, who can hinder the inscrutable operation of the Will of God? Can

the Divine Mystery be penetrated and unraveled? Fools who cannot grasp

the Truth, who cannot recognize Divinity and measure the Power of God,

who have no faith in God, live in the delusion that their petty plans

will save them and that they can triumph through their own efforts!

The fact is, not even the smallest success can be won, without God's

Grace.

 

Though this is true, we should not sit with folded hands, believing

that a thing will accomplish itself, if and when God wills. Human

effort is essential, and man must himself make a trial. He must use

the strength and skill that he is endowed with, and resolve to

proceed with the work, laying the responsibility for success on God.

For, without the Grace of God, every effort will be rendered

fruitless.

 

One night, lying on the floor of the prison room, Devaki developed

labour pains; she fixed her mind on God, and looked intently at the

flame of the little oil lamp, anxiously asking herself, " What is to

happen to me? What lies in the future for me? " Suddenly, the flame

went out, and darkness filled the cell. Just then, she beheld an

effulgent Form, casting a strange splendour, standing before Her. She

wondered who it might be; she called on Vasudeva afraid that it might

be Kamsa in that shape; she was lost in confusion and doubt, about

the identity of the Phenomenon before her.

 

Suddenly, the Form became clear! It was armed with the Conch, the

Discus, and the Mace; the Fourth Hand was held in the Abhaya pose (the

pose that indicates that one need have no fear). It said softly and

sweetly, " Do not grieve. I am Narayana

<http://vahini.org/glossary/n.html#Nara-Narayana> . I am to be born

in a few moments as your son, with intent to wipe off all your

travails, in answer to the promise, I made, when you visualized Me as

a result of your earnest asceticism. Do not be anxious about Me. Be

but witnesses of the drama that is about to be staged. In all the

fourteen worlds, there is no one born or to be born who can inflict

on Me the least harm: be assured of that. Even when some little

anxiety affects you as a consequence of affection for the child you

bore and of Delusion fogging the mind, you will be able to witness

immediately miracles that will reveal My Nature. (See also SB, Canto

10: 3 - The Birth of Lord Krishna

<http://srimadbhagavatam.org/canto10/chapter3.html> )

 

No sooner am I born than the shackles will fall off from your hands

and feet. The doors of the prison will open by themselves. Take Me

from here without any one's knowledge, to the home of Nanda in

Gokula, and place Me by the side of his wife, Yasoda, who is having

labour pains, this very moment. Bring from her side the baby girl

that she has delivered, back into this prison and keep her with you.

Then, send word to Kamsa. Until he gets the news, no one either in

Mathura or Gokula will notice you, or apprehend you; I shall arrange

it so. " He shone in Divine Splendour; and blessing Devaki and

Vasudeva, He entered the womb of Devaki as an Orb of Light. Within

minutes, the Child was born.

 

The time was 3-30 a.m., the auspicious hour of Brahma-muhurtham

<http://vahini.org/glossary/b.html> . The Vishnu-maya (Divine Power to

Delude) brought sleep, sudden and log-like on all the guards and on

all the watch and ward. They fell in their places and were caught in

sleep. The thick iron chains that bound the hands and feet of

Vasudeva fell off, in a trice. The doors and the gates flew open.

Though it was the darkest hour of the night, the cuckoo was cooing

with a sudden spurt of joy; parrots were announcing the heavenly

happiness they felt. The stars were twinkling, for each of them was

smiling in inner joy. The Rain-God was showering flower-drops of rain

on the earth below. Around the prison, flocks of birds clustered in

happy song, twittering sweet melody.

 

Vasudeva realized that all this was the manifestation of the charm of

God; he turned his eye towards the new born child and was astounded at

what he saw. Was it true? he asked himself. Or, was it a mental

illusion? He was fixed to the spot, like a pillar. For, Maharaja!

encircling the Babe was a brilliant halo of Light! The Babe laughed

outright, seeing the mother and the father. It appeared the Babe was

about to speak out something! Yes. They heard the words, " Now, without

delay, take Me to Gokul. "

 

Vasudeva did not tarry. He spread an old dhoti on a bamboo mat-let,

and placed the Babe on it, he tore the scarf of an old sari of Devaki

and covered the Babe with it. Then, he moved out of the open doors and

gates, past the sleeping guards.

 

He noticed the little drops of rain that fell from the sky, and was

sad that the new-born Child would soon be soaked. But, when he turned

back, he found the snake, Adi-sesha following his footsteps,

preventing the rain from wetting the Babe, holding the ribbed

umbrella of its broad hoods over the Child! At every step along the

road, Vasudeva noticed auspicious and favourable signs. Though the

Sun had not risen yet, the lotus bloomed in all the tanks and leaned

on its stalk towards Vasudeva. Though it was a night with no

expectation of moonlight, perhaps through the yearning to have a look

at the Divine Babe the full moon peeped through the clouds, its cool

rays illumining only the bamboo-mat-let on which the Babe lay, along

the entire route!

 

The Babe which attracted all this auspiciousness was placed in Nanda's

home, and the child that had just then been born there was brought and

placed into the hands of Devaki. No sooner was this done, than

Vasudeva burst into tears; he could not stop his weeping.

 

Even while these words came from his lips, Parikshith exclaimed aloud,

" Krishna! Krishna! " ; everyone turned towards the King and hastened

towards him. They saw a snake, crawling away fast, after biting the

right toe of the Maharaja! (See also: Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 12 [The

Age of Deterioration], Chapter 6: Maharaja Pariksit Passes Away).

 

It was clear to all that the end had come. Everyone echoed the words

of Parikshith and repeated, Krishna! Krishna! and " 0 Dwarakavasa!

Brindavana-vihara! " The vast gathering had no other thought than that

of God, no other word than the Name of God.

 

The Maharaja fell on the ground, repeating, " Krishna! Krishna! " Men

learned in the Vedas recited Vedic prayers. Bhakthas

<http://vahini.org/glossary/b.html#Bhaktha's> sang the Glory of God

in chorus; ascetics and sages were sunk in Japa

<http://vahini.org/glossary/j.html#Japa> and Dhyana

<http://vahini.org/glossary/d.html#Dhyana> .

 

Suka shed tears of inner Bliss; he announced: " The Maharaja has

reached Gopala! " He wanted the funeral rites to be undertaken and,

went away, without being noticed.

 

The word Suka means a parrot. Yes; he was the Parrot that plucked the

ripe nectar-filled fruit called Bhagavatha

<http://vahini.org/glossary/b.html#Bhagavatha> from the Tree of the

Vedas and enabled the World to taste it and be nourished by it. May

the world relish the Fruit and strengthen itself through it, and

derive the Atmic Bliss that it can confer.

 

May Humanity attain Nand-Nandana!

 

Next Vahini Series....Sathya Sai Vahini