Our Vedas (Certain Revelations) - Part 10 - By Sri.Sri.Muralidhara Swamiji.

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Dear Members,

 

Ãtma deva charitra (life history of Ãtma deva) is also narrated here to speak on

the glory of ‘Katha sravana’ and particularly of Bhãgavatam. In Bhãgavata

Mahãtmyam is the charitra of Ãtma deva. There lived a Brahmin by name Ãtma deva.

He was a ‘sat Brahmin’ (virtuous Brahmin). He had learned the Vedas and the

Shastras; he was a great ‘anushttãta’ (one who practices dharma). Bhãgavatam

describes this Brahmin as ‘dwitiya iva bhaskarah’ (the second Sun) - when he

walked on the streets people wondered if he were another Sun walking on the

street! Such was his lustre. He shone with such deep lustre!

Such a great Ãtma deva had a woe (‘kurai’). What was it? He was childless. To

overcome this grief he tried ‘jyotisha’ (astrology), performed ‘prãyaschit’

(expiation); he tried various means. He tried all ways that he knew - Mantra,

tantra, yantra, kriyai, prãyaschita, etc. But he was not blessed with a child.

He felt greatly aggrieved. His wife’s name was Dhundhuli. He was once out

walking carrying the burden of this grief. He came up to a pond. He sat on the

bank of the pond and began to do ‘ãchamanam’ (one of the daily rites of a

Brahmin). At that time there came a Yati (sanyasi/ascetic). Could not that Yati

who was doing ‘anushtãnam’ (karma) remain quiet? He looked at Ãtma deva. He

watched what he was doing. Since he watched this man a ‘banda’

(bondage/relationship) rose up. Moreover, Ãtma deva, realizing that the Yati was

watching him began to wipe his eyes! A Mahan would ask the reason if he found

anyone in tears! Others will

not bother. They would only walk away but not so a Mahan.

 

So, this Yati asked, “Why do you shed tears? What is the matter?”

At once, Ãtma deva said sorrowfully, “I have no child, Swami!”

The Yati remarked, “What have you lost by not having a child? Take up sanyãsa.

‘Sanyãse sarvata sukham (ascetic life is ever joyful)!’ said the Yati. Being

childless is good and peaceful. Those who have

children undergo suffering. Why do you seek a child? Is it because he will take

care of your in your old age? He will not take care of you in your old age. Do

you wish him to do your last rites? No! He will be in some foreign country then.

Do not trust a child. Having been born do kirtana! Say Rama! or Krishna! Only

these will support/help you. Your son will not do any karma; even if he does

there is no ‘balitam’ (fruit) for such karma. “Keep saying Bhagavan Nãma.

‘Sanyãse sarvata sukham’.” But, he did not listen. ‘No! Swãmi! I do desire a

child! I do desire a child!’

 

!!! Will Continue !!!

 

Regards