The Enlightenment of King Janaka

Day 149

The Enlightenment of King Janaka

King Janaka's Realization

VASISTHA continued:

"After hearing the sages' words, King Janaka became deeply troubled. He hurried back to his palace and, dismissing all attendants, sought solitude in his chamber. In his anguish, he reflected:

'Alas, I am helplessly caught in this world of suffering. Life is but a fleeting moment in eternity, yet I have grown attached to it. What is the worth of sovereignty during one's lifetime? How foolish am I to think it indispensable! This brief life is insignificant against the vastness of eternity. Why do I value it so?

Who has cast this illusion called the world, deluding me so? Realizing that all perceptions are in the mind, I will renounce the grasp of external objects. All worldly activities lead only to endless suffering. What hope can there be for true happiness? Day by day, I see happiness followed by sorrow and sorrow followed by more sorrow.

Everything in this world is transient and unreliable. Today’s exalted ones are tomorrow's downtrodden. What can be trusted in this world? I am bound without ropes, tainted without impurity, and fallen though I remain at the top. How mysterious! Like the sun obscured by a cloud, I am overshadowed by this strange delusion. These friends and relatives, these pleasures—what are they but illusions? They bind me to old age and death, yet I cling to them. Let them continue or perish; it matters not. Great men and events have come and gone, leaving only memories. What is permanent?

Even the gods and trinity have appeared and disappeared countless times. Nothing in this universe is eternal. Vain hope ties us to this nightmare of world-appearance. Fie on this wretched condition.'

King Janaka continued:

'I am like a fool, deluded by the ego that creates the false sense of identity. Knowing well that Time has crushed countless gods and beings, I still cherish life. My days and nights are wasted in vain cravings, not in the bliss of infinite consciousness. I move from sorrow to greater sorrow, yet dispassion eludes me.

What can be deemed excellent or desirable when everything cherished eventually passes away, leaving one miserable? People grow in sin and violence, experiencing greater sorrow. Childhood is wasted in ignorance, youth in lust, and old age in family worries. What does a fool achieve in this life?

Even performing great religious rites may lead to heaven—but what is heaven? Is it on earth or in another realm? Is there any place free from affliction? Sorrow brings happiness and vice versa. The earth is filled with dead bodies, making it appear solid.

There are beings whose lifespan is epochs. What is my lifespan in comparison? Even seemingly delightful objects bring endless worries and anxieties. Prosperity is adversity, and adversity can be desirable depending on the mind's effect. The mind is the seed of this delusion. It gives rise to the false sense of 'I' and 'mine.'

In this world, created by sheer ignorance, feelings of 'I want this' and 'I reject this' arise. It is better to spend time in seclusion or hell than live in this illusion. Motivation alone seeds this world-appearance. I will dry up this motivation! I have experienced all kinds of joys and sorrows. Now I will rest and cease grieving. I am awakened. I will slay this mind that has stolen my wisdom. The sages have instructed me well. Now, I will seek self-knowledge.'

VASISTHA continued:

Seeing the king deep in contemplation, his bodyguard respectfully approached and said, 'Lord, it is time for your royal duties. Your bath is prepared, and the priests await you to begin the hymns. Noble men are never unpunctual or negligent.'

But the king ignored these words and continued to muse:

'What is the point of royal duties when I know they are ephemeral? They are useless to me. I will renounce all activities and immerse myself in the bliss of the self. O mind, abandon your craving for sense-pleasures to escape the miseries of repeated old age and death. Whatever condition you seek for happiness, that condition brings unhappiness. Enough of this sinful, pleasure-seeking life. Seek the natural delight within.

Seeing the king silent, the bodyguard also became silent. The king once again reflected:

'What shall I seek in this universe? What eternal truth shall I rely on? Whether active or idle, nothing in this world is enduring. This body is impermanent and ever-changing. When intelligence is rooted in equanimity, nothing is lost. I do not long for what I do not have, nor desire to abandon what has come unsought. I am established in the self; let what is mine be mine! There is no meaning in action or inaction. When the mind is free from desires and does not seek pleasure, action and inaction are equal. Let the body perform its natural functions; without activity, it will disintegrate. When the mind ceases to identify with actions, action becomes non-action.'