The Story of Gadhi: A Lesson on Illusion and Reality

Day 173

The Story of Gadhi: A Lesson on Illusion and Reality

King Gavala's Reign

King Gavala, once a humble tribesman, ruled his kingdom justly and wisely for eight years. He was so immersed in his royal duties that he forgot his origins. One day, he wandered outside the palace without his regal attire and joined a group of tribesmen singing familiar songs. An old tribesman recognized him and addressed him as Katanja, recalling their past friendship. Though Gavala ignored him, the royal court was shocked and began to treat him with contempt.

Gavala's Downfall

The royal servants and ministers, realizing Gavala’s true origin, shunned him. He began to appear in his true form—dark and unattractive. Citizens avoided him, and he felt utterly lonely and dishonored despite being a king. The community leaders, feeling polluted by his presence, decided to purify themselves through self-immolation. Witnessing the chaos and feeling responsible, Gavala resolved to end his life. He threw himself into the fire, and as the flames consumed him, Gadhi, who was meditating in the river, regained his consciousness.

Gadhi's Realization

Gadhi emerged from the river, contemplating the vision he had experienced. He initially dismissed it as a trick of his fatigued mind. However, when a visiting brahmana narrated a similar story about a tribesman ruling a kingdom, Gadhi decided to investigate. He traveled to Bhutamandala, recognizing places and objects from his vision. Villagers confirmed the story of a tribesman who had become a king and later committed suicide.

The Truth Revealed

Gadhi then traveled to the kingdom of Kira, where citizens enthusiastically confirmed the tribesman's reign. Just then, he saw Lord Vishnu disguised as the king and realized that what he experienced was Vishnu's Maya. Gadhi wondered how his vision, initially thought to be a dream, was now a reality. Lord Vishnu appeared and explained that everything perceived by an impure mind is an illusion. The mind projects its own ideas and experiences them as reality, whether in dreams or wakeful states.

Conclusion

Lord Vishnu taught Gadhi that both the illusion he thought was a dream and the reality he thought he was living were hallucinations. He explained that nothing exists outside the self and that the mind alone perceives all events. To attain freedom from rebirth and illusion, one must purify the mind. Lord Vishnu urged Gadhi to engage in appropriate actions to attain what is worthy in life.

Advisory for Modern Society

The story of Gadhi teaches the illusory nature of worldly experiences and the power of Maya. It emphasizes that true liberation and understanding come from mastering one's mind and recognizing the transient nature of life. Balancing material success with spiritual growth and seeking the ultimate reality beyond illusions can lead to a fulfilling life.