The Story of Gadhi

Day 172

The Story of Gadhi

Introduction

VASISTHA continued:

O Rama, this cycle of birth and death is an interminable one; this Maya ceases only by the mastery of one's own heart (mind), not otherwise. To illustrate this, there is a legend which I shall presently narrate to you.

Gadhi’s Renunciation and Austerities

In this world, there is a region known as Kosala. In it, there was a brahmana known as Gadhi. He was very learned and the very embodiment of dharma. Right from his very childhood, he was filled with the spirit of renunciation and dispassion. Once this brahmana went away to the forest to practice austerity. Desiring to behold Vishnu, he entered the water of a river and began to recite various mantras, which soon completely purified his being.

After eight months, Lord Vishnu appeared and offered him a boon. Gadhi wished to behold Vishnu’s Maya, which deludes all beings and keeps them in ignorance. Vishnu granted this wish, promising that Gadhi would then abandon the illusory perception of objects.

The Illusory Death

After Vishnu disappeared, Gadhi rose from the water, pleased and immersed in bliss. One day, he went to the river for his bath, still meditating on Vishnu’s words. While he immersed himself in the water, he beheld himself dead, mourned by all. His body was pale and lifeless, surrounded by weeping relatives, including his wife and mother.

His body was carried to the crematorium, placed on a funeral pyre, and consumed by fire.

Rebirth as a Tribal Hunter

While still immersed in the river, Gadhi saw himself as a fetus in the womb of a tribal woman in Bhutamandalam. Born as her son, he grew up into a robust young man, a good hunter, married a tribeswoman, and had children who were as violent as he was. He led a nomadic life, sometimes sleeping under a tree, sometimes in caves, and grew old. One by one, he lost all his friends and relatives to death.

Disgusted, he left his native realm and wandered into foreign lands.

Ascension to Kingship

One day, he entered a rich and prosperous kingdom. While walking along the main road of the capital city, he saw a richly caparisoned royal elephant, which was on a mission to find a suitable successor for the deceased king. The elephant picked him up with its trunk and placed him on its back. The people exclaimed in joy, "Long live the king!" as the elephant had chosen him.

Surrounded by members of the royal court and adorned with princely garments and jewels, the hunter shone as a radiant king and was crowned while seated on the elephant's back. Thus, a tribesman and hunter became the king of Kirapura.

Conclusion

By and by, the very nature of his position taught him the art of ruling the kingdom, and he became a well-known king named Gavala.

Advisory to Modern Society

The story of Gadhi illustrates the illusory nature of worldly experiences and the power of Maya. It teaches that true liberation and understanding come from mastering one's mind and recognizing the transient nature of life. In the pursuit of material success and status, one must not lose sight of spiritual growth and the ultimate reality beyond illusions. Modern society can draw from this wisdom to balance worldly aspirations with inner spiritual development.