The Story of Punya and Pavana: On Grieving and the Illusion of Duality

Day 157

The Story of Punya and Pavana: On Grieving and the Illusion of Duality

Vasistha narrates the story of Punya and Pavana, two brothers, to illustrate the illusion of individuality and impermanence of worldly attachments.

The Plight of Pavana

Two brothers, Punya and Pavana, lived with their ascetic parents. Punya was fully enlightened, while Pavana had attained some wisdom but not complete enlightenment. Their parents passed away, and Pavana became overwhelmed with grief.

Punya Offers Enlightenment

Punya consoled Pavana, explaining that grief arises from ignorance. Their parents attained liberation, their natural state, and there's no reason to mourn their shedding the limitations of the body. He points out that Pavana's grief stems from clinging to the concepts of "father" and "mother."

The Illusory Nature of Relationships

Punya emphasizes that these are impermanent relationships. We've had countless parents and children throughout our many incarnations. He advises Pavana to see the world as an illusion, where there are no true friends or relatives, and therefore no death or separation. Everything is a temporary trick, and Pavana should use his intelligence to see beyond these illusions.

Giving Up False Notions

Punya instructs Pavana to abandon the "I" concept and the notion of someone dying or being gone. These are all mental constructs, not reality.

Impermanence of Relationships

Punya explains that relationships are like dust swept away by wind. They are based on words and not truth. Our perception determines if someone is a friend or foe. When we see the underlying oneness of everything, the friend/foe distinction disappears.

True Self and Past Lives

Punya instructs Pavana to look within and recognize the body as inert matter. The true "I" is not found in the physical form. Through self-inquiry, Pavana will realize there's nothing that is truly "him" or "Punya." These are just false notions.

The Cycle of Reincarnation

Punya reminds Pavana of his countless past lives, where he had different sets of relatives in each incarnation. He asks why Pavana doesn't grieve for those lost relatives as well. Punya emphasizes that Pavana has been a swan, tree, lion, fish, and many other beings throughout his cycle of reincarnations.

Punya's Past Lives

Punya reveals his own experiences of past lives – a bird, a crane, a frog, a tree, and many more. He sees through his clear vision all his past lives and those of Pavana.

No Cause for Grief

Punya concludes that considering the impermanence of relationships and the cycle of rebirth, there's no reason for grief. He urges Pavana to abandon ignorant notions and find peace.

Letting Go of Illusion

Punya instructs Pavana to abandon the idea of the world arising from the "I" concept. He advises Pavana to be still and recognize his true Self – birthless, endless, and untouched by worldly experiences. The wise see through the illusion and remain established in their own consciousness