Day 253 - The Brahmana’s Wisdom: A Story of Narada and Self-Control

Day 253 - The Brahmana’s Wisdom: A Story of Narada and Self-Control

Narada’s Encounter and Momentary fall. Contd.....

Narada’s Realization and the Birth of Kumbha

The Brahmana continued with the tale of Narada. Despite a brief moment of losing control, Narada quickly regained his composure. He through the power of his thoughts created a perfect infant. Narada named the child Kumbha and imparted the highest wisdom to him as he grew. Later, Narada took Kumbha to Brahma, his father, who conferred the highest wisdom upon the boy. Kumbha, now a radiant and enlightened being, wandered the world freely, without any attachments. This, the Brahmana revealed, was the boy standing before Sikhidhvaja.

Sikhidhvaja’s Realization and Gratitude

Moved by the Brahmana’s story and wisdom, Sikhidhvaja realized that it was only through many good deeds in past lives that he had the fortune of meeting such a wise teacher. He confessed that nothing in the world could bring the peace that the company of holy beings bestows.

The Brahmana’s Question to Sikhidhvaja

The Brahmana, still in disguise, then asked Sikhidhvaja to share his own story. "Who are you, and what brought you here?" she asked.

Sikhidhvaja revealed that he had once been a king but abandoned his kingdom out of fear of the endless cycle of birth, death, and suffering. Despite wandering and performing austerities, he had found no peace. He felt dry and devoid of fulfillment, progressing only from sorrow to greater sorrow. Even the nectar of his yogic practices had turned to poison.

The Supremacy of Self-Knowledge Over Action

The Brahmana shared more wisdom, recounting how, in her youth, she had asked her grandfather whether action (kriya) or self-knowledge (jnana) was superior. Her grandfather had explained that jnana is supreme, for it leads to the realization of ultimate truth. While kriya—or action—may be colorful and appealing, it is merely a pastime. Those who lack jnana cling to kriya, much like one clings to a sack in the absence of good clothes.

He further explained that actions, whether good or evil, bear fruit only when accompanied by self-limitation or volition (vasana). When vasana ceases, actions no longer create reactions. In the absence of ignorance, one realizes that all is Brahman, and there is no bondage.

The Brahmana’s Challenge to Sikhidhvaja

The Brahmana then challenged Sikhidhvaja, asking why he remained immersed in ignorance, attached to the physical world and its objects. "Why do you not question who you are? Why do you not seek self-knowledge, which alone brings true freedom?" she asked.

Sikhidhvaja’s Awakening

Sikhidhvaja was finally awakened by the Brahmana’s words. He declared the Brahmana his guru and himself a disciple, asking for instruction on how to attain a state of wisdom beyond sorrow.

The Brahmana’s Final Instruction

The Brahmana agreed to instruct Sikhidhvaja, but only if he was truly receptive and willing to cherish the wisdom. She warned that instruction given without such readiness would be fruitless. Sikhidhvaja assured her of his sincerity, and the Brahmana prepared to impart her teachings, beginning with a story that mirrored Sikhidhvaja’s own life.