Day 260 -Sikhidhvaja’s Spiritual Transformation and Cudala’s Test

Day 260 -Sikhidhvaja’s Spiritual Transformation and Cudala’s Test

Sikhidhvaja Awakens to True Peace

After awakening Sikhidhvaja from his deep meditative state, Cudala (in the form of Kumbha) reassured him that there was no need for sorrow, as the self is untouched by bodily transformations. Sikhidhvaja expressed his gratitude for Kumbha’s guidance, noting that he had finally reached the "other shore of samsara" and was now free from all cravings and desires. He had transcended all dualities, realizing that nothing exists but the self—neither satva (purified mind), nor duality, nor attachment.

Cudala's Plan to Awaken His Desires

Though Sikhidhvaja had attained a state of peace, Cudala, still disguised as Kumbha, began to consider how to rekindle the natural desires within him. She believed that a liberated sage, while free from attachment, should not suppress the natural functions of the body. She realized that her feelings of affection for her husband remained and decided to allow Sikhidhvaja to experience conjugal pleasures without attachment.

To test Sikhidhvaja, Cudala (as Kumbha) narrated a fabricated story of being cursed by the sage Durvasa to transform into a woman each night. Sikhidhvaja responded calmly, affirming that the self remains unaffected by the body’s fate. He showed no distress, accepting the transformation of Kumbha into a woman.

Cudala and Sikhidhvaja's Marriage

Over time, Kumbha (Cudala in disguise) proposed that they marry and enjoy the pleasures of conjugal life, emphasizing that they could do so without desire or aversion. Sikhidhvaja, now in a state of perfect equilibrium, saw no harm in this and agreed. The two performed a sacred wedding ceremony, following all the rituals and offerings to the gods. That night, Kumbha transformed into the beautiful woman, Madanika, and they consummated their union.

Testing Sikhidhvaja’s Detachment

After some time, Cudala began to wonder if Sikhidhvaja’s detachment was genuine or if he was merely suppressing his desires. She decided to test him further by conjuring an illusion in which Indra, the king of the gods, appeared before him, offering him a place in heaven. Indra praised Sikhidhvaja’s virtues and invited him to experience the pleasures of the celestial realms. However, Sikhidhvaja calmly declined, expressing no desire for such pleasures, as he considered heaven and the world to be the same.

Despite Indra’s insistence, Sikhidhvaja remained unmoved. He responded that heaven was not a place limited to one realm, and that he had no need to go anywhere to seek happiness, as he was content wherever he was.

Key Lessons:

1. True Liberation: Sikhidhvaja’s realization that all dualities are illusions leads him to the understanding that there is no need for attachment or rejection. The self is all-encompassing and beyond pleasure and pain.
2. Natural Desires: Cudala, as Kumbha, emphasized that while one may be liberated from attachment, the natural functions of the body should not be denied. Living in the world as a liberated being means acting naturally without desire or aversion.
3. Detachment vs. Suppression: Through her tests, Cudala sought to ensure that Sikhidhvaja’s detachment was not mere suppression. His calm refusal of celestial pleasures proved his true detachment.
4. Equanimity: Sikhidhvaja demonstrated that equanimity—remaining the same in all situations—is the hallmark of a liberated being. Whether in the world or offered celestial pleasures, he remained unaffected.

Through these trials, Sikhidhvaja not only deepened his own realization but also reaffirmed that true liberation lies in the understanding that the self is everything and desires and cravings do not control a liberated being.