Padmanābhāya namah

Maharishi Nārada continued,

“Although there is only one existence, due to spiritual ignorance differences are perceived in objects. Drowned in illusion, the ignorant person believes that the varied objects seen have simultaneous existence.

Even in dream, we experience difference such as waking and dream states. Objects appear to have a real existence during dream. Likewise, due to ignorance, this world, the life of the person who exists within it, as well as the rules and regulations that govern his existence, appear real as if they have a simultaneous existence.

The aspirant who meditates upon the oneness experienced by the Self i.e. oneness of action (kriya advaita), oneness in feeling (bhava advaita) and oneness in substance (dravya advaita) will, due to the experience of Self-realization, discard wakefulness, dream and deep-sleep states or the differences such as knower, known and knowledge”.

Here it implies he would have stabilized in Self-realization which is beyond these stages. Hence he understands that these visible differences are purely unreal.

“Cloth appears to have differences of cause and effect in it, when it is far from true. Difference of cause and effect merge into the non-dual principle. Such in-depth understanding is called ‘oneness in feeling’ (bhava advaita).

Offering all the tasks performed mentally, verbally and bodily to the Supreme Lord, is called ‘oneness in action’ (kriya advaita).

When the realization dawns upon the person that the ultimate goal of all earnings (artha) and desires (kāma) of himself, spouse, children, relatives, friends and all other living entities is one and the same, he obtains oneness in substance (dravya advaita).

The person should complete all prescribed tasks, which are not forbidden, using those objects that are available in accordance to that place, time and efforts. Except under emergency situations, he should not even glance towards forbidden objects.

The person who devotedly worships the Supreme Lord, while completing these tasks and while abiding by the duties stipulated per the Vedas, obtains the Supreme Lord even though he leads a householder’s life.

O Dharmaraja! Solely with the help of Lord Krishna, whose feet you serve, you have conquered unassailable dangerous situations which even Gods and kings fail to conquer. It is with the energy bestowed by Him, that you could conquer enemies who were comparable to mighty wild elephants. You could also perform limitless Yagnas, with His grace.

In my previous birth which was in a previous creation (kalpa), I was a Gandharva (a type of celestial being) called Upabarhaṇa. I was considered supreme among Gandharvas. Due to my handsome youthful appearance, soft spoken nature and well perfumed body, women found me endearing and were attracted towards me. I was arrogant and at all times was filled with excessive lustful desires.

Once during a Satra yāga ritual, all Gandharvas, Apsarasas and Prajapatis were invited to sing the glories of Supreme Lord Srihari. I attended that ritual as I was invited. I, who was accompanied by women, began to jocularly and teasingly sing folk songs. Incensed with me, who was thus ridiculing the Supreme Lord, all Prajapatis cursed me, “For this heinous sin, may you instantly lose all your wealth. May you be born as a shudra (the fourth caste)”.

As a result of that curse, immediately I took birth as the son of a maidservant. In that birth, I was fortunate to be bestowed with the opportunity to serve great Mahatmas. As a result of this service in my next birth I was born as the son of Brahma.

Dharmaraja! I have explained to you the dharmic duties of a householder which absolve the person from all sins. The householder who abides by it obtains the same level of liberation which is obtained by great ascetics.

O King! All of you are so fortunate to be born in this human plane. The Supreme Lord is secretively residing in your home in a human form. For this reason, great saints who purify the entire universe search for your home and arrive here. Great saints always search for the Supreme bliss, which is non-dual, indescribable and is totally free from defects and sorrows. That Supreme Lord is none other than Srikrishna, who eternally seeks your well-being. This is undoubtedly true. Not only is He your maternal cousin but in addition He is also your life-force and your Guru.

O Dharmaraja! Krishna, who is worshipped by you, also fulfils all your commands. Even the Supreme Lords Brahma and Rudra fail to describe the form of this Lord. This Lord should be worshipped through silence and with services that are totally freed from all forms of desires (nishkāma). May He be pleased with us all!” concluded Maharishi Nārada. Hearing these words, Emperor Yudhishthira was astonished. Overcome with love, he worshipped both Srikrishna and Maharishi Nārada. Thereafter Maharishi Nārada sought leave from Srikrishna and from the Pandavas and left for his abode. Hearing that Srikrishna himself was Parabrahma, Yudhishthira was astonished.

“O Emperor Parikshit! I have thus narrated to you in great detail that entire lineages of Daksha’s daughters from which all Devatas, demons, humans and all other forms of living beings originated” said Maharishi Śuka.

With this the fifteenth chapter of Seventh Canto comes to an end. The Seventh Canto concludes.