Bhakti Yoga by Edwin F. Bryant

Author:Edwin F. Bryant
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Book V

The Teachings of the Ṛṣabha Incarnation: The Ascetic as Madman

Yoga Blueprint

This narrative, like others, emphasizes again the illusory nature of sensual pleasures and family happiness. The passage stresses the importance of devoting at least the last years of life to renunciation and the pursuit of higher truths. Of interest here is the preeminence given to the brāhmaṇa caste, but what is especially noteworthy in this regard is the Bhāgavata’s expectations pertaining to the qualifications of the true brāhmaṇas that make them respectworthy in the first place in 5.24–25.

The setting of the passage is Ṛṣabha about to renounce his kingdom and leave for the forest. He enthrones his eldest son, Bhārata, and requests his other sons to cooperate with their elder brother. Here we find him delivering parting spiritual teachings to them all.

Book V, Chapter 5

1. Ṛṣabha said:

“My dear sons! This body possessed by embodied beings in the world of men is not meant to be used for pleasures, which create so much trouble, and which are available to stool-eaters [such as hogs]. It is meant for divine austerities. By performing these, one purifies the mind, and one attains the eternal bliss of Brahman.

2. The sages say that service to the great souls is the door to liberation. Keeping company with those who are attached to women in contrast is the door to tamas. The great-souled ones are those who are equanimous, peaceful, devoid of anger, a good friend [to all], and righteous.

3. Their goal in life is to establish love for Me, the Lord, not [to seek the company of] people who are attached to children, wife, and home, and are only occupied with maintaining the body. Such people take no pleasure in anything beyond whatever is necessary to maintain the body.

4. Indeed, that person who seeks fulfillment in the satisfaction of the senses is constantly bewildered, and engages in bad karma. I do not consider this mind-set wise, as this body, even though temporary, is the very thing which bestows suffering on the ātman.

5. Ignorance remains present for as long as there is no understanding of the Supreme; consequently, one does not inquire into the nature of the ātman. And as long as there is action [in pursuit of fulfilling desire], the mind remains absorbed in karma, and, consequently, is bound to a body.

6. Due to the soul being enveloped by ignorance in this manner, the mind functions, bound by karma. But one is not freed from being bound by the body for as long as love for Me, Vāsudeva, does not develop.

7. Even if one is learned, for as long as one is deluded about one’s real self-interest and cannot see that endeavors performed under the influence of the guṇas never end up as had been anticipated, one’s [higher] memory is lost. Consequently, a fool pursues a home and sex life, but finds only suffering instead.

8. This attraction to sex indulgence between a man and a woman, the wise say, is the knot in the heart that binds them.

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