The Test of Dharma Dev!

(Story of King Janaka and the Brahmana- Anugita Parva, )

Ashwamedha Parva, Vyasa Mahabharata!

Introduction: The Core Teaching of Rajarshi Janaka:

“Learn how to live in the world, but without being consumed by it”, this is the core teaching of King Janaka- the most high-souled Rajarshi! 

The theme of ‘Anugiata Parva’ teaches us—-the most important core values are foundational principles like- integrity, honesty, duty, compassion, truthfulness, and righteousness! 

This story is a unique one! The whole chapter ‘ Anugiata Parva’ is full of  philosophical stories. This story is one among the them, a crystal clear image of spiritual philosophy laid down in our Sastras, Vedas, and Vedangas! Let me tell you how it began————

This one is a story within story, within story, within story!

King Janamejaya's Curiosity:

King Janamejaya very humbly asked, ‘O noble sage! After regaining their kingdom, the Pandavas were extremely delighted! The son of Pritha- Arjun happily spent all his time with the company of his dearest sakha (friend) Krishna! Both of them roamed around the palace enjoying the celestial beauty of the royal palace. When both went to the assembly hall, O twice-borne one, what conversation took place between them? I am desirous to know in detail.’

Sage Vaishampayana Narrates and Arjun's Request:

Sage Vaishampayana narrated happily the incident. He said, ‘After regaining their kingdom, third Pandava Arjun spent his time with mighty-armed Krishna enjoying every bit of it! One day, while they were moving around the celestial palace, out of sheer happiness Parth (Arjun’s another name) asked Krishna, ‘O Lord of the Universe! I am well aware of your greatness! Be pleased to show me that your amazing divine form one more time that you had shown me during the war on the battle field! O Keshava, due to the fickleness of mind, I have forgotten those. I am desirous to behold that divine form and to listen your nectar like words again!’

At that time, Lord Krishna embraced Arjun and told him, ‘O Parth! Whatever I told you was the eternal truth using my Yogic power! That can not be repeated again. Out of poor understanding, you couldn't receive the true knowledge! However, based on the same concept, I shall narrate you a story which will help you to understand the truth and dispel your doubts. With rapt attention and understanding listen to me which may help you to attain the highest end! 

High-souled Krishna cited (to Arjun) the old narrative of the discourse that took place between a married couple. 

The Brahmana and His Wife:

Once, a certain Brahmana’s wife looking at her husband who mastered every knowledge and wisdom, seated in isolation, said to him, ‘O Lord! Which region shall I obtain being your wife? Into what region shall I go depending on you as my husband who gave up all his duties, rituals and not concerned about me! It is said— a wife attains that region which are acquired by her husband. Which region shall I attain, having obtained you as my husband?’

Hearing the harsh words of his wife, the tranquil souled Brahmana smilingly addressed her and went on citing the examples through beautiful stories based on full of spiritual philosophy. The story of King Janaka and the Brahmana was one among them!

King Janaka Punishes the Brahmana:

Once, King Janaka was desirous to punish a Brahmana for some offence. He said, ‘O Brahmana!You shall not live within my dominions. Go somewhere and live your life!’

Being punished by the king, the Brahmana humbly said, ‘O Lord! I wish to obey your command. I shall go and live within the dominions of another king. Tell me, O king, what are the boundaries of your territories subject to you? I shall carry out your order immediately.’

The Great Realization of Janaka:

Being addressed by that celebrated Brahmana, king Janaka became spellbound for a moment! He took a deep sigh! He reflected the words uttered by the Brahmin. He was deeply plunged in his thought. His mind was completely confused between right and wrong! After reflecting deeply, king Janaka got back his pure understanding! The cloudiness of mind disappeared from his thought and the pure intelligence prevailed.

A little later, he said, ‘Although I have a vast dominion of my ancestral property under my subjugation, and I searched the whole earth, yet I am unable to find my dominion. When I failed to get it there, I thought of Mithila for it. But, there also I couldn't find. Then, I searched for it among my children but that attempt also became futile. When this confusion was dispelled by my intelligence, I realised that either I have no dominion or everything is my dominion! My body is not mine or the whole earth is mine.

O twice-borne Brahmana! In my understanding, whatever I have as mine is as much as others. Nothing is mine and everything is mine! Considering all these thoughts, I request you to be pleased to stay here happily as long as you wish to stay! You have the same right to live here as I have!

Dharma Reveals Himself- The Final Test:

Hearing the words of sudden change of mind, the Brahmana was startled! He asked, ‘O king! When already you have such a vast inhabited tract in your ancestral kingdom, how come suddenly this idea of  ‘mineness’ been got rid of you? Depending upon what understanding you came to this conclusion? Why did you mention that you have no dominion or everything is yours?’

Janaka explained his feelings and the core concept of his understanding to the Brahmana, he said,

‘All the worldly materials are transitory! As nothing lasts forever, I do not claim anything as mine. I have no desire as I have controlled my senses. Whatever the sense organs, such as smells, tastes, sights, sounds, touches, or thoughts are not desired by me. I do my duties without any self interest. My service is for the sake of the celestials, departed ancestors, and for others. I perform my duties without being attached to it!’ 

Having heard his words, the Brahmana smiled and revealed his true form! He said, ‘O king! Know me Dharma! I came to test your spiritual knowledge! Truly, you are the one person for setting this cosmic wheel in motion whose centre is the Supreme Godhead, pure understanding is the spokes, and goodness is the circumference of the wheel which never turns back! The Sanskrit shloka that Dharma uttered was—

                              Tatah prahasya Janaka Brahmana punarabrabit,

                              Twajijnasarthamadyeha Vidhi mam dharmamagatam!

                              Twamasya Brahmana has ya buddhyarasyanivartinah,

                              Satvanemi niruddhasya chakrasyaikah prabartakah!

Conclusion: The Ideal of Jivanmukta:

King Janaka was widely known for his highest knowledge of spirituality and detachment from this worldly affaires! He was the ultimate example of Jivanmukta means- one who is completely liberated while still alive and performing worldly duties. Janaka advised that one should not run away to forest neglecting his duties to find God! You must perform your duties, without desiring any personal gain! That is your highest Dharma! Even, the revered Rishi Vyasa Dev asked his son Shuka Dev to go to King Janaka of Mithila, to get the ultimate knowledge of Brahman!