Mokshamala

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 20

So saying he came to the earth when Kämdev had undertaken Käyotsarga (Staying steady while leaving all sorts of activities). The deity assumed the form of an elephant and intensely rugged Kämdev, but the latter did not move. The deity then assumed the form of a dark gigantic snake and fluttered terribly at Kämdev, but he did not move. Thereupon the deity took the form of a demon and with frightening laughter he caused many types of afflictions, but Kämdev did not move. The deity also assumed the form of a lion as well as of other frightening animals, but Kämdev did not move even a bit from Käyotsarga. The deity thus continued to harass him for twelve hours, but did not succeed in his plan. As the deity tried to observe the impact of his efforts, he could see that Kämdev was steadfast like a steeple of Mt. Meru. Realizing his amazing steadiness the deity reverently bowed to him and after praying to be atoned he went back to his place.
It is easy to make out what is to be learnt from Kämdev's steadiness in religious sphere. What is to be learnt is that one should remain firm after undertaking any activity stipulated by the omniscient Lords. Observance of Käyotsarga and other rituals should be faultless and be carried out with total concentration. Observing the same with fickleness becomes faulty. Those, who are penny-wise and pound-foolish cannot remain firm in religious matters. How would it be possible for them to remain firm, even if they try to do so?
Lesson 23: Truthfulness
There is a saying that truth holds the universe, or the universe rests on truth. The saying conveys that religion, morality, administration and practicality of life rest on the basis of truth. Just consider what would happen, if those four aspects cease to prevail. It is therefore no exaggeration to say that truth holds the universe. Moreover there is nothing unbelievable in it. In order to ponder over it I am telling the story of king Vasu, which shows how telling a single lie became distressful.
Vasu was a truthful king. He, Närad and Parvat (Guru's son) had studied together under the same Guru. After the death of Guru his wife was staying in Vasu's palace complex along with Parvat. One night while she was still awake, Parvat and Närad were studying some sacred text. As they came across the Sutra, “Ajahotavyam', Närad asked Parvat about the meaning of Aja. Parvat replied that Aja means a goat. Närad countered it by pointing out that while they were studying along with Vasu, the Guru had said that in the context of this Sutra Aja stood for three year old grain. Parvat, however, insisted that Aja stood for a goat. Since the discussion reached a pitch, it was decided to refer the matter to king Vasu, whose opinion was to be treated as final with the stipulation that the loser's tongue would be amputated.
Parvat's mother heard all that. She knew that her husband had specified the meaning of Aja as three year old grain. Being scared of her son losing the bet, she went to the king and asked him about the meaning. Vasu replied that in the context of Ajahota vyam Aja stood for three year old grain.
She: My son has interpreted it as goat and you have been accepted as the mediator; so please give your opinion in his favor.
Vasu: How can I tell a lie? It would not be possible for me to do so.
She: If you do not side with my son, I will commit suicide.
The king thought, 'I am able to sit over the diamond throne by virtue of my truthfulness, and have been administering the justice. The people also are aware that their king is sitting without support at the base by virtue of truthfulness. Now what should I do? If I do not side with Parvat, his mother would die, and she is my Guru's wife. How can I allow it to happen?' With that thinking in mind he said to her that he would give the opinion in favor of Parvat. After securing that promise she went back