Way of Life Part 4

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 13

DISCOURSE 73
problems. Here is a historical story which illustrates this point. The story is found in a great Grantha entitled Sukrithasagar.
THE STORY OF DEDASHAH
A certain merchant by name Ded lived in the city of Nanduri, in Malva. He was in dire poverty. He had also incurred heavy debts in the city. He thought of the time, "This is a time of misfortune for me. I should not live here any more. I am facing failure here again and again”. Thinking thus, he left the city. He was going away not knowing where to go. He thought, “Let me go where my fortune takes me". By chance, he entered a forest. While wandering through the forest, he happened to see a Yogi seated under a tree. The Yogi was sitting in the lotusposture. He wore, on his ears, rings studded with gems called sphatikas. His whole body was smeared with holy ash. He had a gold-staff in his hand.
As soon as the merchant, Ded saw the yogi, he was greatly delighted. He looked at the yogi with wide open eyes. Ded felt delighted and elated on seeing the yogi just as a peacock feels delighted and elated on seeing clouds in the sky.
A certain enlightened man has said, "Securing boons from gods, seeing siddhapurushas, being honoured by spiritual heads or kings and regaining lost wealth etc., take place on account of the efficacy of punyakarma or merit”.
Slowly, step by step, Ded approached the yogi. He sat quietly in front of the yogi. The yogi had closed his eyes and was immersed in a deep meditation. That yogi was the greatest alchemist of the time by name Nagarjun. Of course, the merchant, Ded did not know that he was the famous Nagarjun yogi but he was profoundly influenced by Nagarjun's powers. For three days, without taking food or water, the merchant rendered service to the yogi.
A FAMILIARITY WITH STRENGTH
He thought of the time. He did not beg for food from the yogi. Of course, he was very hungry but he knew that siddhapu