In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Dhurvasa and the Deva-Dhootas explaining about the Svarga Lokha, Satya Lokha and finally the Vaikunta to Mudgala. As the explanation about the Svarga Lokha goes on, Mudgala isn’t quite satisfied as he wants to enter into some other Lokha where he doesn’t need to come back again into the present “Manushya Lokha”. The “Deva-Dhootas” then further explain how Bhagawan Brahma’s “Satya Lokha” is even better than the “Svarga Lokha”, however, one cannot reside there permanently as well. This made Mudgala more unconvinced. Moving forward with his explanation thus, the “Deva-Dhootas” now explain about the Vaikunta or the “Nithya Lokha” which is the abode of Bhagawan Vishnu. This is the only Lokha from which nobody comes back to any of the previously explained Lokhas, including the “Manushya Lokha”.
Continuing this explanation thus, the “Deva Dhootas” say to Mudgala: “Oh Mudgala! This “Vaikunta” is the only Lokha in this entire universal creation wherein no Rajo Guna or Tamo Guna exist. There is only Satva Guna everywhere. There is no jealousy nor pride nor greed nor anger here. It is only happiness, and it is permanent happiness!” As Mudgala listens to all this, he thinks for a while. Now he has to make a decision quickly as the “Deva Dhootas” are waiting for him with the “Vimaana”. Mudgala replies after a big thought process thus, “Oh Deva-Dhootas”! Your proposal for me to come along with you to the “Svarga Lokha” seems very attractive and there is no doubt about that. However, I’m not a person who goes behind luxuries and happiness at the sake of “Dharma”. For me, following the path of “Dharma” is the one that gives me endless happiness, which I’m already getting in this “Manushya Lokha” itself. Even though me and my family are starving without much food, we take it in the right sense and we enjoy being this way. Hence, just because there are a lot of luxuries and happiness, I do not want to enter into a “Lokha” which gives all this only on a temporary basis. I’m looking for the permanent happiness and the permanent divine experience at the end of my life, for which, I’m ready to go to any extent to follow the path of “Dharma” and be devoid of any unwanted desires and pleasures. Hence, my decision is to reject your offer of coming with you to the “Svarga Lokha” and I shall follow your guidance meticulously to strive towards attainment of the “Vaikunta”, which gives us the permanent happiness and the ultimate divine experience. For this, I’m ready to continue with my “Dharma” of picking up the food grains which are worth consuming as per the “Dharma”, and I shall gladly wait for fifteen days to have one sumptuous meal. I do not have any problem with this, as I’m used to this kind of a life for so many years now. Hence, you needn’t worry about my physical health. Thus, I’m not coming with you to the “Svarga Lokha” at all!”
Saying thus, Mudgala rejects the offer and the “Deva-Dhootas” are extremely happy about it! Sage Dhurvasa too is rejoicing this moment and appreciates Mudgala for his firmness in the decision to follow and implement “Dharma” at any cost. This kind of a mindset is very difficult for people to obtain, isn’t it? Even though he is being tempted with so many luxuries and other advantages, Mudgala stands firm in his “Dharma” by rejecting everything that comes by! So for today, let us understand Mudgala’s firmness and his steadfast attitude towards “Dharma” and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 