Bhagwat Session 33

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana Synopsis of the Thirtieth Third Session Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Five) Chapter 1 ————————————————— At this point in time Pariksitji had a set of questions, know that the next discussion will be on Priyavrata. These questions are very essential; 1. Priyavrata was a great devotee of the Lord and revelled in the self. How did he rejoice in family life, which obscures ones true nature and subjects one to the bondage of action? 2. Certainly it is not desirable that people like him who are free from attachment should get identified with their homes in this way. 3. Indeed, exalted souls whose mind has found peace in the cool shades of the feet of Shri Hari, can not conceive a found attachment to their family. 4. I have a great doubt in my mind, as to how Priyavrata, who was attached to his wife, house, children and so on, attained perfection? and 5. What is still more difficult is come to develop unswerving devotion to Lord Shri Hari? Now; It is difficult to believe that a wise man like Pariksit Maharaj, would ask such questions. He who could drop everything that he had, his kingdom wife and children, the minute he found out that he had only 7 days to live and in those 7 days attain liberation. But, again, even Parvatiji asks from Shivji questions for the benefit of the likes of us, who are deluded by Maya. Let’s try to question the questions one by one; 1. Is it not possible for a great devotee to be a householder? Does family life lead to bondage and deters one from liberation? 2. Is it true that a person who is free from attachment cannot lead a family life? 3. True, if Shri Hari has taken place in your heart, you cannot be contaminated by attachment for the world. But, can’t you still be in the world and love it? Can Attachment and Love be used in the same breath? Do they mean the same thing? 4. Just because a person is a house-holder, is it necessary that he is attached to the family?  5. Is it that only Sanyasis can attain the Lord and Grihastas (Householder) can not? Lets delve deeper  —————————————————— Sub Story: There was ones a boy who was did feel that he found any interest in his house, school and all and decided to become a sanyasi with Buddha. Buddha agreed, but soon he lost interest and wanted to go back to Sansar. In fact, every time he had a problem in sansar, he would run to sanyas and vice versa. Soon sanyasis in the ashram did not believe that he would stay, as he had come and gone multiple time. The people in the family also tried something new every time he came to get him to stay, got him married and yet he went back. When he went back he started missing his wife and so he came again, and soon he was expecting a child. So the wife and husband were expected to sleep separately. One night he could not control his desire and sneaked into her room. To find her sleeping, he cloths and her hair were a mess, his breath smelled and saliva was coming out of her mouth. That moment the desire for her and the world was lost. He left for the ashram, and to the other sanyasis surprise never left again. When they all asked Buddha, he answered; ‘All this while he was leaving thing, people, place and situations and running away, now he has totally given up the ‘Desire’ for them.’ Years went by and the family also gave up the hope to ever seeing him again. The wife had to raise their child alone. One day their path crossed, he was a peaceful Sanyasi and she was a haggard woman because of all the hard work she had to do. She looked at her husband and asked; ‘What you have achieved, could it not be achieved here?’ —————————————————— Priyavrat story,analyse and answers, along with the points to ponder will be sent shortly 

Jai Shri Krishna