Shri Hari’s Chaturmas camp in Sharadharpur.
Shri Hari’s Chaturmas camp in Sharadharpur.
There in Sharadharpur two princes named Tungjit and Vairijit, who were deeply devoted to Shri Hari’s lotus-feet, very respectfully served Him. 1.
Among the two, the elder was equal to Akrur (Sri Krishna’s beloved devotee) in donning on his head and body the dust from the feet of Krishna, and the younger one resembled Vidur (in wisdom and devotion). 2.
Other gallant warrior-class devotees like Vairibhaya, Bhim, Hikkajit, Yavanas like Karim, Muka, Hassan, Raya, Hayajit and others also served Him very happily, lovingly and with unflinching faith. 3-4.
The Lord stayed in the mansion of Tungajit with His close devotees, giving them delight, dispelling darkness and ignorance from their hearts like a shining sun. 5.
Requested by humble devotees, He stayed there during Chaturmas and celebrated Janmastami festival on grand scale as never before (in Samvat 1851). 6.
Thousands of His devotees - commoners and austere men had come from various places with ardent desire to have His Darshan. 7.
Observing fast, keeping awake at night and worshipping Krishna along with all the devotees on Janmastami, Shri Hari kept the religious faith alive. 8.
On the ninth day, offering food to the Brahmins and sages, concluding the fast, in the afternoon, the Lord of the virtuous presided over the grand assembly of the devotees. 9.
O King, when He was seated on the throne, in obeisance to Him, the Brahmins and sages who had assembled there sat in front of Him and others on all sides, according to their ranks. 10.
Shri Hari cautions devotees against evils of greed.
When all were seated on their respective seats, eager to listen to Shri Hari’s words, the valiant King (Tungajit) came up to him, saluted him and with folded palms asked Him: 11.
Tungajit said:-
O Lord, in this world it is seen that desire, wrath and greed are the three great enemies of all beings. 12.
O Lord, tell us, among these, which is the strongest one that should be controlled and conquered by spiritual aspirants in every possible way. 13.
Suvrat said:-
When the king asked thus, the master of the world answered him with His enchanting sweet voice: 14.
Sri Narayan Muni said:-
Yes, those three are the deadly enemies of men. Among them greed is the strongest one, very difficult to conquer. 15.
It should be overcome in every possible way by the seekers
of truth, particularly by ascetics and commoners also. It is a sin
by itself. 16.
Those who are extremely attached to the worldly objects will in a short time lose themselves because of loss of discrimination. 17.
Avarice is the root for all sins. It promotes vice. Most of the blemishes are the outcome of greed. It leads to hell. 18.
Greed generates lust; anger is also an offshoot of greed. Infatuation, jealousy, envy are all the products of greed. 19.
Even the learned, wise men, well-known ascetics and great sages have fallen from the path of righteousness due to greed. 20.
And also the mighty demon Kings like Hiranyakashapu and gods including Indra have been defiled and ruined due to greed. 21.
O of great intellect, Kauravas were brought to an end by greed alone. Many other kings met with perdition on this earth because of their insatiable desires. 22.
Hence, those who have taken shelter in me should not go after worldly things. They should understand that money (greed for money) is the house of calamities. 23.
Blemishes like theft, violence, falsehood, pretence, lust, anger, pride and haughtiness are the outcome of desire for money. Also hatred, disbelief, doubt, treachery, betrayal, rivalry and three more, addictions to women, wine and gambling - these fifteen and many other blemishes are rooted in greed for money. 24-25.
Knowing that (desire for) Money brings misfortune, my followers should not run after money, for it causes distraction in devotion to Krishna. 26.
Suvrat said:-
Hearing about all the evils of greed as told by the Lord, the King, the sages and the other commoners also felt happy (as their doubt was cleared by the Lord). 27.
Then the Lord bid devotees coming from distant places to leave for their respective locations next morning. 28.
Shri Hari accepts King Khatvang’s invitation to visit his place.
In the meantime while king-sage Khatvang who was of good intellect had come from Karyayan rose to put up his request to the Lord. 29.
He was religious, devoted, and an avowed celibate, subdued and broad minded. Earlier he had attended the Janmastami festival at Makaralay, where he was impressed by Shri Hari’s prowess and had accepted His discipleship. He was well versed in narrating and explaining Krishna’s life and deeds. 30 -31.
O King, he had also participated in the last Janmastami festival at Manibhadrapur and had gone back to his place by Shri Hari’s order. He had come again wishing to take Him to his town. Appearing before Him and saluting with folded palms King Khatvang said: 32 - 33.
‘O Lord, I am your humble servant, and you are very kind to your devotees serving you. Please be gracious to visit my place. 34.
By serving you with my family, my attendants and my belongings, I feel that the purpose of my life will be fulfilled. 35.
Suvrat said:-
Shri Hari was much pleased by King’s humble request and said to him, ‘O King, I will certainly come to your town. But as I have decided to stay here during Chaturmas, I will visit your place after ‘Prabodhini’ (Ekadashi) festival (the last day of Chaturmas). 36 - 37.
Thus, O King, being pleased in mind, King Khatvang left next morning and proceeded to his place, resting in Durgapur on the way. 38.
Thus ends the twenty first chapter entitled ‘Narration of blemishes of greed’ in the second Prakarana of Satsangijivan, the life story of Lord Narayan, also titled as ‘Dharmashastra’ (the rules of the code of conduct). 21
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