An Ancient Tale from a Puranic Context

The Great War of Mahabharata was turning ferocious and deafening. Monk Shamik along with a few disciples per chance passed through the place a little apprehensive about the outcome when they heard chirping of the birds and naturally felt distressed. After some efforts, they carefully saved the wise chirping birds - brahmins recalled counsel of Sukracharya - the truth of life and death.

Monk Shamik was amazed at the unforeseen scenario. He could not imagine the fate of the birds. For some time, he failed to shake away immense surprise. Luckily, learned brahmins listened to what guru had said.

He said to brahmins, “I am reminded of an ancient incident. Long back, a fierce war broke out between the gods and the daityas. When gods defeated the forces of daityas, they began to run away from the battlefield.”

 Sukracharya, the guru of daityas rightly observed, ‘O cowards, why do you show backs to the enemy? Do not fear but fight out. Do not go. Return and join the war O daityas…”

After he looked at the frightened daityas, he thought seriously, and said in a loud and strident voice again, “Where do you wish to go after sacrificing a life of courage, gallantry and glory? Wherever you go, you will face death I tell you.”

“You must die fighting. To run away does not bring glory and prestige.” He continued to tell daityas, “One may fight or run away. He can live a lifetime! Supreme lord determines it and not a second more is available. Death comes when it is to come whether you fight or not. A living being lives so long lifetime is not complete as the great god fixes. Until then, no one can kill anyone you know.” Thus, Sukracharya inspired daityas to fight against enemies.

Jaimini listened to Markandeya, who now narrated a perennial truth and recalled the words of guru Sukracharya said long back. There was a long silence.

Sage Markandeya continued to summon up words of Sukracharya and said, “O daityas, know the truth of life and death, and do not leave the combat zone. Some die in the house and a few die if they run away. Still some die while eating and others die even if drinking water. In this way, people enjoy life of pleasure and luxuries or pains and sufferings, and travel in the vehicles of choice. They appear healthy and strong. No astra or sastra pierces mortal bodies.  Such people also leave the bodies and become residents of the abode of Yama. I mean none can escape death. It would come at the predetermined time. God assigns time of death for each living being you know.”

He noticed facial expressions of Jaimini and said further, “Sukracharya continued -O daityas, death is certain and will come at the fixed moment. Some people are engaged in tapa and penance but the messengers of Yama also drive them away to the abode of death. O asuras, even yogis failed to immortalize worldly frame and met death. Think, I remind you of the life of a mighty asura Sambara whom the thunderbolt of lord Indra struck.  Indra gave a dreadful strike on the chest but demon did not die. You can imagine. Moment of death for the rakasasa had not come. However, whenever Indra attacked daityas with the thunderbolt, they never escaped death.”

After a pause, he said, “Understand the eternal truth …know it and do not nurse fears. Return and fight.”

“Sukracharya advanced convincing arguments.”  Monk Shamik told brahmins, “The sound arguments swayed demons. The daityas understood inevitability of death at the appointed hour, and therefore, decided to return to the battleground. O brahmins, the survival of the birds proved true whatever Sukracharya told the daityas and the disciples. Look, the birds survived one of the greatest wars in human history, for Supreme lord did not decide the hour of death for the birds.  They did not die even in that extra-terrestrial war. O brahmins, you just think for a while. It amazes. Think of the fall of eggs and the severely wounded pregnant female birds. At the same time, a huge bell falls on the ground and covers the eggs and the injured mother-bird. Then, imagine the bed on earth made of flesh of dead bodies, blood and…just think of the frightening scene.”  In the meantime, more disciples and devotees of monks also joined. They also listened to guardedly while the guru addressed the learned brahmins.

Monk Shamik perhaps reminded brahmins of the mysterious power that sustains the entire world and the created beings.  It is for the Supreme lord to fix time of birth, death and rebirth.

After a brief silence, he said, “O brahmins, I do not think those wise birds are ordinary. If the great god is kind and generous, it is a sign of great fortune.”

A mysterious hour of death is indefinite and only the Supreme Lord fixes the time and place of death of a living being. Death was a mystery ages back and it remains a puzzle even now despite man’s knowledge and wisdom …and contemporary times are not an exception. Death is still a mystery and man’s inquiry continues. He tries hard, fails, regrets, makes efforts again and disregards.

Shamik understood the vagueness and uncertainty of death and the injunction of the Supreme -looks after the wise birds and the wise - serious birds learn about wisdom, knowledge, essence and existence of life

After uttering words of providential bliss and generosity, monk Shamik began to look after the birds properly and religiously as a devotee of the Supreme.

After some time, he looked at uncomfortably and said to the disciples, “Please take the birds to the ashrama and return immediately. Take care and house the tiny birds at a place fully protected from the cats, the mice, the vultures, the mongooses and the various enemies of birds.”

He turned to brahmins and said, “It is correct to say that one does not need extra efforts to save a life. All created beings die because of karmas. All live life as the Supreme lord determines, for you saw how the vulnerable birds did not die in the terrible war. However, people should try to act upon and complete assigned duties and discharge assigned obligations, and exert and accomplish something tangible to attain the objective of life - pursaratha. If such a man always does something good, and does karmas with a pure mind, he does not become an object of criticism or denunciation, and noble people praise him.”  

Dutiful disciples of sage heard pleasing wise words and returned to the ashrama with birds in a basket. It was one of the most fascinating ashramas and here, birds of different kinds, and tunefully humming flying insects created musical surroundings, enjoyed juice of fruit and flowers, relished fragrance of a variety of flowers, and thus, enhanced beauty and magnificence of the sacred hermitage. Monk Shamik arranged food and water for the birds, and then, took proper measures to protect little birds from dangers to life. He made it a daily routine and looked after the birds devotedly. After a month, tiny birds flew high in the sky, and touched path of the chariot of Sun god. While the birds flew above, monk Shamik looked at them from the ashrama with curiosity and anxiety. Wise birds reached at such a height in the sky that they saw many towns, oceans and large rivers from above, and at the same time, observed that the earth was like a wheel of a chariot. After enjoying a panoramic scene, they returned to the ashrama.

Born in the yoni of birds, mahatma like birds were very tired after undertaking a long, indefinite and fearsome journey to the holy ashrama. One day, monk Shamik showered mercy and compassion on the disciples when he gave knowledge on dharma and its major ingredients and the essence - meaning of tattva and existence of life.  The wise birds also heard lessons on wisdom, and learnt about the generosity of monk, and therefore, the inner eyes of birds witnessed illumination of knowledge monk imparted to disciples.

In a spirit of devotion and dedication, they took parikrima - rounds of the monk, bowed heads at the feet of monk and said, “O great monk, you granted deliverance from a dreadful death and were very kind and compassionate. You gave us a place to live, food to eat, water to drink and thus, looked after us as your own children. You are our father and guru. When we were in the womb, our mother died but father did not protect. You arrived on the scene of occurrence during the war of Mahabharata, gave life, and then provided security during childhood. Horrible situation would have reduced us to skeletons had you not saved us, and removed the big bell where we suffocated, and later on, salvaged us from sufferings and imminent death.”

After a little pause, they resumed humbly, “O monk, we grew up and now, we are wise, as you gave a boon of understanding and knowledge. Therefore, please tell how we should serve you.”

When tiny birds spoke of devotion -bhakti, sage Shringi, a son of another sage along with many disciples surrounded monk Shamik. However, when he heard birds saying in clear and chaste language –Sanskrit, filled with curiosity, his mind and body pulsated, and within, he felt unique thrills and anxieties. A divine happening was a blessing in disguise.

~*~

  Wise birds speak with knowledge of tattva, speak like human beings of wisdom and understanding. They speak of devotion. At that time, lord Indra turns up in the guise of a bird and demands human flesh from sage Sukrish to satisfy hunger

He asked, “O tiny children, please tell honestly. How did you get voice and language? What is the mystery of human’s voice and language that you possess as birds?”

Rational and sensible birds said, “O monk, in ancient times, monk Vipulaswan had sons Sukrish and Tumburu. Sukrish a great mahatma, always kept senses and thoughts under restraint. Transitory joys and attractions of life did not carry him away. He was indifferent and detached. He had four sons…yet, he was our father. We were self-effacing, men of noble conduct and with devotional hearts and minds, we remained meek and modest. Our father always kept indriyas under control and was invariably engaged in tapa and meditation. Whenever he required anything while engaged in tapasya, we rushed to fulfill his requirement immediately, and never gave any trouble.”

All birds with one voice continued to narrate the incident of previous birth. After a short while, they began to say, “O monk, one day, a strange incident took place. The lord of gods Indra disguised as a bird with a huge body, fractured and torn wings, arrived.  It appeared as if old age had overpowered and so, did not enjoy the strength to move a little. Eyes looked red and his entire body was weak, lethargic and unable to stir. Later on, we learnt he had arrived to put on trial the most generous mahatma Sukrish a man of truth, discipline and forgiveness. His arrival turned out a curse for us.”

Lord Indra in the guise of a bird said, “O brahmin, I feel very hungry. Please help and protect. O great man, I came with a desire to take food. Kindly give something to eat, become saviour and bless a hungry man.” He tried to impress and convince.

After a pause, he said, “O brahmin, I lived on the mountain peak of Vindhya. A very strong wind originated from the terrific fluttering of wings of some very strong bird, it blew me out, and I fell unconscious on the ground with a big blow. On the eighth day, I regained a bit of consciousness. However, I could not gain full consciousness for one month. After regaining senses, a severe hunger gave trouble and so, with a desire to get food, I came to seek shelter. I am not comfortable. It gives pain and I feel deeply distressed.”

After recovering, he said again, “Kindly give food and protect me from death so that I continue the long journey.”

After the great sage heard painful pleas, he said to the bird, disguised as Indra, “I shall give you suitable food so that you are able to protect life.”

After assuring a hungry traveler, mahatma Sukrish asked, “What kind of food should I arrange?”

Hungry bird -Indra said, “O sage, I feel satisfied if I get human flesh.”

Sage Sukrish said, “O bird, what a contradiction!  You look very old and still weird eagerness to eat meat, surprises.  It appears as if a man finds no end to evil, mucky desires and feelings.  The question to say an unpleasant word does not arise. However, one should offer whatever one promises. I did not think over the demand, and now, I see no alternative or escape. Even if the demand is sinful or foul, one ought to fulfill. I hold the opinion truly in mind and heart.”

With determination and intention to fulfill the desire of an unknown bird and the promise he gave, sage Sukrish called us and then, praised our noble qualities frequently.  While admiring, he said, “O sons, if in your opinion, a father and a guru are highly regarded and worth worshipping, then, nursing pious feelings, you obey what I say.”

We heard patiently and said politely, “O father, whatever you say and wish or whatever work you want us to do, please consider the work accomplished.”

 Sukrish said, “Hunger and thirst seriously trouble a guest bird and therefore, it sought shelter in the ashrama.  You do a favour immediately. Please do something, offer your bodies and flesh to the bird so that he is satisfied. You quench thirst of a guest bird with blood, O sons.” He was silent.

“Clear command of father guru shocked and all felt distressed. It filled us with fear …and bodies began to tremble.  We never expected a guru to issue an atrocious decree.  Suddenly, all cried out, “It will give pain. Yes, it would give suffering. This work appears impossible and we cannot do…we cannot do. How a wise man can kill or destroy a life for the life of another? Therefore, we shall not do it.”

Refusal did not make him happy. The great monk was very angry and looked at us in extreme anger. As if scorching to ashes, he said, “Array, even after a promise, you do not wish to do. Therefore, I am unhappy and issue a curse. You are condemned to take next birth in the yoni of a bird.”

 He was angry. He performed last rites as prescribed in scriptures, and then said to the hungry bird, “O the greatest among the birds, now, you can eat me without worry or doubt. I offer my body as food, and you satisfy teasing hunger and thirst.” Monk Sukrish said and after that added, “O king of birds, to follow the principles of truth sums up the tattva of a brahmin, the essence of being a brahmin. If a Brahmin organizes yajnas, they do not get so much punyas and similarly in other karmas where they get dakshina- an undetermined fee offered for holy functions, it happens. But if they follow path of truth and protects it, they are divinely blessed.”

If a brahmin adheres to the principles of truth, it is essence of a brahmin’s life. Indra feels delighted, and therefore, appears as lord Indra –and expresses regrets and blesses the holy man and the birds’ remorse, and later, speaks of eternal wisdom and truth of life

Indra disguised as a bird, was extremely astonished after hearing the sage. He could not afford to give pain to the man. He was immensely pleased with sage’s love and reverence for truth and dharma. He thought for a while, and then, appeared as lord Indra before him and said, “I put you under severe test and scrutiny, and thus, I committed a grave sin and an unpardonable crime. O sage of pure intellect and mind, please forgive me for the sin. Please tell me what you want to attain and wish me to do so that it delights you. Your love for truth is excellent, and adherence to truth enhances my love and respect for you. From today onward, you will gain knowledge regarding lord Indra. Now, you would find no obstacles in the way of tapa and dharma.”

Lord Indra blessed the brahmin of devotion, left ashrama, and flew away but felt ashamed of what we did. Fear of a condemned yoni in birth next, filled him with fears and dread. We noticed sage’s facial expressions. He appeared annoyed and infuriated. Now, they realized the sinful act. They proved wrong. As sons, we failed to discharge our duties toward parents. Children must obey a guru and a father and even if he demands life, one should not hesitate, we thought. We committed a crime and no immediate solution appeared possible.  Fear of curse haunted. Therefore, without wasting time, we prostrated and placed heads at his feet, and said, “O father, fears haunt and fill with uncertainty. O wise man, please forgive for the crime of disobedience. We love life. We understand that one should not love body of skin, bones, flesh, muck, dirt and blood. A man should not demonstrate much love and fascination for a corporeal body but …we loved body and ignored soul. A feeling of love for the body proved a sin. It was imprudence.”

The wise sons now realized a momentous blunder. After a pause, the eldest son said repentantly, “O father sage, kama and anger, passion and love are enemies of a living being and such flaws kill wisdom and sanity. Obsessed with dreadful qualities, a living being is overwhelmed with love and passion, and intellect fails to guide. Please listen to what we say though it is very late. Mortal body is like a big city. People constitute its four walls. Bones act as pillars of the body of this city. Skin is like the walls of the city like body that keeps control of body.”

After a short while, they resumed, “O father, it is plastered with panka -paste of mud of flesh and blood. City has nine doors. To protect it, one works hard day and night toward its security. Otherwise, it faces destruction. Nerves and veins continue to surround it from all sides everywhere. A conscious man resides inside the body -city and guides it. It has two ministers: intellect and mind. Intellect and mind try to oppose, humiliate and subdue each other, and therefore, continuously try to attain victory, and the struggle continues for supremacy. The four enemies of king reside within. King is a conscious man living within.  Enemies are Kama - desire, passion and love, for material things, krodha -anger, lobha -greed and moha -attachment, obsession or infatuation for something.”

They thought over the situation and said again, “When a man closes the nine doors, then, powers remain intact and secure, give strength and feelings of fearlessness. Not only this, he begins to love everyone, and therefore, enemies cannot defeat him.”

After a brief pause, they resumed, “However, when a man keeps the doors open, then enemies called love and passion, anger, jealousy etc. attack doors like eyes, ears etc. and very soon, all-pervasive enemy enters through the five doors -five senses and begins to destroy the city -body. After entry of enemies through five doors, three dreadful enemies also enter. Love, passion and desire enter the city and begin to establish relations with five Indriyas of body. Thus, feelings of raga - love, passion and desires overwhelm intellect, mind and indriyas and then, it becomes invincible.”

They continued, “After a man controls entry through the nine doors, it destroys the four walls of body. When raga controls mind, it destroys intellect. When ministers no longer live with the king, the conscious man within and the citizens also abandon him. When enemies know weaknesses, they wipe out the king without difficulty. Therefore, raga - passion, love or desire, moha - attachment, greed and anger are evil-natured enemies and so these cause memory loss. Raga leads to kama -passion and desires, kama to greed, and it drives a man to samoha - a state of doubt, uncertainty, indiscretion, obsession, and because of samoha memory becomes non-functional. Loss of memory or delusion incapacitates intellect. After loss of intellect, a man is ruined thoroughly.”

 They said further, “Now, the destruction of man is imminent. O sage and father, it is clear that we lost intellect and discretion. We run after raga - love, passion, desires and greed, and then, we are in love with life. Please be happy with sinners like us and forgive. O, the greatest among the monks, you issued a curse. Kindly do something so that curse does not affect. Yoni of birds is full of sufferings as it has tamas qualities. Please free us from the curse.”

The great sage listened to the words of sons for a long time. After they stopped and expected mercy, he said, “O sons, I never said a word, which did not prove true. Therefore, whatever I said, will not go wrong. I consider destiny and the will of god as supreme and powerful. Man’s valour and prowess are futile. I accomplished karma because god the destiny compelled, rather forcibly asked me to do but I did not wish. I never thought of such a bad karma. O sons, you bowed and saluted and so, you pleased. Therefore, even after taking birth in the yoni of birds, you will attain supreme knowledge of lord and through knowledge you will enjoy glimpses of holy path to salvation.”

  He was clear, encouraging and generous. After a thought, he said again, “O sons, your sufferings and anguish will wash away, and no doubt will remain in the mind. Thus, I bless you with knowledge, and I bless you attain supreme siddhi -a life of perfection, freedom or salvation.”

Thus, the birds related tale of woes and pains to sage father. At last, they said, “O sage, we notice living beings on earth …and their efforts whether physical or mental are under the control of gods, whom the will of god or destiny stops, and puts hurdles on the path to the sacred journey.”

After he heard exciting, stimulating and motivating tale of birds, sage Shamik said to brahmins, “I told you they are not ordinary birds. They are great souls, who took birth during an extraordinary war in the battleground but surprisingly, did not die.”

Afterward, the brahmins went to the beautiful and sanctified mountain of Vindhya. The wise birds of virtuous and pure nature - the great dharmatmas continued meditation and tapa on the mountain people believe. Path of dharma and truth leads a man to salvation. Karmas decide one’s destiny. If karmas are pious, one gets blessing of Supreme lord or gets punishment depending upon the gravity of one’s deeds.