Karma: Story of Discovering Yourself

Back in time, in the era of Rishi Munis (sages) and monarchs -

A sage (Rishi Muni) and a courtesan ( Raj-nartiki), reached the gates of heaven after completing their life journeys. They both stood together, waiting for Lord Yama (God of death and justice), and their chariot to transport them to their final destination. The Raj-nartiki was passionately praying God and requesting Him to allow entry into heaven (swarga) and liberate her from the pain and hardship of life.

Meanwhile, the sage/Rishi, who had spent his whole life in ascetic devotion, detached from worldly pleasures, was also praying

for this day, when he would receive permission to swarga.

Yama arrived and so did the divine chariot! It stopped near Raj-nartiki, she entered, and she was taken along with it ... but not the Rishi Muni. He was left behind ... puzzled and confused. Lord Yama approached him and said, "You have a lot to learn in your life. You have two options: either return to earth and make your life count or I need to send you to hell."

Rishi Muni became confused, furious, "Are you telling me that Raj-nartiki has lived a more virtuous life than me? " His fury erupted, "Can't you see, she has spent all her life for herself, caught up in the moh (allure) of wealth, power and adultery! She was all about her happiness. So selfish. And yet You sent her to heaven. Women with such flawed, greedy characters should feel remorse and should not be allowed to enter swarga. "

The sage did not stop, "Me, on the other hand, spent my whole life doing ghan-ghor tapasya (severe asceticism). I devoted my life to God. And I renounced all worldly pleasures in my pursuit of swarga. I helped poor people, I helped sick people. I followed the path and went by the book meticulously. And you are telling me I did not learn anything, that is outrageous."

Yama sensed the sage's frustration. He indeed had spent life in hardship and Yama felt the Rishi Muni deserved a deeper explanation.

SO LORD YAMA SPOKE, "What a world, a woman who desires power, money or happiness is called selfish by men and mostly seen down. Huh, don't forget wealth and power are not just meant for men. If a woman is in adultery she is the only one who gets judged, somehow not men. In the world of men, where men decide which women should be seen as a good character and which one as a bad, in that world, Raj-nartiki showed the courage to go for happiness and embrace wealth and power."

"In that unfair world she went for everything you forbid her and she took control of her happiness. Don't you think that takes strength? You on the other hand ran away from all the happiness."

In admiration of Raj-nartiki, Yama continued, "When she chose happiness in life, you... you were harsh on yourself. I understand you wanted to be detached and undistracted, so you slept on bare earth and you thrived by eating roots and fruits and you wanted to do everything that will make you... nir-mohi. But then you always kept moh for swarga. Everything you did was for ... swarga. You were not what you think you are."

Lord Yama added, "Woman with beauty, wealth and kindness - when she arrived at the gates of heaven, she was all humbled. At the gates of heaven, she was so strong and nir-mohi that all she was doing was taking God's name. Surprisingly at the very same place, she was so strong that you are also taking her name. Yet you are busy boasting about yourself?"

Lord Yama, finally showing his disappointment, took a deep breath and said, "Actually you are so busy praising yourself, that you fail to see the truth...you are lying to no one but yourself. You still have much to learn."

Saying that Yama sent back Rishi Muni to earth.

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Marathi/Hindi words and their meanings

Ghanghor Tapasya

Ghanghor Tapasya: Ascetic and spiritual practice followed by sages in ancient times, to self-discipline and inner transformation. This can include meditation, renouncing worldly pleasures, and severe fasting.

Karma

Karma: Deeds. In Hinduism, Karma refers to the principle of actions and consequences. Every action shapes our future or destiny.

Moh

Moh: It represents emotional attachment and clinging towards worldly objects, that can cause suffering.

Nir-mohi

Nir-mohi: "Nir" means "without" and "moh" means "attachment". Nir-mohi is someone who is free from attachments, possesions and emotions.

Raj-nartiki

Raj-nartiki: royal dancers

Swarga

Swarga: Heaven, where virtuous souls are granted entry to live in bliss.

Rishi Muni

Rishi Muni: rishi, sage or sadhu who spent life understanding the spiritual and divine knowledge hidden in universe

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