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Upanishads conclude that everything except ‘Brahman’ is a mere illusion. For the simple reason that we cannot understand it, we cannot deem the Upanishads to be wrong, because we have many standing examples of Mahans who have attained this highest state of ‘Atmaswaroopa’ (Self). Since these Mahans have attained liberation or ‘BrahmaBhava’ (Self-realization) during their lifetime itself, they are called as ‘JivanMuktãs’. The biography of such great Mahans prove to be good examples and a real source of inspiration to all of us.

Srimad Bhãgavatam - Fifth Canto - Jadabharata Charithra

Once, a chieftain of a gang of dacoits wanted to offer a man in sacrifice to Goddess Bhadrakãli. The man they had captured for that purpose escaped providentially. The servants of the chieftain who were in pursuit of that man, accidentally saw Jadabharatha. At that time, Jadabharatha was busy guarding the fields.

Seeing his blemishless physique, they considered him ideal for sacrifice. So they bound Sage Jadabharatha and took him to the chieftain. The dacoits then gave him a good wash in preparation for the sacrifice. They attired him in new clothes and adorned him with garlands and jewels. He was given food and was then taken to the Goddess to be offered as a sacrifice.

The deity was worshipped. The priest of the dacoits prepared himself to behead Jadabharatha. Even though Jadabharatha knew that he would be beheaded soon, he remained very calm and composed. This was because he had identified himself with the Infinite Atman and knew that he was not the body. At this juncture, Goddess Kãli appeared there. With great fury, she beheaded all the dacoits present there and along with her attendants, drank their blood. Though Jadabharatha had been saved by the Goddess, he remained as inert as he was whilst he was being prepared for the sacrifice. He was not interested on taking care of the physical body which is not one’s Real Self.

In Bhagavadgita, Lord Krishna says “Antavandha emey deha nithyasyoktha sharirinah”(Ch.II, Sloka 18) which means “The bodies possessed by the soul is subject to destruction”. He also declares “Avinashiti thadviddhi ena sarvamidam thattam” (Ch II, sloka 17) which means "Everything is pervaded by Brahman which is eternal and imperishable."

It can thus be seen that Sage Jadabharatha was in the highest state as he had realized his Self and merged with the Infinite. He was totally devoid of the false knowledge of identifying the Self with the body.

Let us see Jadabharata’s teachings in the coming issue.

To be continued……….

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