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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

It is not easy for the worldly people to accept the fact that the world is indeed a mere illusion. As far as they are concerned, the world visibly exists and they vividly experience joy and sorrow. Thus, they are not ready to accept this tangible world to be a fallacy. We are able to perceive, rather experience, many trials and tribulations in this world. But, with the intent of enjoying the trifle pleasures of the world, even amidst the troubles we are compelled to face, we choose not to believe that the world is an illusion. A drunkard kills himself because he is unable to overcome his passion for drinks. The same happens in the case of a person who is addicted to smoking. Similarly, longing for the trivial pleasures of the world, we too have not attained the Bliss of Self-realization (Ãtmanandam). Since we firmly believe the visible world to be true, we are unable to either accept or understand the words of Mahans that ‘the world is a mere illusion’. Hence we are not dispassionate. Just as a characterless person does not receive respect, so also a person will not attain Self-Realization if he is devoid of dispassion.

Since the King Rahugana believed the world to be true, he was not able to understand the philosophy of the Self (Atmatatvam) expounded by JadaBharata in the first instance. But since he was in a Satsang (company of the Holy people), he realized that JadaBharata was a jnãni. Thus he respectfully approached JadaBharata, declared his inability to comprehend the philosophy expounded by him and asked his doubts.

Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagavat Gita:

Tat vittipranipãdena pariprashnena sevaya |
Upadeshyantitey jnãnam jnãninah tatvadarshinah | |

Meaning:
“If you want to attain liberation, approach a SatGuru, serve him, prostrate unto him and humbly ask him. Being a realized soul, that Mahan will instruct you on the path to be followed for attaining Jnãna.”

King Rahugana too, approached his Guru JadaBharata and humbly requested him to clear his doubts. Thus, JadaBharata explained the philosophy to the King as follows.

To be continued……….

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