Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 6 Chapter 1:13-26

Book 6: Chapter 1

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 6: Chapter 1: Verses 13-26 The introductory part of the story of Ajamila Through concentration of mind and continence,subjugation of the mind and control of the external indriyas (the senses of perception and the organs of action), charity, truthfulness and purity (of body and mind), the vows of non-violence etc., and sacred observances (such as the muttering of prayers), the wise, who are conversant with (the spirit of) Dharma (righteousness) and full of reverence are able to get rid of even the greatest sin, committed through body, speech and mind, just as fire destroys a (whole) thicket of bamboos. A few (rarely blessed) souls, who are devoted to Lord Vasudeva, destroy (the stock of) their sins completely (with their very root in the form of ignorance) through mere devotion, even as the sun destroys mist in its entirety. Indeed a sinner, O king, is not purified so well through asceticism and other (expiatory) processes as the one who had dedicated his (very) life to Sri Krsna through the constant service of His devotees. 'For in this world this path (of Devotion) is the best of all, in that it is full of bliss because it has no fear from any quarter. On this path tread pious (desireless) souls who are amiably (kindly) disposed (towards all) and devoted to Bhagavan Narayana. (All sorts of) atonements done fail to purify in a thorough way, O King of kings, him who has turned his face away from Bhagavan Narayana, even as (a number of) rivers (combined) cannot purify a jar of wine. They who have (but) once in their life fixed on the lotus-feet of Lord Sri Krsna their mind, that has conceived an attachment for His excellences, never behold even in a dream Yama (the god of retribution) and his servants, carrying a noose (in their hand), since they have actually done (all) atonement. Further, (as an illustration) on this point, the learned narrate the following old legend, in which there occurs a conversation between the messengers of Lord Visnu and Yama, (Now) hear it from me. In (the city of) Kanyakubja (the modern Kannauja) there lived a certain Brahmana, Ajamila by name, who had kept a maid-servant (a woman of the servant class) and, polluted by intercourse (cohabitation) with that Sudra woman, had cast to the winds (all) pious conduct (enjoined on a Brahmana householder). Making a reproachful living by robbery, gambling, cheating and theft and (thus) maintaining his family,the impious fellow tortured (and put to death) living beings ( and supported his family on their flesh when food could not be got by other means). As he thus maintained (his) existence, fondling the (many) offspring of that Sudra woman, O king, a considerable period, equivalent to eighty. eight years of his life, rolled by. The old man had ten sons (by that woman); he who was the youngest of them, Narayana by name, was yet a child and was (therefore) greatly loved by his parents. Having fastened his heart on that sweetly lisping infant, the old fellow felt extremely delighted while watching its sports. Feeding it while (himself) taking his meals or chewing anything (by way of refreshment), and giving it water to drink while (himself) drinking it, bound as he was by (ties of) love to the child, the silly man did not perceive (the hour of) death, which had (now) arrived.