Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 9 Chapter 4:56-71

Book 9: Chapter 4

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 9: Chapter 4: Verses 56-71 The stories of Nabhaga and King Ambarisa Sri Rudra remarked : "We have no power, 0 dear son, over the infinite (all-pervading) Supreme, in whom indeed other universes too-as vast as this-forming the body of Jivas (embodied souls) in the person of Brahma (the birthless creator) appear in thousands at the appointed time (the time of creation) and (then) cease (merge in Him at the time of final dissolution)-universes in which we (Brahma and Myself) are being tossed about (like tiny insects). Myself, the sages Sanatkumara and Narada, the glorious Brahma (the creator), Lord Kapila, the sages Apantaratama and Devala, Dharma (the god of piety), the sage Asuri and other omniscient lords of Siddhas (inspired seers) headed by the sage Marici-we are all unable to penetrate (the veil of) His Maya (deluding potency), enveloped as we are by that Maya. Since this is a weapon of that Lord of the universe and therefore hard to resist for us, (please) seek Him alone as Your protector. (I am sure) Sri Hari will bring you security." Having no hope (of help from any other quarter) left, the sage Durvasa went from there to the Lord's (own) realm, called Vaikuntha, in which resides Lord Visnu (the Abode of Sri) alongwith (His divine Spouse) Sri (the goddess of fortune). Being scorched by the fire of Sudarsana (the missile of Lord Visnu, who is conquered by none), the sage fell shuddering at the soles of the Lord's feet and said, "0 immortal and infinite Lord, sought for by the righteous, 0 Protector of the universe, (kindly) do protect me, an offender (that I am). An offence has been committed by me against those beloved of You, ignorant as I was of Your supreme glory. (Pray,) wipe off that sin, 0 Director (of the universe)! By the (very utterance of Your Name even a denizen of hell gets liberated." The glorious Lord said : My heart having been (completely) taken possession of by My pious devotees, I am really subject to the control of such devotees like one who is not self-dependent, 0 Brahmana. And I am the (only) beloved of My devotees. As apart from My pious devotees, to whom I am the highest goal, I covet neither Myself nor Goddess Sri (My Consort), who is eternal (like Myself), 0 holy sage 1 How dare I forsake them who, having renounced (all attachments for) their wife, house, children and relations, (nay,) their (very) life and wealth and (their welfare in) this and the other world, have sought Me as their protector? Pious souls who have fastened their heart on Me and look upon all with the same eye enthral Me by (their) devotion (even) as virtuous ladies enthral their virtuous husband. (Feeling) sated through Devotion, they do not desire even the four types offinal beatitude, beginning with Salokya or residence in the same heaven with the Lord (the other three types being Samipya or close proximity with the Lord, Sarupy or similarity of form with the Lord and Sayujya or absorption into the Lord), though attained (actually) through service rendered to Me. How (then) can they covet anything else (such as the position of Indra) which is subject to the ravages of Time? Pious souls (devotees) are My (very) heart (most beloved of Me), while I am the (very) heart (the most beloved) of the righteous. They do not cognize anything else (dearer) than Me nor do i know in the least anyone else (dearer) than them. I shall (however) point out to you a means of escape (from this calamity), 0 Durvasa ! (Please) hear it Seek him alone because of whom this violence perpetrated by you has actually (recoiled on you and thus) proved to be an act of self-immolation. Force employed against the righteous brings harm to the striker (himself). Asceticism and worship (offered to a deity) are both conducive to the highest good (final beatitude) for Brahmanas (endowed with humility and other virtues). In the case (however) of a doer who is lacking in modesty, those very practices lead to contrary results (prove harmful). Therefore, 0 Brahmana, may good betide you; approach King Ambarisa (the son of Nabhaga) and seek the forgiveness of that highly blessed soul. Then (alone) will peace (of mind) come (to you). Thus ends the fourth discourse, forming part of the story of Ambarisa, in Book Nine of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwise known as the Paramahamsa-Samhita.