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6.YAYATI
The fourth son begged to be forgiven as
this was a thing he could by no means
consent to. An old man had to seek the
help of others even to keep his body clean,
a most pitiful plight. No, much as he
loved his father he could not do it.
Yayati was struck with sorrow at the
refusal of the four sons. Still, hoping
against hope, he supplicated his last son
who had never yet opposed his wishes:
"You must save me. I am afflicted with
this old age with its wrinkles, debility and
grey hairs as a result of the curse of
Sukracharya. It is too hard a trial! If you
will take upon yourself these infirmities, I
shall enjoy life for just a while more and
then give you back your youth and resume
my old age and all its sorrows. Pray, do
not refuse as your elder brothers have
done."
Puru, the youngest son, moved by filial
love, said: "Father, I gladly give you my
youth and relieve you of the sorrows of
old age and cares of state. Be happy."
Hearing these words Yayati embraced
him. As soon as he touched his son,
Yayati became a youth. Puru, who
accepted the old age of his father, ruled
the kingdom and acquired great renown.
Yayati enjoyed life for long, and not
satisfied, went later to the garden of
Kubera and spent many years with an
Apsara maiden.
After long years spent in vain efforts to
quench desire by indulgence, the truth
dawned on him.
Returning to Puru, he said: "Dear son,
sensual desire is never quenched by
indulgence any more than fire is by
pouring ghee in it. I had heard and read
this, but till now I had not realised it. No
object of desire, corn, gold, cattle or
women, nothing can ever satisfy the desire
of man, We can reach peace only by a
mental poise beyond likes and dislikes.
Such is the state of Brahman. Take back
your youth and rule the kingdom wisely
and well."
With these words Yayati took his old age.
Puru, who regained his youth, was made
king by Yayati who retired to the forest.
He spent his time there in austerities and,
in due course, attained heaven.
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