Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 9 Chapter 6:47-55

Book 9: Chapter 6

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 9: Chapter 6: Verses 47-55 The posterity of ikswaku : the stories of Mandhata and the sage Saubhari Observing the (luxurious) household life of Saubhari (even) Mandhata (the ruler of the entire globe consisting of the seven Dwipas), felt (greatly) amazed and gave up ( all) pride accompanying the fortune of a universal monarch. Thus fully attached to his household life and enjoying sense-objects (of various kinds), Saubhari did not feel satiated with manifold delights (of sense) any more than a fire would with drops of clarified butter. On a certain occasion, while sitting (at ease), that teacher of those professing Rgveda, perceived his fall from asceticism, brought about by his association with the fish through the agency of his own mind. (He said to himself,) "Ah, look at this fall of mine, a saintly ascetic who had observed (sacred) vows (till recently), but whose asceticism, (though) maintained for long, has been swept away thanks to (a moment's) close association with aquatic creatures under water ! He who seeks liberation (from the trammels of worldly existence) should (therefore) eschew with one's mind, body and senses the company of those who have taken to a married life, and should never allow his senses to move out (in the midst of sense-objects). Living (all) alone (without any companion) in seclusion. He should concentrate his mind on the infinite Lord and betake himself (only) to pious souls devoted to Him, if at all company is desired. I was a companionless ascetic (till recently). Thanks to the company of fish under water (however), I later on became fifty (as it were by marrying as many wives), and again (by begetting a hundred sons through each) I became divided into five thousand parts (in the form of as many sons). Now that my judgment has been obscured by infatuation etc., (the adjuncts of Maya or Prakrti) and I have begun to look upon the objects of senses as worth seeking, I find no limit to desires relating to the duties of both husband and wife. Thus, staying at home for a long time, he (eventually) got disgusted (with it) and, having embraced the life of an anchorite, retired to the forest; and his wives (too), who (all) looked upon their husband as a deity, followed suit. Having practised there severe asceticism, that emaciated his body, the sage (who- had now mastered his self) merged his soul alongwith the sacred fires in the supreme Spirit (attained final beatitude in the form of oneness with the Absolute). Observing the absorption of their husband into the supreme Spirit, 0 great king, his wives (too) followed him (reached the same goal) by virtue of his spiritual glory even as flames get extinguished with the fire that has cooled down (for want of fuel). Thus ends the sixth discourse, hinging on the story of Saubhari, in Book Nine of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwise known as the Paramahamsa-Samhita.