Section CCLIX - The Blessing and Disadvantages of Celestial Regions explained by Vyasa
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCLIX including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Vyasa continued to explain to Mudgala about the celestial regions, describing the bliss and beauty of heaven, reserved for those who perform virtuous acts and lead a righteous life. He detailed the various levels of heaven, including the supreme regions of Brahma and the abode of the Ribhus, beings who shine with their own light. Vyasa also highlighted the disadvantages of heaven, such as being bound by the consequences of past deeds and the eventual fall after exhausting one's merit, causing discontent and regret.
Despite hearing about the celestial regions, Mudgala expressed his desire for a region free from faults and suffering. The celestial messenger then described the supreme seat of Vishnu, known as Para Brahma, which can only be reached by those who are free from attachment, pride, and conflicting emotions, and have mastered their senses through contemplation and Yoga. Upon hearing this, Mudgala chose to pursue this ultimate state of emancipation through meditation and knowledge, achieving perfect contentment and equal vision towards all things.
Vyasa assured Pandu's son, Kunti's son, that though he has lost his kingdom, he will regain it through his ascetic austerities. He reminded him of the cyclical nature of misery and happiness in life, assuring him that after thirteen years, he will reclaim the kingdom of his forefathers. With these words of wisdom and encouragement, Vyasa urged him not to grieve and to let go of the fever in his heart, guiding him towards a brighter future through his perseverance and spiritual devotion.
Having imparted his wisdom and guidance to Pandu's son, Vyasa returned to his hermitage to continue his own spiritual practices and austerities. His teachings had provided a roadmap for navigating life's challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of virtuous deeds, self-control, and spiritual growth in attaining ultimate liberation and fulfillment. Through his words, Vyasa had instilled hope and perseverance in Pandu's son, inspiring him to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation to reclaim his rightful place as a ruler.
As Pandu's son reflected on the profound teachings of Vyasa and embraced the path of asceticism and knowledge, he found inner peace and strength to face the trials and tribulations ahead. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, he set out on his journey towards reclaiming his kingdom, guided by the wisdom and faith instilled in him by Vyasa. Through his dedication to spiritual growth and self-realization, he embarked on a transformative quest that would not only lead him to victory but also to a deeper understanding of his true self and purpose in life.
Full English translation:
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Section CCLIX, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CCLIX:
What are the characteristics of the celestial regions described in the story?
The celestial regions are filled with bliss, devoid of pain, and reward virtuous deeds. They are inhabited by celestial beings and offer eternal happiness and luxury.
What are the disadvantages of dwelling in the celestial regions according to Vyasa?
Although heavenly beings enjoy immense happiness, they are bound by their past deeds and must face the consequences until their merits are exhausted. The fall from grace brings regret and turmoil.
Why did Mudgala reject the idea of attaining heaven in the story?
Mudgala chose to seek a region free from faults and suffering, above the abode of Brahma - the supreme seat of Vishnu - called Para Brahma. He valued inner peace over material pleasures.
How did Mudgala attain the supreme state of emancipation in the story?
Mudgala embraced the Uncha mode of life, practiced contentment, and engaged in meditation. By freeing himself from attachment and worldly desires, he achieved enlightenment and eternal liberation.
Daily life: The Blessing and Disadvantages of Celestial Regions explained by Vyasa:
The tale shared by Vyasa offers profound insights into the pursuit of happiness, the impermanence of material joys, and the ultimate quest for eternal peace. It reminds us that while the allure of heavenly pleasures and achievements in the material world may seem enticing, they are transient and come with their own sets of drawbacks. Happiness derived from such successes is often fleeting, leading eventually to dissatisfaction and the inevitable cycle of joy and sorrow.
This narrative encourages us to look beyond immediate gratifications and to focus on inner growth and enlightenment. Instead of being driven by desires for material gains or fear of losses, we should aim for a state of contentment and peace that does not waver in the face of life's ups and downs. True happiness and liberation, as the story suggests, come from mastering our senses, overcoming desires, and cultivating virtues like humility, self-control, and compassion towards all beings.
In daily life, this can be implemented by practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment, rather than constantly seeking external validation or material success. By learning to view success and failure with equanimity, we free ourselves from the continuous cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. Engaging in regular meditation or self-reflection can help us develop the understanding and resilience needed to attain this state of balance.
Moreover, by dedicating ourselves to acts of kindness and generosity, we not only contribute to the well-being of others but also further our own spiritual journey. The path to eternal peace and happiness is thus paved with self-awareness, compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom beyond the material realm.