The Curse of A Wandering Soul

When I was young ( it seems a long time ago) and an energetic and restless teenager — walking briskly was one of my most comforting coping mechanisms . Whenever I was restless or very anxious about an approaching exam or an elocution contest I was participating in or had attacks of teenage angst against my (control freak) mother — I wanted to walk — especially if it was winter . The cold and crisp breeze would calm my nerves and clear my head . However , Delhi wasn’t considered particularly safe for women after dark so I walked back and forth on my narrow 10 feet long balcony . My brother and mother would keep asking me to come back inside — so that they could lock up the doors and sleep -but I would resist to the extent possible .

My brother jokingly named me — “Bhatakti aatma” ( wandering soul- to put it kindly . Some may even translate it as lost soul) . On occasions, with the BR Chopra Mahabharata inspired theatrics — he would give me a “shraap” (curse) — that I would always keep wandering .
Well , you know what , childhood antics and this curse in particular eventually came true to boot.In the last 16 years(of marriage) — I have changed 13 houses , 6 cities and travelled to 70+ towns . My mother used to initially ask if we were that bad tenants that our landlords kicked us out in 11 months or less. Not really. Transfers in job were ofcourse the main reason for changing cities and houses . But even within the city such as in Mumbai or Guragon we changed houses a few times .Sometimes with increasing HRA we liked a bigger better house, on some occasions we chose to be close to our children’s schools — in other instances when we had our own house — we wanted to move in. Our stars are such that we keep moving . On a lighter note perhaps — I could pursue an alternative profession as a relocation advisor for I find people really struggle to change residences ! Whenever my family berates me on my constant movement I jokingly refer to my brother’s curse — and he wishes he could eat his words .

Narada’s curse

Narada had the same curse of being a wandering soul . His father Lord Brahma really wanted him to settle down and have a home ( or a loka )of his own . Narada’s destiny was different however.

The story goes that Sri Hari was pleased with the penance of Daksha Prajapati and instructed him to lead a family life and beget children to populate earth (bhu loka). Daksha complied and married Ashikni — the daughter of Prajapati Panchajana. He had 10000 sons from Ashikni ( I know it sounds a little difficult to believe- 100 times of Kauravas too)– named Haryashvas. The Haryashvas were gentle and God loving . As they came of age — Daksha asked to perform severe austerities to beget children again ( clearly population growth was the concern!). Following their father’s orders- the Haryashvas went to a pilgrim place by the name of Narayansaras where Sindhu meets the sea and immersed themselves in the holy rituals. Bathing in the pure , divine lake they performed austerities to beget children.

Narada — the cosmic soul — came to Haryashvas and enquired about the goal of their penance . He then coached them and explained to them allegorically how family life is a like a dark tunnel from where there is no escape towards spiritual growth . He exhorted them — that having done such penance — they should immerse themselves in the devotion to the supreme lord instead of getting tied up in the material world.

When Daksha heard that his 10000 sons had renounced the world he was aggrieved beyond words . Lord Brahma however consoled him and gave him the boon of having another 1000 sons . Daksh married Panchjani and begot 1000 sons names Savalashvas. After being ordered by their father to beget sons — this group of children too departed for Narayansaras to perform tapas.

Narada appeared again and inspired the Savalashvas to overlook their father’s orders and immerse themselves in bhakti. Savalashvas were in agreement and followed Narada’s instructions .

Daksha started seeing inauspicious signs. When he heard that his second set of progeny too had followed the first he was overwhelmed with grief . Narada took this opportunity to approach him as he thought the time of grief is the best opportunity to put one on bhakti marga.
As soon as Daksha saw him — trembling with rage — he began to chastise Narada , accusing him to leading his kids astray .

Daksha argued that merely inspiring the thought of renunciation- doesn’t make one detached . Even if attachment to material enjoyment ultimately leads to all kinds of unhappiness- this truth has to be experienced first hand before giving it up .Daksha cited his own example of living life in line with vedic injunctions . He believed that those whose minds have moved towards renunciation due to the influence of others never become as detached or knowledgable as those with personal experience .( As Swami ji says — discover your own truth)
He accused Narada of misguiding his innocent sons not once but twice . He said — I could have tolerated it once as you are a great sage but doing this twice means you have no compassion and are not fit for the robes you wear .He cursed Narada — “You may be able to traverse the entire universe but you will never have a residence and will always remain like a vagabond”
Narada could have counter cursed Daksha (like in the dramatic Mahabharata) but being compassionate — he did not . Having guided thousands on the bhakti marga and towards the feet of his Lord, Narada was ready to take on any curse. Also for a bhakta like him living the life of an ascetic was a spiritual boon. 

Knowing one’s own truth enables one to traverse life with a smile and take on blessings and curses both in a stride like Narada for whom bhakti was supreme.

Jai Sri Hari.

PS as an interesting epilogue –

As for Daksha — he then got 60 daughters from Ashkini — so that Narada won’t lead them to renunciation a third time ( although again — assumption of women not following the spiritual path seems grossly unfair!) 10 of them were married to Yamaraja , 17 to Sage Kashyapa, 27 to Soma and 2 each to Angira , Krishashva and Bhuta. The 27 wives of Soma are the 27 Nakshtras in astrology. Yama’s wife Muhurta gave birth to Mahurtikas -demigods delivering the results of actions of all living entities at the allotted time .Kashyapa’s wives gave birth to almost the entire universe including Devas and Asuras . Also as kindly pointed by Akshay bhai- I missed out Daksha’s most famous daughter – Sati who married Bholenath against Daksha’s wish . There were 84 daughters of Daksha in total . Aside from 60 mentioned above – 24 including Sati were born from his other wife  Prasuti .

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