BANGALORE: Nanarupam idam sarvam na kenapyasti bhinnta, Karya karanata caiva tasmai srigurave namah
All this (the universe) appears in various forms, but there is no difference (in him) from anything. It is merely the cause and effect. Salutations to Shri Guru (who reveals to us this truth).
Today our mind and intellect reflect everything to be different or bhinna to us. We see the world differently and every form is different. This is not the right perception at all says Lord Shiva. In the earlier shlokas the Guru has already shown us that everything is one. There is no duality in his vision, thought and mind. As his disciples, we should also follow our Guru and see everything as one, everything as brahman. We must see the world as the creation of the divine mother. Then we will realise that there is no second to that one.
There is only one sun, which gives light to the entire earth. The source of light is the same even though we see millions of differences in nature. The outer reflection of nature is a reflection of our inner world. When we are firmly seated in equilibrium, we see no comparisons, no differences just like God never sees any differences. This doesn’t mean that we close our eyes. It means that our perception and vision shifts gears and we now see everything as a witness without participating in it.
King Janaka taught sage Shuka this principle through a practical demonstration. King Janaka’s court was a magnificent one. It was full of the best performing artists, dancers and actors. One day, Shukamuni was watching it in fascination, standing in the corner of the court. King Janaka, who was sitting in the midst of everything welcomed the young seer.“O sage, what brings you here?” asked the king.
Shuka replied, “Your majesty, this world is full of inequality and disharmony, and when I see it my heart is full of pain. In one place a new child is born and a person dies in some other place. While some celebrate, others are depressed at the same time. O King, you are known for having attained the state of equilibrium. You are beyond the state of body consciousness too. What is the sutra - formulae you use to remain in the state of sthitaprajnatva - equipoise. How do you live amidst deep disparity and still remain unaffected? I pray that you impart this ultimate wisdom to me as I know the truth when understood will surely establish me in tranquility.”
King Janaka replied, “I will answer your questions tomorrow in detail through a practical, direct experience”.
The next morning, King Janaka ordered all the festivities that are usually held in his court to be held in the main street of the capital. As Shuka arrived to the court, King Janaka ordered a dish of water to be placed on Shuka’s head. He ordered four soldiers to serve as his escorts. He commanded - “As Shuka Muni goes through the capital with the dish full of water on his head, even if a single drop of water falls from the dish, cut off his head. Don’t show the least pity, just cut off his head on the spot."
As Shuka heard the King’s command, he wondered if he had done the sensible act of asking the King such a question. Anyway, now it was late. Nothing could be done. So he accepted the situation and began walking on the main streets of the capital with the dish of water on top of his head. He made sure that not a single drop fell down from the dish and returned to the palace. Seeing that without spilling a single drop of water, Shuka Muni has returned, without his head being chopped off, King Janaka welcomed and honoured the sage. Then, Janaka asked , “O holy sage, did you watch the festivities that were going in great grandeur in the streets of the capital?” “No, not at all. My mind was completely focused on the dish of water on the top of my head as I knew I would be no more if I would spill even a single drop of it. I was completely involved so the festivities couldn’t distract me from my goal of returning to the palace alive," replied Shuka Muni.
“This is exactly what we should do to remain in the state of equipoise. Our external surroundings should not dictate the state of mind to us. All kinds of things happen in the outer world. We must be a mere witness to the happenings without being affected by it. Our mind should always be focused on our soul. Our senses should also be directed towards pleasing our soul, instead of pleasing the mind," said King Janaka.
This is exactly what Lord Shiva is also telling us through this shloka. This is the balancing shloka. All are equal in front of God. Therefore we have to be even and equal to all of God’s creation. We must see no differences in language, caste or religion. We cannot satisfy the outer world but we can satisfy and take care of your inner world. We must have no expectations from anyone. We must always be in the state of ananda or bliss. Only if we understand the melody of our soul can we hear the melody of the lord. One who is balanced and equipoised at all times is a ‘stithapragna’ - ‘The Stable One’ says Lord Shiva.