Jan 21, 2014 — INDIA (SUN) —
Next, Bhishma related this story. There was a brahmana named Jajali, who became very powerful as a result of his austerities. Because he was able to travel in his subtle body anywhere throughout the universe, while his gross body remained standing in water, Jajali considered that no one could be equal to him. While practicing austerities, Jajali used to sleep outside during the rainy season. Later on, he stood immovably, like a wooden post, while completely abstaining from food.
One day, as Jajali stood like this, a pair of Kulinga birds made their nest in his thickly matted hair by adding pieces of straw. Desiring to exhibit perfect nonviolence and compassion, the rishi did not move, so that the birds continued living there without fear or anxiety.
When autumn arrived, the birds had sexual union and the female's eggs were laid in the nest. This rishi knew this, and so he never moved the slightest, being intent upon earning great ascetic merit. Because of this, the birds were so confident of their eggs' safety that they used to leave the nest during the day and return in the evening.
In due course of time, the eggs hatched. As the baby birds grew up in the nest, Jajali continued to stand immobile. After some time, the small birds developed their wings and so they also left the nest during the day. Soon thereafter, the birds began to stay away for days at a time, returning to their nest only every fifth or sixth evening.
Still, the rishi remained perfectly still all the while. Finally, the Kulinga birds left their nest and did not return for one month. After waiting all this time, Jajali left that place, considering himself to have completed his particular vow. Indeed, being extremely proud of his accomplishment, the rishi joyfully praised himself while departing, saying, "By performing the wonderful act of allowing these birds to grow up on my head, I have certainly earned incomparable ascetic merit. Who could be more fortunate than me?"
Just then, a voice from an unseen person in the sky declared, "Rishi, you are not even equal in religious merit to the merchant Tuladhara living in the city of Kashi. And yet, even he does not have the right to boast as you are doing!"
When Jajali heard this, he felt insulted and angry. Out of envy, he decided to go meet Tuladhara. After traveling for some time, Jajali came to the city of Kashi, and there he saw the merchant Tuladhara engaged in selling his wares. As soon as the shopkeeper saw the brahmana before him, he stood up and respectfully welcomed him.
Tuladhara said, "Jajali, I knew that you would come to see me, and I am also aware of how you had performed great austerities by the seashore. When your austerities matured, two Kulinga birds came and nested upon your head. When the baby birds grew up, you felt very proud of your accomplishment. At that time, you heard a voice from the sky, and now you have come here in an angry mood."
"My dear rishi, please tell me what it is that I can do for you."
The astonished Jajali asked, "Tuladhara, how could you, a son of a merchant- a mere seller of fruit, vegetables and herbs- attain such an exalted platform of knowledge?"
The vaishya replied, "My dear brahmana, the highest morality is to exhibit friendliness toward all living entities. Simply by following this principle, one will automatically reduce violence to a minimum. With spiritual vision, I am able to see the true equality of all living beings. Due to having become completely detached from all desires for material sense enjoyment, I no longer feel any hankering or lamentation, no matter what my condition of life may be. Because I view the world from the absolute platform, I am fully conversant with the subtleties of morality."
"When one is an enlightened soul, he can understand that all kinds of animal sacrifices are abominable because of the violence that is committed. The recommendations for such sacrifices that are found in the Vedas are to be understood as inferior religious principles, whereas nonviolence and renunciation are superior. Even farming is an abominable profession because of the innumerable small creatures that are killed as one plows the fields. The only sacrifice that is actually fit for a brahmana is the practice of yoga. All others are essentially meant for kshatriyas."
Jajali protested: "Tuladhara, if your philosophy were to be adopted by everyone, it would deprive people of their very subsistence!"
Tuladhara explained, "Brahmana, when people are highly righteous, the Earth automatically yields crops without being tilled. All other necessities of life are provided as well, by the blessings of the demigods and great rishis."
Tuladhara pointed into the sky and said, "O rishi, look! The birds that you had raised have come here. You should welcome them. Actually, they are your children, and they have affection for you just as if you were their father."
