In plain words
Spiritual Power Alone Is True Power
Viśvāmitra was a man of great tapas. He had won all the many astras and śastras. But through anger he destroyed everything himself. He marched against Vasiṣṭha, a devotee of God. He tried to defeat him. But where had Vasiṣṭha come from? Why had he come to stay in King Daśaratha's house? Once, talking with Daśaratha, Vasiṣṭha says, ‘Mahārāja! You are a great king. You lack nothing in wealth and possessions. But I did not come because I saw your wealth and possessions. I did not come because of your greatness as a king. I did not come thinking that your strength and abilities are great. Do you know why I have come? Śrīman Nārāyaṇa is about to be born in your house. I came to spend some time with Him.’ Vasiṣṭha was one so full of Prema. How did Viśvāmitra take up krodha against him? Vasiṣṭha had come to be called a Brahmarṣi. He was ever contemplating the principle of Brahman. So he came to be called a Brahmarṣi. Viśvāmitra lived in rajoguṇa. So they regarded him as rājasic. That one was a Brahmarṣi, this one a Rājarṣi. He was very firmly set on becoming a Brahmarṣi too. He performed tapas. However much he did, that glory is not a thing you take when someone gives it to you. What is sacred must enter into us. It is not something bought. Nor is it something taken from another as a gift. No company supplies it. A good name comes to us through our conduct. Such a Viśvāmitra, by taking up krodha against Vasiṣṭha, lost all his powers. You know Durvāsa; he was indeed a man of great tapas. His krodha sat right on the tip of his nose. What use was it? A Maharṣi. To be this Maharṣi, what is needed? Sacred, sweet words are needed. There must be sacred conduct. Only then does this mighty power win great glory. Our whole ancient Bhārata grew and flourished through many Maharṣis, through mahātmas and through yogis. Though Bhārata has passed through many trials all this time, though many foreigners invaded it, no one could shake anything. What is the reason?