50. The Goal of Human Life
In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (Chapter 2), we encounter a profound episode that imparts a timeless truth about the ultimate purpose of human existence.
Yajnavalkya, an enlightened sage and unparalleled scholar, was also a man of immense wealth. As a householder, he led a comfortable life with his two wives–Maitreyee and Katyayani. Yet, despite his affluence and high regard in society, he felt the call for renunciation. One day, he summoned Maitreyee and said, “Dear Maitreyee, I have decided to embrace Sannyasa. Before I leave, I wish to divide my wealth between you and Katyayani.”
Maitreyee, a woman of deep wisdom, pondered over his words. “My husband enjoys extraordinary comfort and public respect. He lacks nothing, and yet he chooses to renounce it all. If he is willing to abandon such prosperity, he must be in pursuit of something far greater than material wealth. What, then, is the true value of worldly riches?”
Turning to Yajnavalkya, she asked, “O Swamin, if I were to possess wealth as vast as the entire earth, would it grant me immortality?”
The sage gently replied, “No, Maitreyee. Wealth can provide a life of comfort, but it cannot bestow eternal life. It can only offer the same pleasures that other wealthy people enjoy and nothing beyond that.”
Hearing this, Maitreyee’s resolve deepened. “What use is this affluence if it cannot lead me to the eternal?” She asked earnestly. “I do not seek perishable riches. Instead, I implore you to teach me that which leads to Transcendence and that which conquers death.”
Yajnavalkya, moved by her sincerity, smiled and said, “Maitreyee, you have always been dear to me. What you just spoke truly pleases my heart. Come, sit beside me. I shall impart to you the supreme knowledge–the knowledge of Brahman, the very essence of existence itself.”
Thus, with unwavering devotion, Maitreyee became the recipient of the sacred wisdom–the ultimate Truth for which one takes birth as a human.
This episode teaches us that material wealth, no matter how vast, is fleeting and cannot grant true fulfilment or immortality. True wisdom lies in seeking the eternal–knowledge of the Self and the realization of Brahman–rather than being bound by temporary worldly pleasures. We should strive to discern what is truly valuable in life and pursue the higher purpose of our existence.
Attaining eternal bliss and freedom from sorrow is the ultimate goal of all beings. The key to this transformation lies within - the mind. A Sattvic mind elevates one spiritually, while a mind influenced by Rajasic and Tamasic tendencies leads to suffering and distress. True wisdom, therefore, lies in transcending these lower tendencies and cultivating a wholly Sattvic mind, making it receptive to spiritual enlightenment and lasting peace. One of the most effective ways to achieve this transformation is by heeding the guidance of an enlightened Guru.
This book presents fifty priceless gems of insightful narratives drawn from the benedictory discourses of Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, the 36ᵗʰ and current Shankaracharya of the revered Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham. A beacon of spiritual wisdom, an epitome of scriptural erudition, and an ocean of compassion, His Holiness illuminates countless seekers on their spiritual journey.
ISBN 978-81-981093-0-9 9 788198 109309 >