Marvellous Mahābhārata Morals - XII

Purpose of human existence

Human life is a rare gift of God. By entering a human body, the soul gets a much sought after chance of becoming liberated from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Gods never die; hence, they never get the chance of being liberated. Their souls cannot merge with the Almighty Soul. It is only Nara (Human Soul) that can merge into Nārāyaṇa (Almighty Soul). Hence, Gods and all celestial beings consider a human birth as highly fortunate. The purpose of human existence is to free the soul from the bondage of birth and rebirth, with the help of the human body and mind. The human body and mind should be cultivated in such a manner that right thoughts come, right words are spoken, right actions are performed, and right results are obtained, all leading to the liberation of the soul. Śrī Kṛṣṇa explains to Arjuna how a soul can be liberated. The Bhāgavat Gītā is a song of the Almighty Soul. Bhīśma instructs Yudhiśṭira at the end of the battle, how simply a bath in the holy Gaṅgā with a pure heart can liberate the soul. Riśī Veda Vyāsa also instructs Yudhiśṭira that a human should always follow the path of Dharma only and then the soul can be easily freed. Scriptures give numerous guidelines how to conduct one's affairs towards this aim. A human being is born alone and dies alone. However, while he is alive then knowledge is the best companion, his virtue is the best guide, his health is the best profit, his contentment is the best happiness, his anger is the worst enemy, his covetousness is the worst disease, his charity is the best glory, his equanimity in all circumstances is the best wealth, and his strict adherence to Dharma is the best destiny.

Vidura, the youngest brother and the prime minister of King Dhritrāśtra, counseled him how a ruler can obtain liberation of his soul by performing his royal duties. Vidura states that a ruler should aspire for higher ideals and he should have forbearance, exertion and steadiness in virtue. He should carry out such duties that are within his capacity. He should not disclose his plans until they fructify. He should not be affected by honours or slights. A weapon and poison can kill one man, but wicked counsel can destroy an entire empire. Thus, the ruler should steadfastly practice virtue as it brings discrimination to arrive at the right decisions. A king should never keep company with people of low character, who procrastinate, who are stupid, pompous, or deceitful. He should avoid anger, excessive sleep, excessive sexual relations, fear, arrogance, and self-pride. His countenance should be as befitting a king, yet he should practice asceticism, self-restraint, and should give gifts of food and gold. However, in spite of hearing the scriptures, a ruler does not mend his evil ways, then he is doomed and the scriptures merely remain books that are only referred for the purposes of religious ceremonies. Vidura tried his best to explain to King Dhritrāśtra, but destiny had willed otherwise and King Dhritrāśtra failed to act according to the laid down rules of the scriptures. For a foolish man, a scripture remains a closed book. Thus, Dhritrāśtra had the opportunity of attaining salvation by discharging his royal duties according to Dharma, yet he failed because he could not conquer his love for his son and his throne. Hence, King Dhritrāśtra always remained in the side of Adharma.