The Story of Jada-Bharata, the Jivan-mukta

from SRIMAD BHAGAVATHAM

Dear Jayasree,

A wonderfulnarrative from Bhagavathm...You will find the tranla\ted original version in Book V chapter III onwards, until Rahugana,ing of the Sindhu territory, whose palanquin bearer Jada Bharatha becomes due to force of circumstances and his own lack of worldly identity, The later question and answer session between them is most illuminating. Read on and enjoy. You have the two volumes of English translation only in your library.

The Srimad Bhagavatham, Book V starts with the story of Bharata, the great King, after whom our country is named. He was son of Nabhi, after ruling well for many years, he retires into the forest. Circumstances make him far too attached to a forlorn deer baby. His concentration of mind is on the deer, so he was born as a deer in his next life. The merit of his deeds gives him the advantage of past memory. Having learnt the lesson, in his next birth, he is born as Bharata, nicknamed Jada ( dead wood) because he abjured social contacts of every kind. People took advantage of this, also his own family members, He was asked to be the palanquin bearer for King Rahugana, whom he teaches the highest Vedanta. He is also offered as a sacrifice to Goddess Kali. but is saved by her and his tormentors punished. The entire Book V, except the last Chapter that catalogues all the hells in detail, is about the three births of Bharata and is most interesting and absorbing. Read on and you will enjoy it,

Appa