K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
After being hurtfully dishonoured, Dhruva, who was a mere lad, developed the kingly desire to have dominion over a region greater than his great-grandfather (Brahma). His unbreakable determination to achieve his ambitions rendered him an outright success. Ironically, in his maturity, Dhruva realised that the greatest kingdom is the spiritual kingdom, and the most exalted position is to blissfully reside there as an eternal servant of the Lord.
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K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
After being hurtfully dishonoured, Dhruva, who was a mere lad, developed the kingly desire to have dominion over a region greater than his great-grandfather (Brahma). His unbreakable determination to achieve his ambitions rendered him an outright success. Ironically, in his maturity, Dhruva realised that the greatest kingdom is the spiritual kingdom, and the most exalted position is to blissfully reside there as an eternal servant of the Lord.
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Determination
K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
Determination
“It is our duty to remember always that in comparison to Dhruva Maharaja we are insignificant. We cannot do anything like what Dhruva Maharaja did for self-realisation because we are absolutely incompetent to execute such service. But by Lord Chaitanya’s mercy we have been given all concessions possible for this age, so at least we should always remember that neglect of our prescribed duties in devotional service will not make us successful in the mission we have undertaken. It is our duty to follow in the footsteps of Dhruva Maharaja, for he was very determined. We should also be determined to finish our duties in executing devotional service in this life; we should not wait for another life to finish our job.” ( SB 4.8.72 )
Dhruva’s determination stands out as the shining quality behind his life's success. When he left home for the forest in search of God, some people he met on the way tried to persuade him to turn back. He could have given up, but he didn’t. As he began his search he was unsure of what he was looking for, who he would meet and what would happen. He could have given up, but he didn’t. After meeting Narada Muni, he was told to engage in rigorous spiritual discipline, all alone in a jungle of ferocious animals. He could have given up, but he didn’t. The lesson from Dhruva Maharaja’s life is loud and clear: the quality of our determination, determines the quality of our life.
Though his initial motivation was material, he was guided to look for it in the right place, and then embraced all the risk and discomfort that the discipline demanded. When he finally achieved the audience of Vishnu he expressed a spontaneous prayer which devotees repeat to this day: “ O my Lord, because I was seeking an opulent material position, I was performing severe types of penance and austerity. Now I have gotten You, who are very difficult for the great demigods, saintly persons and kings to attain. I was searching after a piece of glass, but instead I have found a most valuable jewel. Therefore I am so satisfied that I do not wish to ask any benediction from You. ” ( CC Madhya 22.42 )
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External Support and Internal Mindset
K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
Determination
External Support and Internal Mindset
The Srimad-Bhagavatam, through its various stories, demonstrates that a range of external supports can bolster one’s determination in the spiritual journey. Firstly, one should be philosophically convinced and have a strong ‘why.’ When we intellectually understand the purpose behind what we’re doing, we’re much more likely to dedicate ourselves to it and remain unfazed in the face of inevitable obstacles. Secondly, one should surround themselves with strong association. The determination and sincerity of others is contagious, and helps to carry us, especially when we are lagging. Finally, we just do it – dive in! When we practically reach out to the Lord, we’ll feel that transcendental reciprocation, which inspires us to reach out further.
Rupa Goswami also outlines an internal mindset for success. The cardinal principles that he highlights in Upadesamrita, are enthusiasm ( utsaha ) and patience ( dhairyat ). If we have patience without enthusiasm, we won’t experience any progression in our journey. If we have enthusiasm but not patience, we can’t sustain the practice required for more elevated spiritual states. Thus, both elements need to be factored in. In addition, Rupa Goswami outlines determination ( niscayat ), observing regulative practices (tat-tat-karma- pravartanat) , giving up unfavourable association ( sanga-tyagat ) and following saintly persons ( sato vrtteh ), as key principles for the successful execution of devotional service.
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Take a Risk
K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
Determination
Take a Risk
In the Chaitanya Mangala, Locana Dasa Thakura describes how various demigods, fearful of losing their positions, came to tempt Dhruva away from his arduous practice. One demigod shouted in his ear, “ Dhruva, have you come here to die? ” Another told him, “ Dhruva, your father died. ” One demigod said, “ Dhruva, look, a poisonous snake is coming to bite and kill you .” Another said, “ Dhruva, your mother died.” One said, “ Dhruva, quickly run away from here. A raging forest fire is rapidly approaching, and soon you’ll burn to death. ” None of these threats could divert the determined Dhruva.
Throughout history, we see how distinguished saints pushed the barriers of their comfort zone, embraced uncertainty and voluntarily accepted highly precarious situations in pursuit of their cherished purpose. It spurred their dependence upon the will of providence. Token religious faith is commendable, but life becomes dynamically more exciting when we experience the mystery and wonder of divine intervention. Selfless sacrifices, exceptional endeavours and the willingness to take a risk are the drivers behind such experiences. How can we connect with the hand of God if we don’t have the courage to let go of the chronic desire for comfort and security?
It's easy to gravitate towards the ‘safe options’ in life. Don’t do anything drastic, tread the path of least resistance and keep things safe and simple. The world has its preconceived notions of what’s acceptable and we just fit right in. The fear of embarrassment, failure and public opinion is too much, and thus plagued by the disease of conformity as we continually confine and limit ourselves. Yet a comfortable life is itself a hazardous disease. With it comes the danger of mechanical, ritualistic, mediocre and stagnated spirituality. In the name of caution, we sell ourselves short.
Dhruva Maharaja broke free and took a risk, and we should be ready to do the same. Life on the margin keeps things fresh. Our teachers don’t suggest anything whimsical or needless, but risks that are grounded in a sincere desire to better ourselves and better serve humanity. Such risks will always receive divine backup and generate internal growth. As Mark Twain once said: “ Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
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Dhruva’s Fight
K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
Dhruva’s Fight
Chapter 10, 11
After Dhruva married two wives, his brother and stepmother both passed away. When Dhruva discovered that Uttama had been killed by the Yaksas, he angrily set out to attack them and gain revenge. A great battle ensued, and when Dhruva was on the brink of victory, the Yaksas conjured up a dust storm with their mystic power. Assisted by the sages, Dhruva later recovered and annihilated them all.
Seeing his excessive aggression, Dhruva’s grandfather, Svayambhuva Manu, reminded him that the Lord becomes very satisfied when the devotee greets other people with tolerance, mercy, friendship and equality. Manu condemned Dhruva’s violent approach. He clearly explained that the Yaksas did not kill Uttama, but rather it was the Lord’s hand which is behind everything. Though Dhruva was temporarily afflicted by the material bodily conception, Manu praised the young boy for his wonderful acts of austerity and encouraged him to take full shelter of the Lord.
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Dhruva’s Kingly Desire
K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
Dhruva’s Kingly Desire
Chapter 8
Maitreya Rishi next narrated the details of Uttanapada’s lineage, a history that would span the rest of Canto Four.
Uttanapada had two queens, Suniti and Suruci, of which his favourite was the latter. Once, when Uttama, the son of Suruci, was playing on his father’s lap, Dhruva also tried to climb on but the King neglected him. Suruci rebuked Dhruva with harsh words, telling him he could not approach his father with such intimacy since he was not born from her. She told him that if he wanted such a privilege, he would have to undergo severe austerities and take birth from her womb.
Feeling pained, Dhruva approached his mother, Suniti, who humbly conceded that Suruci was correct. She advised him that the only recourse was to leave home and focus his mind on the Lord’s lotus feet. Dhruva left immediately and soon encountered the great sage, Narada Muni. Wanting to test his determination, Narada discouraged the young Dhruva from practising austerity, explaining how arduous and painstaking it would be. The adamant boy flatly refused to follow such counsel, and expressed his aspiration to rule a magnificent kingdom greater than that of his forefathers. Narada thus instructed him to engage in devotional service on the banks of the Yamuna (Madhuvana) and gave him the mantra “om namo bhagavate vasudevaya ” to chant.
Back in the palace, Uttanapada felt regretful about the neglect he displayed towards Dhruva. He frankly admitted that material attachments had clouded his good discrimination. Narada assured him that Dhruva would soon be successful, being under the protection of the Lord, but Uttanapada nevertheless lost all interest in kingly affairs and became overwhelmed by thoughts of his son.
In Madhuvana, Dhruva began his arduous practice. His fasting became increasingly austere and the intensity of his meditation created reverberations around the universe, causing the demigods to petition the Lord for protection. The Lord reassured them that everything would soon be resolved.
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Dhruva’s Perfection
K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
Dhruva’s Perfection
Chapter 12
Dhruva’s anger subsided and Kuvera, the treasurer of the demigods, instructed him. As a result, Dhruva ruled with great saintliness and satisfied all his citizens. After ruling for 36,000 years, he enthroned his son, renounced everything and went to Badarikasrama. In that sanctified atmosphere, with perfect mind and sense control, Dhruva became completely focused on the Lord. His intense devotion triggered uncontrollable symptoms of ecstasy.
While thus absorbed, two effulgent messengers of the Lord (Vishnudutas) named Nanda and Sunanda arrived. They had come to take Dhruva back to Godhead and invited him to board their transcendental carrier. After offering respects to the sages and airplane itself, he prepared to embark. Just then, death personified suddenly appeared, but Dhruva effortlessly stepped on his head and thus boarded the plane. When he enquired about his mother, Suniti, not wanting to leave her behind, the Vishnudutas reassured him that she was departing on another plane. Eventually, Dhruva reached his very own planet, Dhruvaloka.
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Dhruva’s Reward
K - Kingly Desires (8-12)
Dhruva’s Reward
Chapter 9
The Lord (Prisnigarbha), riding on Garuda, arrived in the forest. Dhruva’s meditation broke, but when he opened his eyes he saw the beautiful Lord in front of him and immediately offered obeisances. Overwhelmed, Dhruva felt incapable of offering appropriate glorification, but after being touched by the Lord’s conchshell he became divinely inspired and prayed eloquently. He admitted the foolishness of seeking material benefit from the Lord and instead wished for the perpetual company of sincere devotees.
The Lord understood Dhruva’s kingly desire and awarded him rulership over the kingdom for 36,000 years, ownership of the Polestar (Dhruvaloka) which exists beyond the partial cosmic devastation, and liberation after the complete devastation. Though generously rewarded by the Lord, Dhruva lamented the material desires he had harboured. With shame, regret and remorse he repeatedly scolded himself for seeking such superficial, temporary benefits.
Dhruva eventually returned to the kingdom, where King Uttanapada eagerly welcomed him with overwhelming love. Dhruva offered heartfelt respect to both mothers and happily greeted his brother, Uttama. Suruci glorified him and Suniti was relieved to have her son back. Seeing his maturity and popularity, Uttanapada enthroned Dhruva as the King, renounced the world, and entered the forest to embrace a life of renunciation.
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— S.B. Keshava Swami, Book Bhagavata