Ashtavakra- Cherished the receiving end

Ashtavakra Ji, a seven year old sage, is amidst the world’s most reputed acharyas in the royal court of King Janak. He is debating with Acharya Bandi and is soon revered by all. King Janak is sitting on his throne and he feels an intense need of guidance of a Guru. He stands up, and proclaims.

King Janak: O revered acharyas! I need the guidance and initiation from a Guru. Thou art revered for thy knowledge in the entire universe. I have a wish. I own a horse, whose speed is very agile, and as the rider places his foot on the saddle, and takes a leap, it takes the rider hundreds of miles within seconds. The one who can make me realize the Self, just before I place my foot on the first saddle. The millisecond is the time I adore. If Thou art capable of making me see the Infinity, within that moment, I accept Thee as my Guru.

(The acharyas are left dumbfound, and are just left to introspect their meagre capabilities. Ashtavakra Ji rises up and proclaims his abilities. Seeing the physique of a disabled boy, the court buzzes in gossips.)

Ashtavakra Ji: Thou Acharyas art worthless for the court of King Janak. Thou have read and crammed the scriptures, but haven’t experienced the Infinity. Thou vision of disparity, gossiping on seeing the external appearance, is it’s evidence.

(King Janak asks Ashtavakra Ji to occupy the throne made up of cool sandal wood.)

Ashtavakra Ji: O king! Thy horse is very swift, Thou shall be taken away, with the speed of sound, and it shall be cumbersome to return. So, Thou should offer the Guru Dakshina, before your journey to infinity and beyond.

King Janak: O saint! I am ready to offer.

Ashtavakra Ji: Thou should offer any one of these assets to me, without a speck of remnant attached to Thee. Thou should give Thy body, or Thy entire wealth or the entire mind.

King Janak: I wish to consult my wife for such a decision.

Ashatvakra Ji: Well then, Go inside. I have plenty of time. I shall be waiting.

(King Janak goes inside and asks Mother Sunaina.)

King Janak: I have been asked to offer my body, or wealth or the mind to my Guru, Which of the these shall be the best offering?

Mother Sunaina: O King! I also wish to be initiated by such a Divine saint. If we give our body, we shall be dead, worthless for fostering in wisdom, we will receive. If we give our wealth, we shall not be able to carry out our duties of service to the mankind. It shall be good to offer our mind, at his Divine feet, for we are free from all bondages.

(King Janak returns to the court with the answer. He prostrates before his Guru. )

King Janak: O Guru! My wife and I are ready to surrender our mind to Thee. She is also willing to see the opulent form of Lord.

Ashtavakra Ji: Well, call for the horse. Let it be summoned.

(The horse is summoned. King Janak is about to place his foot on the saddle, and suddenly…)

Ashtavakra Ji: My mind is saying that Thou should not ride on the horse.

(As Ashtavakra Ji says this, King Janak slips into deep samadhi, and he realizes the Self. King Janak surrendered his menace mind to his Guru, and thus, is freed. He remains in the state of bliss for three days, then his Guru brings him back to the gross plane of consciousness.
After third day, Ashtavakra Ji asks King to sit on his throne and his wife, Mother Sunaina to sit on his right, and places a fire yajna to his left.)

Ashtavakra Ji: Thou art neither the body nor the mind, Thou art the Soul. Thus, Thou art imperishable. Place Thy right hand on Mother Sunaina’s head and left one on fire.

(King Janak does the same, and he is not burnt by the blazing fire.)

The one who is realizes the Soul. becomes imperishable, and truely acquires the qualities of the soul. The five elemental cosmos cannot stir him. Such were the Guru of King Janak.