The tradition of yoga includes the teachings and wisdom of wise men called sages. They sought to understand the mysteries of life and the universe. Often the poses associated with the sages are difficult and challenging. It takes patience, diligence and study, much what a student would also need to do to learn wisdom.
Bharadvaja was such a student. He was dedicated to the study of the ancient spiritual and philosophical texts called the Vedas. No one was expected to understand them all. Bharadvaja, however, was not the usual student. He spent his entire life time poring over and immersing himself in these texts. In fact, he ended up spending three lifetimes in such a way. He was never seen by others, a recluse who was well known for his expertise on the Vedas.
As he lay dying at the end of his third lifetime he was visited by Shiva who asked him, “Bharadvja, What are you doing?” Of course he replies that he is dying and wants to be taken with him. Much to the astonishment of Bharadvaja, he is told “No, I won’t be taking you with me this time and I hope you finally learn your lesson about all this outrageous studying you’ve been doing!” Of course Bharadvaja is surprised thinking he was doing it all for Shiva.
Shiva reached through a window and picks up a handful of dirt from a nearby mountain. He tells Bharadvaja that in his first lifetime he only learned about this much. The second handful is placed next to the first and he is told that is about how much he learned during his second lifetime of study. The last handful of dirt he reaches for represents his third lifetime.
Bharadvaja is in tears. With compassion it is explained to him that even though he knows more than anyone on the Vedas it is only “a handful compared to the mountain of information that is still left to be learned.” He is told that he does not understand the true meaning because he “never bothered to share their grace and joy with others. It is through sharing this wisdom that it will truly come alive and live beside you.”
Shiva decides to give him a second chance. He gets one more lifetime. In this lifetime Bharadvaja learns the lesson well and dedicates himself to sharing the joy and wisdom with others. He spends time educating and showing compassion. When he is back on his deathbed at the end of his life this time he is surrounded by students of many lands to pay him honor.
He is visited by Shiva and asked “Do you see now how the wisdom of the Vedas is not contained within the knowing, but in the living and sharing of the wisdom? Look how many souls are alight because of your grace and generosity.” Then Shiva invites him to come with him. Bharadvaja looks up at Shiva and declines knowing that he is most close to him when he is sharing joy with others. “Living this great wisdom is more of a heaven that I could ever ask for.”
What can we learn from this story? Do you share your talents and gifts with others to bless their lives? What brings you most joy? What would it look like if you imparted the most beloved things dear to you to others?
Picture from here.
