Episode 396, Path Beyond Illusion: Attaining Paramshanti Through Various short stories.

In the journey of moral and spiritual education, it is often emphasized that the soul is supreme and eternal. True wisdom begins when a person recognizes their divine essence and seeks inner awakening. Every spiritual gathering, every discourse, and every sincere effort toward self-purification is meant to guide the soul toward this higher realization. This discourse reflects upon ancient wisdom, devotional practices, and real-life examples to remind humanity of its true purpose—attaining Supreme Peace through self-awareness and divine grace.

The Story of Rishi Kundu: A Lesson from the Vishnu Purana

One of the central teachings of this discourse comes from the Vishnu Purana, which narrates the story of Rishi Kundu. Rishi Kundu was a great ascetic performing intense penance on the banks of the Gomati River. His spiritual power disturbed Indra, the king of heaven. Fearing that the Rishi’s penance might weaken his authority, Indra sent a celestial maiden, Apsara Aksara, to distract him. Enchanted by her beauty, Rishi Kundu abandoned his meditation and followed her to Mount Mandarachal. He remained absorbed in worldly pleasure for hundreds of years, unaware of the passage of time. His spiritual discipline gradually dissolved. When the celestial maiden finally wished to return to heaven, Rishi Kundu realized that nearly a thousand years had passed. Shocked and remorseful, he understood how illusion (Maya) had deceived him. He repented deeply and returned to devotion, worshipping Lord Vishnu with renewed dedication. This story teaches that even the greatest sages can fall into illusion if vigilance is lost. Only constant awareness and divine remembrance can protect the soul.

The Power of Maya and Divine Grace

Maya, or cosmic illusion, governs the mind, intellect, and senses. It binds beings to desires, attachments, and emotions. No one—whether saint, scholar, or ordinary person—can escape its influence by personal effort alone. True liberation is possible only through divine grace. Just as electrical appliances are useless without connection to a power source, spiritual practices remain incomplete without connection to the Supreme Being. Penance, devotion, and knowledge become fruitful only when guided by higher divine energy.

The Story of the Brahmin’s Son: True Compassion Versus Hidden Self-Interest

Another profound story illustrates the importance of genuine compassion. A Brahmin lost his only son and sat grieving beside the body. Nearby, a crow and a jackal planned to eat the corpse. Pretending to give spiritual advice, they tried to convince the Brahmin to leave, hiding their selfish intentions behind philosophical words. However, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared and restored the child’s life. They exposed the false compassion of the crow and jackal, teaching that true spirituality lies in sincere service, not in disguised selfishness. This story warns against superficial sympathy and encourages genuine empathy for the suffering.

Modern Society and Emotional Detachment

In today’s world, grief and sympathy have often become formalities. People express condolences through short messages, social media posts, and quick phone calls, then move on. True emotional support requires time, presence, and heartfelt prayers. The discourse encourages replacing mechanical expressions like “RIP” with prayers for the soul’s elevation and Supreme Peace. Such sincere vibrations help both the departed soul and the grieving family.

Understanding Death and the Soul’s Journey

Death is not the end of existence. The soul has undergone countless births and deaths across lifetimes. However, attachment and ignorance cause prolonged suffering after death. If relatives remain immersed in sorrow, their vibrations affect the departed soul, preventing its peaceful transition. Therefore, families are advised to:

• Pray regularly

• Recite sacred texts

• Maintain positive vibrations

• Remember the Supreme Being

These practices help the soul move toward higher realms.

Balancing Life Through Spiritual Discipline

Modern life is filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Education and technology have advanced, yet inner peace has declined. Employment struggles, health crises, and social instability have intensified mental stress. Very few people dedicate time to meditation, yoga, or spiritual study. Without inner balance, sorrow accumulates and weakens the soul. Regular spiritual practice is essential to maintain emotional stability and clarity.

Karma, Detachment, and Self-Responsibility

Lord Krishna teaches that one must focus on actions without attachment to results. Every soul must take responsibility for its own growth. One cannot save others without first attaining self-purification. Liberation begins with controlling the mind, purifying intentions, and surrendering to divine will. Past karmas remain hidden by divine mercy. If humans could see their previous lives, they might be unable to face themselves. This concealment is a blessing that allows fresh spiritual progress.

Meditation and Connection with Supreme Light

The discourse concludes with a guided meditation, emphasizing inner transformation. Through focused remembrance, the soul is visualized as pure white divine light, filled with peace and energy. As consciousness rises, negative thoughts dissolve, karmic burdens weaken, and spiritual strength increases.

This state brings:

• Emotional stability

• Mental clarity

• Physical relaxation

• Spiritual elevation

When practiced sincerely, meditation becomes a gateway to liberation.

The Ultimate Goal: Supreme Peace

The ultimate aim of life is not temporary happiness or heavenly rewards, but Supreme Peace—freedom from birth, death, and illusion. Only by awakening inner awareness, surrendering ego, and aligning with divine grace can one transcend the cycle of rebirth.

Every soul is encouraged to resolve:

• To purify the mind

• To strengthen faith

• To spread positive vibrations

• To live in remembrance of the Supreme Being

Personal transformation leads to global harmony.

Conclusion

The stories of Rishi Kundu and the grieving Brahmin remind humanity that illusion is powerful, and compassion must be genuine. Modern life demands renewed spiritual awareness. Through devotion, discipline, meditation, and divine remembrance, every soul can move toward liberation. Supreme Peace is not found outside—it is realized within. May every soul awaken to its true essence and journey toward eternal bliss.