ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Shrimad Bhagavata Mahatmya
Vidura and Maitreya The Quest for Self Knowledge
The story narrates how Vidura began his journey for self-knowledge through the grief and contemplation in his life. After receiving the teachings of Lord Krishna, he sought the guidance of the great wisdom offered by Sage Maitreya. In this dialogue, profound discussions on the principles of life, dharma, and the mysteries of Brahman take place. Vidura's doubts, the questions of his life, and the answers he receives form the core of this tale.
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Maitreya Vidura Dialogue Third Canto First Lesson
Suta began narrating further.
Many sages, monks, and aspirants, including Shaunaka, had gathered to listen to the story. Messengers had been dispatched to distant hermitages at night, and more listeners continued to arrive for the narration.
"Revered sages," Suta addressed the gathering with a salutation before beginning the tale, "Listen to the dialogue between Shuka and Parikshit.
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"Now, I will narrate the meeting of Vidura and Uddhava, followed by the meeting of Vidura and Sage Maitreya. Their dialogue is beneficial and enlightening."
On the second day, Shuka said to Parikshit, "Vidura had advised Dhritarashtra to give the Pandavas their rightful share of the kingdom to prevent the destruction of the lineage. However, his advice was not heeded by the Kauravas. Duryodhana, in particular, insulted him and ordered him to leave the kingdom."
Vidura felt deeply hurt and left Hastinapur.
Wandering alone, he visited many holy places, observed the state of the world, and reflected on the increasing unrighteousness around him, which filled him with despair.
Months passed, and the great war between the Kauravas and Pandavas occurred, leading to immense destruction.
Vidura heard about these events indirectly during his travels.
During one such journey, he encountered Uddhava, a devoted disciple of Lord Krishna, by the banks of the Yamuna River. Seeing Uddhava filled Vidura with a mix of sorrow and joy. Uddhava, with his serene demeanor and devotion to Krishna, reminded Vidura of the Lord Himself.
Eager to know everything, Vidura inquired about the Pandavas, the Yadavas, and, most importantly, Krishna.
Uddhava, overwhelmed by Krishna's absence, wept as memories of the Lord flooded his mind.
He recounted Krishna's exploits from childhood, including the slaying of demons in Gokul, his fondness for everyone, his efforts for the Pandavas, and his defeat of wicked forces. He also spoke of the eventual downfall of the Yadava clan and the great Kurukshetra war. As Uddhava narrated these events, he was both invigorated and grieved, especially while describing Krishna's departure to his eternal abode.
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Uddhava said, "Before departing, Krishna instructed me, 'Uddhava, go to Badarikashrama and spread my teachings to the world.'"
"I lingered at Prabhasa, near Krishna, knowing that his departure was imminent. I could not bring myself to leave him."
Krishna had told Uddhava, "Though you wish to stay with me, what will you do after the Yadavas and I are gone? Stay behind to share my knowledge with the world. Go to Badarikashrama and remain there."
After controlling his emotions, Uddhava shared Krishna’s message with Vidura: "Lord Krishna has directed that Sage Maitreya will provide you with self-realization. You should go to him."
Vidura, deeply moved, bid farewell to Uddhava and proceeded to meet Sage Maitreya at Haridwar.
Shuka, narrating to Parikshit, mentioned that Vidura approached Sage Maitreya with reverence and humility. Maitreya, who resided in a serene hermitage, welcomed Vidura warmly, knowing his purpose for visiting.
Vidura respectfully asked, "O Sage, people strive endlessly for happiness, but their sorrows do not diminish, nor do they find lasting joy. What is the cause of this suffering? How can one achieve true peace and happiness? What is the ultimate means to liberation? Please enlighten me."
Maitreya replied, "Before Lord Krishna departed to his divine abode, he revealed that you, Vidura, are none other than Yama Dharma incarnate. Your journey for self-realization in this life is divinely ordained. I will now share the knowledge imparted by Krishna, which will guide you to liberation."
Vidura listened intently as Maitreya explained the creation of the universe and the eternal truths about the soul, the Supreme Being, and liberation. He described how the Supreme, though formless and beyond attributes, manifests through divine play to guide the world.
Maitreya also elaborated on the process of creation, the emergence of Brahma from Vishnu's navel, and Brahma’s subsequent creation of the universe. He narrated the story of Vishnu incarnating as Varaha (the boar) to rescue the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha.
The dialogue between Vidura and Maitreya continued, filled with profound teachings about the nature of reality, devotion, and liberation. Vidura, overwhelmed with gratitude, absorbed every word with utmost reverence.
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