Which one is more important? Inner Wisdom or External Beauty
Jaydeep Parmar
Linkedin Top Voice | Chief Manager- Strategic Initiatives at MCPI?Private Limited | Angel Investor | Train The Trainer certified | 3.5 lacs+ content impressions | Ex-Exide | Ex-HPCL | Ex-IOCL | IIM Calcutta | ICT Mumbai
In our day-to-day life, we think we are progressing rapidly. If we look at the world maybe 500, 1000, or 5000 years ago, it was completely opposite. Things were slow, amenities were limited, and people had to really work for their daily sustenance. However, this is an oxymoron. If we analyze people over 3-4 generations, one thing is clear: we have started running in the wrong direction. Chasing a myriad of opportunities to gain wealth and entertainment, we have actually forgotten to live peacefully. We have adopted unrealistic expectations coupled with daydreaming. In the olden days, things were used to win the hearts of the people, but in today's world, people are used to getting the things. In this blind race, we have accepted artificial parameters like external showoff, mundane wealth, and a better way to enjoy things as the primary criteria for success. But the material world works on the same principle as it used to. The law of karma is the same, and it is applicable for all time. Let us try to delve deeper into our attitude and real wisdom.
The Story of Ashtavakra and Maharaj Janak
There was a great sage, Ashtavakra, who was born with deformities in eight parts of his body, which gave him a crooked appearance (hence the name "Ashtavakra," meaning "eight bends"). Despite his physical limitations, he possessed extraordinary wisdom from a young age. He was an exceptional person with great knowledge.
Ashtavakra’s most famous encounter occurred when he visited the court of King Janak, a renowned Rajarshi (philosopher-king). Upon entering the assembly, the learned men present began mocking him because of his crooked and unattractive appearance. However, Ashtavakra was undeterred and immediately responded with a profound statement about inner wisdom and external beauty.
He said, "I thought I had entered an assembly of wise men, but I see that this is a place for cobblers, for you judge me by the skin." By saying this, Ashtavakra highlighted that only cobblers—who deal with leather—judge based on external appearances, while true sages focus on the soul and wisdom.
Maharaj Janak, being a wise king, recognized Ashtavakra's brilliance and sought his spiritual guidance. Their exchange is recorded in the Ashtavakra Gita, a profound discourse on self-realization and the nature of the soul. Ashtavakra's teachings to Janak focused on non-dualism and the idea that the true self is beyond the body and mind.
This conversation emphasized:
Learnings from Ashtavakra’s Life
Judging by Inner Qualities: Ashtavakra’s life shows that the external body is just a temporary vessel. It is the wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual insight within that define a person’s true worth. His physical deformities did not hinder his ability to attain spiritual greatness. Hence, judging a person based on inner qualities is far superior to judging by externals
The Power of Inner Wisdom: Inner wisdom allows one to transcend external limitations. Ashtavakra’s deep understanding of the soul and the universe enabled him to become a highly respected sage despite his physical appearance. There are many great examples in the world of people who radiate a great aura with high levels of positive vibes. It may take some time for others to accept this reality, but it is absolutely correct.
Non-Attachment: One of the key lessons Ashtavakra imparted to Janak was to remain detached from the body and mind, as they are temporary. Once we are dead, only our karma is carried with our soul. True beauty comes from realizing the eternal nature of the soul, which is beyond the material world. The soul is, in fact, eternal, full of knowledge, and filled with happiness in its liberated form when placed in the service of the Supreme Lord.
Self-Realization: Ashtavakra emphasized that true self-realization lies in understanding one’s true nature as a part of the divine. We are in our soul form, part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. This knowledge brings freedom from suffering, as it helps one realize that the body, mind, and external world are impermanent. Once we accept this reality, it is easy to go to the next step in the spiritual quest—practicing devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Krishna.
Application in Today’s Life
Do try to apply this concept in your life and see the notable difference.
Stay tuned for more such articles. We will try to understand more such aspects of life.
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