SATYAN 5
-17. Vasudev's Fate Is Sealed

Lord Krishna continued, “…The person who fell from his horse during a race paid dearly for getting involved in a risky sport.

   The young child who consumed poison bore the brunt of her parents’ negligence.  The other child who got injured during archery training suffered for considering her friend like her rival and using this session to settle scores with her.   

Despite being a Karmayogi you too have erred in one aspect, my child!  On many occasions, in your selfless desire to work for others you are guilty of ignoring your health.  Thus, you are now being compelled to listen to your body’s woes!” 

Vasudev nodded in agreement and hung his head down for a few moments.  Even as he raised his head, the Lord continued, “…The harsh truth that you need to realize is that fate would finally do justice to us based on our actions and deeds that we perform in our life.  In Chaitanya’s case, presume that if fate allows him to lead a long life without relieving him from his ailment, would not life become a hell for him?  He who has decided to devote his life serving the society would himself have to be served by others amidst great suffering.  Does such a life behoove a noble person like him?  An early death would pave the way for a dignified exit for him.  What does this imply?  That fate has its own silent way of doing justice which we must comprehend and accept!  O Vasudev, death knows no age!  It can approach anyone at any time!  This is an unpleasant reality which everyone must accept! 

I created human beings so that the virtue of making this world a better place to live in can be shared by them.  Thus, this is where everyone should devote their entire life to like you have done, my child!  Tomorrow, even in our absence people will feel our presence in the noble deeds that we performed to make their life happy and prosperous.”

Vasudev felt enlightened at these words of the Lord.  “I thank you for clearing the air of misconception and ignorance from my mind, My Lord!  If you permit, I do not wish to use this boon anymore!  I will only hope and pray that fate does proper justice to Chaitanya!”

  “So be it!  Although you will have to suffer in illness, I can assure you that it won’t be for long.  That day is not far when you will be released from his human bondage, Vasudev!  How paradoxical a day would that be!  While it would be indeed the saddest day for your people, it would be a moment of great pleasure and privilege to me for your pure soul would become a part of mine!”           

Vasudev suddenly felt emotional at these high words of extolment from the Lord and broke down.  The Lord held him in a warm embrace without saying anything more.  He wanted to cherish this moment in silence when he had the greatest of his devotees in his divine arms!

“My Lord!”  Vasudev called out softly.  There were still layers of tears in his eyes which shone like gems in the Halo of the Lord.  As Lord Krishna looked at him with compassion, he said, “You not only gave me this boon to open up my eyes to the actualities of life but to also mitigate my suffering from the illness for atleast a couple of months!  Am I correct?”

The Lord smiled with great charm and nodded in agreement. 

Thanking him for his magnanimity, Vasudev spoke his mind, “I know that Manorama would bear my separation for she has made up her mind to accept this reality.  However, I am skeptical about my child and King Bharadwaj!”

“The love that they have for you is ineffable, O Vasudev!  I had already told you that your child would come to terms with your loss although it would take considerable time.   King Bharadwaj is going to find it very difficult without you.  It is often such bondage and intimate attachments which leads to the greatest disappointment and dismay in life!  It only makes life miserable when the time comes for separation.  You are fortunate enough to depart before your beloved ones!”

Vasudev gave his acknowledgement with a smile.  “My Lord, what has caused this illness in the village of Narayanpur?”  He prodded.

“This is only the beginning, my child!  As man begins to abuse nature with nonchalant abandon and pollutes the atmosphere, such unknown diseases are bound to become a recurring phenomenon.  A mosquito bite which till now was believed to be capable of only sucking human blood has become lethal enough to even inject harmful diseases inside the human body!  The men who took a bath in that river on that fateful day were coincidentally bitten by such an infectious mosquito.”  The Lord deduced.

Vasudev nodded thoughtfully.  The Lord then decided to bid his devotee adieu.  “This is only a temporary departure, O Vasudev!  It is only a matter of time before our souls unite forever!  Till that moment of reckoning comes, however, you will have to suffer a bit.”

Vasudev promptly agreed to bear all that fate had in store for him.  He yet again fell at the Lord’s feet who blessed him and then disappeared.

Later, he dispatched his men to Somnapur for sharing the vital piece of information that his Lord had given him about the illness, with Sage Pradayumna.     

Back with the family that included Udhyog and Prakash he informed them about all that happened.  Although everyone felt enlightened by all that the Lord had told him they were still disappointed that despite King Bharadwaj’s authentic prediction about all this only being a test, their beloved Vasudev still faced imminent death.  The Mahatma asked all of them to be cheerful so that he can close his eyes without any feeling of regret.   His family promised to do his bidding which filled Vasudev with happiness and satisfaction.  He urged them to disclose about all that had happened in these past few days to the people only after his death.         

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Sage Parmananda who was narrating this story concluded, “What happens next is for all of you to speculate!  This story conveys an important message about the outlook that we should have towards life.  Instead of blaming fate and the Almighty for all the misfortunes that befall us, we must understand that we create our own fate and thus are ourselves amenable for the events that unfold in our lives.  

As for as Vasudev, there are so many of his qualities that we can borrow, be it his honestly, altruism, resilience, fortitude, understanding and above all his incredibly broad view of death.  Those who are born must die.  This is inevitable.  However, what we should not let die are the great qualities that Vasudev demonstrated in his eventful life so that he continues to live on and inspires generations together to follow in his heartening footsteps.”