The Story of Ashtavakra (Part 2)

We saw how Ashtavakra grew up with Swetaketu, his similar-aged uncle. He regarded Rishi Uddalaka, his maternal grandfather, as his father. His grandfather, as well as his mother, never revealed to him how his father had died; twelve years passed away.

One day Ashtavakra was sitting in the lap of his grandfather when Swetaketu jerked him away and told him, “This is not your father’s lap”. Ashtavakra was deeply hurt and went crying to his mother and asking her where his father was. Sujata, his mother, did not want to reveal the truth about his father. Knowing that Ashtavakra had the power of austerity and could curse her, she grudgingly told him the details of his father’s death.

That night Ashtavakra told Swetaketu, “Let us go to the court of King Janaka and take part in the yagna he is performing. There we will listen to the Brahmins arguing about the Vedas.” They left for Janaka’s court and on the way they met the king himself. Janaka asked them to make way for him so he could enter the yagna spot. Ashtavakra replied, “When giving way to someone the first preference is given to a blind person, next to one who is deaf, then for women, thereafter to one who is carrying a heavy weight and finally to the king. But above all of these, the first preference of way is always given to a Brahmin”.

To this, King Janaka replied, “I will immediately make way for you, so that you can go where you desire, because even if the flame is small it still burns and it is because of this that even Indra, the lord of heavens, bows down to Brahmins.”; this was in reference to a Brahmin’s power to curse.

Ashtavakra said, “O King, we have come here to see your yagna, we are guests so please ask the guard at the door to allow us in.” To this the doorkeeper answered, “Children are not allowed in this yagna. I can only allow old and learned Brahmins inside.”

Ashtavakra replied, “If only old people are allowed then you should make way for us, for we have done everything the old do. We have kept all the vows and fasts, know the Vedas and have controlled our passions and senses. Do not take us as young children, for a lighted piece of coal burns, however small it is.”

The doorkeeper said, “Please recite the beautiful verses of the Vedas to me. Just see how young you are and how big you talk. A Brahmin with deep knowledge of the scriptures is a rare being.”

Ashtavakra said “Just because the body has grown does not make a person wise. The Sheem tree is small but its roots have spread far and wide, and it gives innumerable fruit.”

The doorkeeper said, “Children learn from elders and as time goes by they become old. It is impossible to gain knowledge in very little time, so why do you a young child try to imitate an elder.”