Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

Fourth Delight

Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma

52. The Assembly of the Wise

Shri Vyasarajaru entrusted the leadership of the Haridasa tradition to Shri Purandaradasa and appointed Shri Kanakadasa as his supporter, encouraging them to uplift the common people through the composition of Haridasa literature. As per his directive, these two great personalities enriched the Haridasa literary treasure with their immense contributions, benefiting scholars, commoners, and virtuous individuals alike.

Shri Vyasarajaru displayed special affection toward Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa, honoring them with great reverence and accolades at the matha (monastic institution). Purandaradasa, his son, and Kanakadasa propagated the essence of Vedic scriptures, the principles of Madhva philosophy, and the significance of dharma, devotion to God, righteous conduct, ethics, character, and virtuous dealings. Through their teachings and practices, they conveyed the blessings of the divine to households, guiding people toward spiritual enlightenment and a harmonious life.

By highlighting and addressing the flaws and superstitions in society, as well as its deficiencies, they steered the community toward the righteous path. Their efforts ensured that devotion to Shri Hari, faith in dharma, and virtuous living became prevalent everywhere, earning them the praise of their guru. Since Shri Vyasarajaru, being the head of the peetha (spiritual seat), could not directly engage in these activities, he accomplished this revolutionary social reform through the efforts of Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa. This initiative can undoubtedly be regarded as a transformative act of social reform undertaken by Vyasa Muni.

This great endeavor received universal acclaim. However, the special recognition and honor given by Shri Vyasarajaru to Kanakadasa caused resentment among a few individuals within the matha and some scholars. Although the people of the Kannada kingdom and the scholars of the matha believed that every action of Shri Vyasarajaru was divinely inspired, aimed at the upliftment of the language and culture, and beneficial for the welfare of all, some envious and narrow-minded individuals could not tolerate the respect and accolades bestowed upon Kanakadasa. Unaware of Kanakadasa’s true worth, these detractors occasionally criticized both Vyasa Muni and Kanakadasa, driven by internal dissatisfaction and jealousy.

Witnessing all this, Purandaradasa observed the ridicule of Kanakadasa by the hypocrites, elders, and certain detractors within the matha. He composed a song addressing Shri Vyasarajaru, pleading, “Show compassion to Kanakadasa, O Vyasa Muni! Everyone in the matha is mocking him,” and presented his appeal. Shri Vyasarajaru then illustrated Kanakadasa’s greatness to the detractors in various ways, demonstrating his worthiness and significance.

The detractors realized their mistake, sought forgiveness from Kanakadasa, and from that day onward, treated him with respect. This incident highlights Shri Vyasarajaru’s principle of honoring individuals based on their intrinsic nature and merit, without considering social distinctions of high or low. Through such actions, he became a role model for the world, exemplifying the ideals of equality and wisdom.

Shri Vyasarajaru, Purandaradasa, and Kanakadasa often retreated to secluded groves or riverbanks to engage in deep discussions. These gatherings of wise individuals became vibrant assemblies of intellectual and spiritual exchange, where every moment was filled with joy and inspiration. On one such occasion, Vyasarajaru and Purandaradasa were seated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, engaging in conversation.

When wise individuals gather, their discussions inevitably revolve around the Divine, focusing on spiritual experiences and contemplative insights. They exchanged their personal experiences, discussing Lord Shri Hari, His devotees, their glory, and the ways in which devotion and surrender should manifest in the lives of devotees. At times, they laughed; at other times, they wept, moved by deep emotion. They experienced ecstasy, danced in joy, and at moments, closed their eyes in silent meditation, immersed in divine contemplation. Such was their conduct.

Nearby, an elderly shepherd was grazing his sheep and observing their behavior. Amazed and intrigued by their extraordinary demeanor, he sat there, gazing at them in wonder.

At that moment, Purandaradasa remarked, “Swami, it would have been wonderful if our Kanakadasa were here now!” The guru responded, “Indeed, it would be delightful if he were here. Why didn’t Kanaka come today? It would be better if he were here, wouldn’t it? Should we call for him? But there’s no one here to send for him.”

Hearing this, Purandaradasa pointed to the shepherd sitting in the distance and said, “Swami, he can bring him.” Vyasarajaru called the old shepherd over with a wave of his hand. The shepherd, knowing Vyasarajaru was the royal guru, felt nervous and hesitated to approach. However, when the guru called again, he reluctantly came forward, saying, “What mistake have I made, Guru Swami? Was it wrong to graze my sheep here? Forgive me this time. I’ll leave right away—there’s no need to trouble yourself further!”

The guru laughed and said, “We don’t have any objection to you grazing your sheep here. But will you do a task for us?” The old man replied, “I will, Master, but who will look after my sheep in the meantime?”

Purandaradasa laughed and said, “We will take care of your sheep. Just do as the guru asks.” The old man, still skeptical, said, “You’re joking with me, aren’t you?”

Vyasarajaru reassured him, “It’s not a joke, my friend. Do you know where our Kanakadasa is? If you bring him here, we will reward you with whatever you ask for.”

The shepherd, intrigued, asked, “Will you really give me what I ask for, my lord? If that’s the case, I’ll go fetch Kanaka for you.”

The guru agreed, saying, “Very well, go and bring Kanaka here.” The old shepherd nodded and said, “Alright, Master. I’ll go immediately.”

He crossed the river and went to where Kanakadasa was, calling out, “Hey Kanakappa! Your Guru Swami is calling for you. Come on, let’s go!”

Kanakadasa asked, “Who all are there? What are they doing?” The old shepherd replied, “Guru Swami and Dasappa are there. They were talking about something—I don’t know what, Kanakappa—but sometimes they laughed, other times they cried, and then they closed their eyes and sat silently. They told me to bring you, saying, ‘Find Kanakappa and bring him here. We’ll give you whatever you ask for.’ Come quickly, let’s go!”

Kanakadasa laughed and said, “Oh, you are fortunate! When they ask what you want, tell them, ‘Swami, in your laughter, please give me a little. In your tears, share some with me. In your silent meditation on God, give me a bit of that too. I don’t need anything else.’ If you ask for this, your next birth will be a good one. God will favor you.”

Hearing this, the old shepherd was astonished and said, “Kanakappa! If it will help me in my next birth, I do have one desire.” Kanakadasa asked, “What is your desire?” The old man replied, “Kanakappa, you are one of us, but Swamiji holds you in such high regard. For my next birth, I want to be like you—a servant of God. Please ask Swamiji for this!” Saying this, he brought Kanakadasa to the guru.

When they arrived, the guru and Dasappa smiled upon seeing them. Shri Vyasarajaru said, “Poor man, he’s brought Kanaka. Shouldn’t we give him something, Dasappa?” Purandaradasa replied, “Indeed, Swami, we must reward him generously.”

With a kind smile, the guru asked, “What do you want, my friend?” The shepherd folded his hands and said, “Oh Swami! You and Dasappa were laughing earlier—give me a bit of that. You closed your eyes and meditated on God—share a little of that with me. That’s all I ask.”

Dasappa laughed and said, “This is not the old man’s words, Mahaswami! See, as soon as Kanaka came, the miracles began!”

Shri Vyasarajaru, now intrigued, asked the shepherd, “Tell me the truth—who told you to say this?” The old man joined his hands and replied, “Who else would teach an ignorant villager like me? It was our own Kanakappa! He said it would ensure a better next birth for me. Kanakappa’s words feel like the voice of God to me! Swami, in my next birth, I want to be like Kanakappa—a servant of God. Please bless me and grant what I’ve asked for.”

Shri Vyasarajaru said, “Indeed, Kanaka, whatever you do is always a noble act. So be it. We grant you what you have asked for. May good things happen to you. Go in peace.” Laughing heartily, he added, “This has always been your unique trait—past, present, and future.”

Vyasa Munindra, with a serious demeanor but a hint of a smile, remarked, “What does Shri Hari's will matter to us?”

Kanakadasa, smiling knowingly, responded, “Why test this poor shepherd when you already know everything, Mahaswami? Gurudeva, you must take on your final incarnation, mustn’t you? However, Guru, your fortune is unmatched in this world. Shri Hari’s divine will has always ensured that you ride an elephant, a chariot, or a palanquin. His love and affection for you are unparalleled. Swami, in your next birth, you will purify the entire universe and shine as Shri Hari’s representative in this world. Even then, your splendor will remain the same!”

Shri Vyasarajaru, chuckling, said, “Alright, Kanaka, what is your wish?”

Kanakadasa replied, “Oh no, I do not wish to be reborn and endure hardships again. What I’ve experienced in this life is enough. By your grace, why should this shepherd endure further struggles?”

Vyasa, laughing, said, “Why, Kanaka? Do you not wish to ride a bullock cart again? That’s impossible. When we all reincarnate, you must return as well. This time, you came as a shepherd; next time, come as a farmer. Even then, this blanket will remain your fate, won’t it, Dasare? And if you wish, after that, you can ride your bullock cart permanently!”

The other dasas (disciples) laughed and said, “Indeed! You must return with your blanket once more!”

Kanakadasa, smiling gently, said, “Alright, Swami, as per your command, I’ll return as a farmer. But promise me that you will uplift me again in that life. If you do, I’ll gladly come!”

Vyasarajaru, smiling warmly, replied, “So be it, Kanaka. We’ll fulfill your wish. Are you satisfied now?”

Kanakadasa, smiling, bowed and said, “I am uplifted, Gurudeva.”

Thus, whenever these wise individuals gathered, numerous delightful and profound events unfolded. The assembly of these great souls is undoubtedly a golden chapter in the spiritual history of the world.