The Only Qualification
Analyzing the life of the two prominent devotees(Maharaja Bharata and Ajamila) mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavatam
Ajamila was just a regular brahmana, while on the other hand, Maharaja Bharata was the emperor of the world. Though their lifestyle and journey are completely different, attaining perfection connects them.
Ajamila did not seek perfection and was granted deliverance from all sins without asking for it. On the other hand, Maharaja Bharata gave up everything for salvation, yet he had to endeavor for three lifetimes.
An inference from observing the two narrations
- Everyone’s path to godhead is very personal and unpredictable, i.e., looks in one way outside but is very different within.
a. Bharata’s path looked perfect and shastric on the superficial level but missed the target.
b. Ajamila’s path looked opposite, but the target found him.
2. Material emotions related to position can cause confusion and bewilderment.
a. Ajamila was one in a million during his times but is a widespread phenomenon in the present kali yuga. Yet he achieved Vaikunta in his state.
b. Maharaja Bharata led a life that was so glorious that people don’t believe that he is real now. His determination and self-discipline are something unachievable. Yet, he fell at the last step.
c. So glorious are Maharaja Bharata’s name and fame that India is known as Bharata even today, but in his personal experience, he would call his life an utter failure.
3. Paramatma’s will: Sinful Ajamila remembered Narayana, but pious Bharata placed a deer?
a. Liberation is not achieved but given, and Lord Mukunda is the only authority to bestow it.
b. This does not mean that endeavors are fruitless.
c. Endeavor is the means to please the Lord, who will bestow the ultimate fruit if he thinks the individual deserves it.
A closer look at their lives
Bharata’s material glories are immortalized. He is the grandson of Vishwamitra, who was destined to be one of the most extraordinary emperors. He was a Kshatriya who strictly followed varnashrama dharma which makes us conclude that he was pious in his previous life. But piety does not guarantee detachment, and attachment caught him at the most crucial moment of his life.
On the other hand, Ajamila was born in a pious brahmana family. His early life showed perfection; being a victim of sex attachment, he fell from his path, but Lord’s intervention saved him.
This indicates that Ajamila was far more advanced than Maharaja Bharata regarding spiritual progress, even though it looks the opposite externally.
