*Surprising incident of the arrival of a Brahman, * Description of Shri Hari
Having heard the nectar-like wish-fulfilling speech of the Sage Shatanand, the king, of sober nature was much pleased and humbly said to him – 1.
The king spoke, ‘From your speech, O Sage! Very kindly you have favoured me that I could understand the greatness of the treatise properly. 2.
‘Truly, O eminent Sage! I think that by listening to this sacred text one will surely be able to attain the four attributes or goals of life viz – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. 3.
‘O Sage! I would like to know about such a person who has attained all the four goals after hearing this great book Satsangijivan.’ 4.
Surprising incident of the arrival of a Brahman
Having heard these pleasant words beneficial to all beings the sage was very delighted and began to speak in response to the question. 5.
At that very moment, there happened to be a great wonder in the assembly. Witnessing that all members in the assembly were very much excited with joy. 6.
From some distant place, there arrived a Brahman, quite unknown to that assembly. He looked very gentle and calm. 7.
He bowed down to Shatanand Muni and was very much pleased at heart; with horripilations on his body, he spoke to Shatanand Muni in a faltering speech. 8.
‘O Sage! You have made me satisfied by all means. You have made me free from the mouth of the dreadful serpent-like agonies of worldly life.’ 9.
‘O Sage! The sorrow that I had to suffer because of my misdeeds in the past, which were not destroyed by any means, that you have made to dissolve, giving me an opportunity to listen to this sacred book.’ 10.
‘Oh Sage! After hearing this scripture I have seen before my eyes, Lord Shri Hari, who has taken birth on his own will as the son of Bhakti Devi and Dharma Deva, and who is devoid of all worldly qualities. 11.
Description of Shri Hari
He, the unlimited ocean of excellence, beauty and tenderness, His face shining with a sportive smiling face, the ocean of delightful attributes; worshipped by Satsangis and sages with intense love, with sandal paste, fragrant flowers and attractive gifts. 12-13.
With His divine figure looking so tender, deep blue in colour like multitude of newly bloomed lotuses; with His garment attractive like the splendid clear autumn sky shining with stars. His face like autumn moon, with attractive smile spreading nectar; with His eyes lustrous like fresh bloomed lotus. 14-15.
His glances tremulous, moving on all sides, full of nectarine compassion, with His strong arms running up to His knees, His chest broad and even; His delicate fingers adorned by nails lustrous like gems moving about, with a pair of palms, surpassing land-lotuses in radiance. 16-17.
With His waist decorated by a golden girdle studded with various gems, while stepping, His lotus feet adorned with silver wear making the sound ‘chat chat’. 18.
His ears decorated by fish shaped earrings, wearing a golden armlet studded with gems, with His fingerings spreading radiance; illumining with His lotus feet adorned by golden anklets making a sweet sound, with His conch-shaped neck shining with the necklace made of exclusive pearls; Wearing garlands of Champaka, Kunda, Mandar, rose and flowercrest and a beautiful flower string on His ears. 19-.21.
With tender wreath emitting fragrance in abundance, with swarming bees humming sweetly on it; holding an attractive golden radiant cane in His lovely hand; His cheeks shining due to the rays of His moving bright earrings; with His curved shaped eyebrows; with His well-shaped lips like Bimba fruit, and nose like a sesame flower. 22-23.
‘O Sage! Having visualized the Lord Shri Hari of such a magnanimous form, I am experiencing the highest bliss; at this moment, I feel I have attained the full reward of my life. ‘ 24.
Being steady and firm in His devotion (here), at the end of life I shall certainly reach His divine imperishable abode full of bliss (hereafter). 25.
Having said thus, he revered Sage Shatanand with flowers, auspicious rice and sandal paste, very respectfully and then put the dust of his feet on his head. 26.
Then, very modestly he bowed down to both the preceptors (namely Ayodhyaprasad and Raghuvira) and the sages, and saluted all the devotees present in the assembly. 27.
Very much pleased with his mind merged deeply in joy he took leave of Sage Shatanand, and went home in a tranquil mood. 28.
Then, beholding this wonderful incident, the king asked the sage ‘O Sage! From where does this Brahman come? What unbearable sorrow has this Brahman had? Foresighted as he was, what means did he employ to come out of it? How did he tackle them? 29-30.
I am very much eager to know about the same, can you please tell me. O you great among the good! Surely, there can be nothing left to be known to a disciple of yours.’ 31.
Hearing these words from him (the King) the sage, who had the knowledge of the past, present and future due to Shri Hari’s grace, knowing the intention of the King, said to him. 32.
Thus, here ends the eighth chapter named the description of the appearance of Lord Shri Hari as seen by his Brahman devotee, during the conversation between Shatanand Muni and Hemantsinh. 8