Finish the Job in One Life - Following the Potent Determination of Dhruva
Success in the spiritual path is often determined by the gravity of one's purpose. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the history of the young prince Dhruva is preserved in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam primarily to show us the potency of fixed resolve. Despite being a child of only five years, he possessed a spirit that was not fickle; he was intent on reaching his goal at any cost. This article examines how such a firm stance attracts the mercy of the Lord and the spiritual master, allowing a practitioner to overcome material hankerings and reach the highest destination.
Catalyst: From Insult to Initiation
The journey of the young prince was sparked by a strong kṣatriya spirit. After being insulted by his stepmother, Suruci, and told he could not sit on his father's throne, Dhruva resolved to achieve a position even more exalted than that of Lord Brahmā. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that because of this incredible resolve, Kṛṣṇa, the Supersoul, personally intervened by sending His representative, Nārada, to initiate him. This shows that when a seeker is truly serious about their objective, the Lord provides the necessary guidance and the appropriate mantra to ensure their success.
- According to his (Dhruva Maharaja's) stepmother, he could not be declared king. Dhruva Maharaja's determination, therefore, was to become king of a planet exalted even beyond that possessed by Lord Brahma, the greatest of all the demigods.
- After understanding the strong determination of Dhruva Maharaja, Narada came to help him.
- Because of Dhruva Maharaja's determination, Krsna, the Supersoul, immediately sent His representative, Narada, to initiate him.
- When Narada saw that Dhruva was so determined, he initiated him as a disciple and gave him the mantra, om namo bhagavate vasudevaya. Dhruva chanted this mantra and became perfect, and God came before him.
Tested by the Spiritual Master
Before granting the final initiation, a spiritual master may test the resolve of the student. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Nārada Muni initially advised Dhruva to go back home and wait for a more mature age to practice devotional service. However, the prince’s fixed intention to achieve the Lord’s benediction was so powerful that he could not be dissuaded. He was determined to fulfill his desire and left his home and palace with a clear goal in mind. Seeing this unshakeable spirit, Nārada understood that Dhruva was a fit candidate for the highest spiritual instructions.
- Sri Narada Muni, the supreme spiritual master, is testing Dhruva Maharaja to see how determined he is to prosecute devotional service. This is the process of accepting a disciple.
- Dhruva Maharaja was determined to achieve the benediction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and therefore Narada advised him to go back home for the time being, and in mature time he could try to practice devotional service.
- Dhruva Maharaja was strongly determined to fulfill his desire, and it was for that purpose that he had left his home and palace.
- The great sage Narada has come to Dhruva under the direction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead just to initiate him, yet he is testing Dhruva's determination to execute the process.
The Reward of Spiritual Fixity
The ultimate result of the prince's steadfastness was the personal manifestation of the Personality of Godhead. Although his initial goal was somewhat "childish" and focused on revenge, the Lord is so kind that He satisfied the determination of Dhruva by offering him a planet in which the Lord Himself resides. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights that upon seeing the Lord, the boy’s heart was transformed; he compared his original determination to wanting "particles of broken glass," whereas he had now received "many diamonds." Even if one approaches God in distress or with a material motive, if they do so with the same fixity of purpose, they will eventually find full spiritual satisfaction.
- As a result of his (Dhruva Maharaja's) rendering such devotional service with great determination and austerity, the Personality of Godhead personally manifested Himself before him.
- Dhruva Maharaja wanted a residence more exalted than any ever occupied by anyone else in his family. Therefore he was offered the planet in which the Lord personally resides, and his determination was completely satisfied.
- It is described that after the appearance of the Lord, when Dhruva Maharaja thought and compared his determination to his final reward, he realized that he had wanted a few particles of broken glass but instead had received many diamonds.
- Even though one may be poverty-stricken or in distress, if he goes to God with the same determination as Dhruva, intent on seeing God and taking His benediction, and if he happens to see God, he will no longer want anything material.
Conclusion
The most important takeaway from this history is the duty to follow in the prince's footsteps. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that we should be determined to finish our execution of devotional service in this life and not wait for another birth. By being serious and sincere, any practitioner can achieve the stage of a paramahaṃsa and realize the real truth. The example of Dhruva teaches us that once we are intent on seeing God and taking His shelter, all other material desires naturally vanish, replaced by the eternal satisfaction of the soul.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Dhruva's Determination. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.