Seek eternal Truth

The story I heard yesterday, narrated by Sri Vidya Prakasanandagiri, about Trivedi and Max Müller carries a profound philosophical lesson. In the story, Trivedi, a well-educated young man, successfully completes the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination and is returning to India. He is advised to meet Max Müller, a renowned German scholar who translated the Vedas into English and was known for his deep understanding of Sanskrit.

During their encounter, Müller is struggling to translate a particular Sanskrit word into English. Upon receiving Trivedi, Müller asks him what he plans to do next. Trivedi, somewhat puzzled, answers that he will join his job and carry out his duties. Müller again asks, "And then?" Trivedi responds that he will get married and have children. Müller repeats the question. The boy, now growing impatient, says he will grow in his career and become comfortable in life. Müller asks again, "And then?" Exhausted, Trivedi says he will retire and lead a settled life. Müller repeats the question once more. Finally, bursting with impatience, Trivedi says, "I will die and leave this earth." But Müller does not stop and asks the same question again, "And then?"

Trivedi has no answer. At this point, Max Müller remarks, "I thought you are Trivedi, knowing all the Vedas, but you seem to be missing the essence. The Vedas teach us to strive for the eternal while alive, not just to prepare for what comes after death."

Max Müller's repeated questioning serves to highlight the transient nature of worldly achievements and to provoke Trivedi into contemplating the deeper existential purpose of life. The story underscores the teaching of the Vedas that emphasizes the pursuit of eternal truth and self-realization, encouraging individuals to seek spiritual growth and understanding beyond the temporal successes and stages of life.

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