Episode Details

The conclusion of the teachings of Rṣabadeva

Seeing the mind as an untrustworthy person

As a devotee advances in devotional service, one automatically develops the mystical perfections, just as advanced yogīs. However, because a devotee is interested in attaining spiritual perfection, he doesn’t become distracted by the material possibilities offered by mystic powers. Similarly, Ṛṣabhadeva possessed all mystic perfections, but He neglected them, refusing to exercise their powers.

It was already established that Ṛṣabhadeva was completely renounced and free from the grasp of illusory energy. This brings us another question. It is understandable that a neophyte may avoid displaying mystic power in fear that they may distract him from his practice, but what is the need of a paramahaṃsa such as Ṛṣabhadeva to hide His opulences? Certainly, there was no risk for Him in falling back into illusion…