Those were times when the gods moved through invisible borders to sojourn on earth. Human civilisation was still relatively young, and the atmosphere was permeated with a spirit of enquiry. The external world whetted man's curiosity, and his inner world invited him to reflect. If it was common to see artisans in deep concentration, carving out figurines on chariots, it was equally unexceptional to see mystics contemplating on the secrets of life. Society, at large, was motivated towards augmenting mutual enhancement; fostering a sense of togetherness; and encouraging an attitude of ahimsa. Yet, it was not the perfect age. For dharma, which in its complete state stood on four legs, was now having to balance itself on just three. It was Treta Yuga.
Sage Narada, one of the sons of Brahma, stepped out of his celestial abode to descend into a dense forest in Bhuloka. The forest that was home to several beasts of prey was also the haunt of a hunter and wayside robber, Ratnakara. As was his wont with passersby, Ratnakara accosted Narada and demanded his possessions at knife-point. An unfazed Narada responded, "I have nothing of material value with me." And further asked, "But...why are you committing this baneful act?" The bandit replied that he had taken to it in a desperate bid to support his wife, children and aged parents.
Narada looked him in the eye and asked, "Are you aware that you will have to experience the effects of your wrong Karma? Do you think that your family members will come forward to partake in the suffering that is bound to follow?" Narada was a sage of legendary wisdom and omniscience. If he was eliciting information from Ratnakara about his motives, it was only with the intention of having the robber introspect. When Ratnakara replied that his choice of action was dictated solely by a sense of duty, Narada utilised that opportunity to awaken the man to the inescapable effects of karmic laws.
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