Whenever you will waver from the path, I will return again!

...I had given you the sermon on the subject of the soul earlier too. But you forgot that. Out of my immense love for you, I have come to show you the path again.

In the Vishnupurana, a sacred scriptural text, description of an inspiring incident is given. The incident relates to the time when Nidaagh, son of Sage Pulastya, returned to the ashram of his father after performing the pilgrimage of several holy places. He began to share his experiences with his father. At that moment, the “mind-born-son” of Lord Brahma, Sage Ribhu, a realised Soul, arrived in the scene. Nidaagh offered him reverential salutations and then began to share the experiences of his pilgrimage with him as well.

Afterwards, with a feeling of disappointment, Nidaagh said, “Oh, revered Sage, even after performing pilgrimage of so many holy places, my mind is not at peace. The feeling of renunciation has of course kindled in my inner being. But I am unable to experience the realm of bliss.” Sage Ribhu listened to his words of disappointment and said, “Oh, Nidaagh! What type of renunciation are you talking about? Explain to me in detail.”

Expressing his feelings with a heavy heart, Nidaagh submitted before the Sage thus: “Revered Sage! I have developed the feeling of renunciation towards this body. I have understood that this human body, besides being perishable, is insignificant and worthless. In this abode termed as the body, the chief called ego resides. This body is also the dwelling of many animals called sense organs. These animals always push us and propel us towards negative actions. A monkey of desire roams around in the veranda of this abode. Thus, I have no attachment for this body. But the problem is that despite knowing this body to be perishable, I am unable to experience peace of mind.”