Balarama smiled and said, "Your question was asked by Maharishi Veda Vyasa also!". He continued to speak.

Veda Vyasa asked, "O Narayana, who is this parrot? What is its origin? Why is he born again as my son?"

Sri Krishna replied, "O Maharishi, Suka deva was an ordinary parrot. When I had to leave Devi Radha to kill Kansa in Mathura and continue my life, I presented Suka as a gift to my dear love. Suka always served her mistress Radha. He helped Radha Rani in my devotion by singing the praises of mine."

"Radha always was immersed in the bhakti of mine. Her mind was always focussed on the peacock feather and flute of mine. Suka was already liberated by becoming the servant of Radha Rani, the mistress of Goloka, the eternal abode of Radha Krishna. Since Radha Rani is in deep penance to leave the material world and reach Goloka, the eternal abode, She ordered Suka to leave and stay on Earth for some more period. He passed Kailash where Siva and Parvati were discussing the secrets of immortality. Thus The soul of Suka got enlightened and eternal."

Veda Vyasa said, "Oh Kesava, I understood your Leela. What Suka heard was not an ordinary lesson! It will be called Srimad Bhagavatham by the world. It is the essence of liberation and immortality." Sri Krishna blessed Vyasa and Suka and disappeared.

Lord Siva with his yogic powers found that Suka has come out. He with his Trishul appeared before Suka to kill him. Veda Vyasa stopped him and said, "O Uma Maheshwar, O Neelakanta, O Bholenatha, Mercy on my son. He has obtained the eternality and liberation. It is not right to kill him. Please calm down".

Hearing the pleas of Vyasa, Siva left go of his anger and blessed Suka deva fame and glory. Siva returned to Kailash. As Vyasa turned to Suka to embrace him, Suka fled.

Suka said as he ran, "O dear father, I wish not to be attached to you. Also, I wish not to be attached to this world." Veda Vyasa yelled, "Wait, son. Wait, Listen to my words".

Suka passed a group of naked apsaras who were bathing. They did not bother to cover themselves when he passed them. As Vyasa ran at the back of Suka, He had to pass the naked Apsaras. This time, they immediately covered themselves. Vyasa was shocked by their acts.

He asked, "O Divine ladies, when my son passed you, you remained naked. But at the arrival of mine, why did you hasten to cover up yourself?"

An apsara replied, "O Sage, the purity of the boy was not at all a distraction for us though he was naked too. We did not feel to cover up ourselves when he passed while we generally protect our body by clothes."

Veda Vyasa understood the greatness of Suka. He screamed at Suka, "I, your rightful father, order you to come before me. Disrespecting parents is equal to disrespecting Sri Krishna".

Suka returned and fell at feet of Veda Vyasa and took his blessings. Vyasa ordered Suka to go and learn under the Teacher of Demi-Gods/Devas known as Brihaspati, the 5th planet in our Solar system. Suka immediately left and became the disciple of Brihaspati.

After a few years, Suka returned. Veda Vyasa was pleased and said, "Suka, you fulfilled the first stage of your life- Brahmachari. Now, it is the time to fulfill the second stage of your life- Grihaspati"

Suka was horrified.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

(Published on 20th June 2020, Saturday)

NEXT EPISODE: Suka fails the test of Janaka.

(Image credits: Google)