When explaining the ways to gain realisation, Lord Krishna makes it clear that controlling the mind and fixing it in the Absolute Truth is the only way. To Arjuna's doubt regarding the failed attempts in the practice of Yoga which might make one lose the worldly as well as spiritual worlds, the Lord assures that any spiritual effort does not go waste. “No one who seeks Brahman will ever come to evil. In accordance with one's deeds, one will be reborn in circumstances conducive for spiritual pursuit, yoga etc., with the spiritual discernment that had been gained in his former births. One has to struggle hard to cleanse oneself of all impurities and move towards perfection through many births.”
The episode of Jadabharata (who had been a deer and King Bharata in the preceding births) exemplifies the state of a realised person, said Sri N. Suresh in a lecture.
In his birth as Jadabharata, he remains distant from worldly pursuits and shows no inclination to interact with people. Once a group of people wanted to offer human sacrifice to Goddess Kali and brought him for the ritual; but the Goddess appeared and saved him from the group. In another instance, he was summoned to bear the palanquin of a king along with three others. The king found that the palanquin was not borne properly and chided the newcomer whose walk did not coordinate with the rest of the bearers.
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At this moment, Jadabharata speaks up and asks sharp questions to the king: “Whom are you calling a fool? Who do you say is tired? Whom are you addressing? Is it the body, the mass of flesh? Is it the mind? Or is it something beyond? Then it is the Self which is the Reality in me as well as in you. This Self knows no weariness, and cannot be hurt.” Jadabharata explains that while carrying the palanquin, he wished to avoid walking on the worms and ants crawling on the road.
This eloquent exposition on the nature of the soul humbled the king who was proud of his learning and achievements. He saw in the palanquin bearer a realised soul and spontaneously prostrated at his feet.