Sage Dattatreya
I shall now relate to you an ancient sacred story. On one occasion very long ago there was a highly distinguished gathering of holy saints in the abode of Brahma, the Creator, when a very subtle and sublime disputation took place. Among those present were Sanaka, Sananda, Sanatkumara and Sanatsujata, Vasishta, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Brighu, Atri, Angiras, Pracheta, Narada, Chyavana, Vamadeva,Visvamitra, Gautama, Suka, Parasara, Vyasa, Kanva, Kasyapa, Daksha, Sumanta, Sanka, Likhita, Devala and other celestial and royal Sages. Each one of them spoke of his own system with courage and conviction and maintained that it was better than all the rest.
But they could not reach a conclusion and so asked Brahma: 'Lord! We are Sages who know all about the world and beyond, but each one’s way of life differs from that of the others because the dispositions of our minds differ. Some of us are always in nirvikalpa samadhi, some engaged in philosophical discussions, some sunk in devotion, some have taken to work, and others seem exactly like men of the world. Which is the best among us? Please tell us. We cannot decide ourselves, because each thinks that his way is the best.'
Thus requested, Brahma seeing their perplexity answered: 'Best of saints! I also would like to know. There is Parameswara who is the All-knower. Let us go and ask him.'
Collecting Vishnu on their way, they went to Shiva. There the leader of the deputation, Brahma, asked Shiva about the matter. Having heard Brahma, Shiva divined the mind of Brahma and understood that the Rishis were wanting in confidence and so that any words of his would be useless. He then said to them: 'Hear me, Rishis! Neither do I clearly see which is the method. Let us meditate on the Goddess — Her Majesty Unconditioned Knowledge. We shall then be able to understand even the subtlest of truths by Her grace.'
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