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The following discourse has been translated into English from Bhagavan's Telugu speech as heard on this festival's ashram audiocassette. It is a complete, literal translation made with the objective of preserving Bhagavan's precious original poetic style as much as possible
DISCOURSE by bhagavan SRI SATHYA SAI BABASummer Course - 200218th May, 2002 Maanam Hitva Priyo Bhavati. Krodham Hitva Na Shochati. Kaamam Hitva Arthaat Bhavati. Lobhaam Hitva Sukhi Bhavati. Without ego, there will be dearness. Without anger, there will be no sorrow. Without desire, there will be wealth. Without greed, there will be happiness. (Sanskrit sloka) Both Of Them
Entered Mithila
Embodiments of Love! As long as man has ego, no one will love him. Due to anger and due to ego, no one -- not even his own wife and children -- will like to talk with him. Then if anger arises in man, as long as this anger is present, we will not obtain happiness at all. As long as there are limitless desires, the mind will not be under control. The day that man is distant from greed, he will be able to attain all joys. The main episode from the Ramayana today is an episode very dear to ladies. Rama and Lakshmana went with Viswamitra from Ayodhya to the town of Mithila. However, coming to know the subject of the marriage (after Rama broke the Bow of Siva and won Sita’s hand), King Janaka sent a message for Dasaratha to come. It was four days’ time until he would arrive. Rama came to know that his father, younger brothers and mothers all would come that evening. Lakshmana went slowly to the preceptor Viswamitra and said, “Swami, our parents are coming. If you give us one day, we have the wish to see this town of Mithila.” “All right,” Viswamitra gave his permission. Both of them entered onto the streets of Mithila. Yet, they drew everyone’s vision just like a big powerful magnet, as soon as people saw them. Even all the ladies who were doing work in the house came outside. The children who were studying in the school came running out. Everyone stood looking at these two brothers without blinking their eyelids. '“What is this beauty? They are shining like the Sun and Moon! Where did they come from? Why did they come? Who are they?” They asked these questions within themselves. No one gave a suitable reply. One sister-in-law came and told all the ladies, “Mother, my birthplace is Ayodhya. I have come to Mithila because I got married here. The sons of King Dasaratha, Rama and Lakshmana, are so very handsome. They attract everyone even when they go about the streets of Ayodhya.” She told everything about their parents, their town and the attraction of these boys. However, no matter how many people came, Rama and Lakshmana did not raise their heads. They only bowed their heads and looked down at the streets. A few ladies said, “This is not the right time. They are not looking in our direction. Their vision does not fall on us.” They brought a few flowers and sprinkled them on Rama and Lakshmana’s path. They had the hope that when they sprinkled the flowers, Rama and Lakshmana might look at them. While it was like that, the ladies went to a lot trouble so that Rama and Lakshmana’s vision would be showered on everyone. The people even gave auspicious arathis. But Rama and Lakshmana didn’t look at anyone. The youth of those days had such sacred vision. No one of that age had the habit of looking at women. Finally they saw the entire village, and they arrived home again. By that time their parents had arrived. Their brothers also arrived. When all the four brothers were together at once, the four were radiant like the Moon amongst the stars. Seeing their beauty, their behaviour and their vision, all the residents of the town of Janaka were surprised. The Bow of
Siva Should Be Lifted
The Bow of Siva should be lifted. The second day there was a grand assembly. Ravana came. All his brothers came. Then, all very great kings came. Very strong people arrived. The wife of King Janaka was Sunetra. She had the name of Sunetra Devi. She was observing from behind a curtain. “Boys with such greatness, such attraction, such virtues and such great beauty have come here. It would be good if the responsibility was discharged by giving a wife to one of them, isn’t it so? Why has King Janaka become so crazy? Why should the determination be made that Sita will be given only to the one who lifts this Bow of Siva? Very great, valorous and brave people have come. Can these boys do what they (other valorous kings) cannot? They look like quite delicate boys. Will they be able to bear such a heavy weight?” Saying as much to her companion maids, Sunetra felt very badly inside. However, it happened that no one was able to lift up the Bow of Siva. Finally Viswamitra told Rama to go. Rama went and opened the box. By the time He opened it, all the ones who were sitting on the chairs were moving about a lot. Only Lakshmana got up and with one leg he was pressing down the earth very hard. Yet even Viswamitra didn’t know why Lakshmana was doing this. “Lakshmana, what is this thing that you are doing? What is the work that is happening here?” When Viswamitra asked that, Lakshmana bent his head down and said, “This only is the help that I am giving to my revered elder brother.” This means that Lakshmana pressed down at once the heaviness of the box, the weight of the Bow of Shiva. There was so much love between the brothers! Only brothers of those days had the desire that the other brother must achieve victory. In Order For
Us To Win, He Loses
Not only that - even when the boys were playing, Bharata came and sat on the lap of Kausalya and was crying. “Dear son, why are you crying? Did your elder brother scold you? Did He hit you?” Saying that, she asked these types of questions. “Mother, there are no brothers who beat me and no brothers who scold me. All of them love me. However, Rama feels that I should win and He should lose. No matter how much I try to let Rama win, he loses and lets me win.” Rama had a strong resolve that, “The younger brother should win and I should lose.” Each brother said this same thing. “Mother, in order for us to win, He loses. He makes us win in many ways. He knows that the elder brother’s joy is only when the younger brothers win and are joyful. In this way, the elder brother was very eager with the aim of bringing the younger brothers up, and thereby subjecting himself to difficulties. This Is The
Resolve Of God
Rama strung the Bow of Siva. Finally, He broke it. The sound of the clapping hands reached the sky. “This small boy broke the Bow of Siva at such a young age? Even if there were a thousand people, they could not lift it. They even had the box dragged there by a few elephants. How did Rama lift such a heavy box? How could He string it?” This amazing news spread all over Janaka’s town. However, not only did the news spread, King Janaka also immediately got everything ready for the marriage. Vasishta came near. King Kusadhwaja was the younger brother of King Janaka. Janaka had two daughters; one was Sita and the other Urmila. The four girls seemed like four jewels. They were shining like the Sun and the Moon. What to do with the remaining unmarried two girls? Thinking that, Vasishta slowly went to Kusadhwaja and said, “Sir, you have two daughters. Give these two daughters in marriage to Bharata and Satrughna.” No one knew. Even Janaka didn’t know. Immediately Kusadhwaja accepted it. Kusadhwaja told this news to his elder brother and Janaka shed tears of bliss. Then he got all four ready and he brought them to the stage. As the four sons sat on the stage with the four daughters, it seemed like the entire Mithila was shining. No woman could describe the bliss that they experienced. They had tremendous good fortune. It was thought that there would be the marriage of Sita, but finally all three (her sister and two cousins also) got married. This is the resolve of God. If God resolves, He can do anything in a moment. To whom is it possible? Who can accomplish it? Who can do it? (Telugu poem) The people said, “To whom is it possible? No one can do it. It is only God's resolve that is a witness.” The Boys Did
Not Look At Anyone
The four sat to get married. The boys who sat did not look at anyone. In this modern age, the bride and groom are always talking and laughing with each other and so many other alterations are going on. Yet Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, Satrughna, Sita, Urmila, Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi -- all of them bent their heads and didn’t look at anyone. They put out their hands, sprinkled the holy rice and were doing all like this just as the priests told them to do. In those days there was respect, bounds of morality and wealth of character. It has become necessary to tell you all of this to let you know how great it was. Janaka stood near Rama. He had to give away his daughter, isn’t it so? He was saying, “Rama, here is Sita. She is my Sita, my daughter. Sita is our daughter.” Rama didn’t look. Janaka told him to see her. Janaka felt very badly that Rama didn’t look. Yet He didn't look. Why? This is because, according to the custom, they should look at each other for the first time only after tying the marriage thread. Until then, one should not look at the other. They kept such strict discipline in that way. Whether today or any day, that discipline won't come again. The ideal that Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna showed, no one can show such an ideal. I Won’t Bend
My Head
The marriage was finished; so then they should place the garlands on each other. The ladies were standing holding the garlands. Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna were also standing. After Rama garlanded His bride, then Lakshmana did it; and after Lakshmana did it, then Bharata and Satrughna did it. The parents were waiting near these four. They were advising so much: “Dear son, how long will the girls be able to wait? Place the garland fast, place it fast!” They were rushing them a lot. Rama garlanded Sita. Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna also put garlands on their wives. However, the women should also place a garland. Sita was holding the garland. No matter how much time she held it, Rama didn’t bend His head. “I lifted the Bow of Siva with such valour and gained respect from lifting such a Bow of Siva. I don’t like to bend My head in front of so many people. I should uphold My respect. I won't bend My head.” Thinking that, He stood straight. Rama was very tall. He was so great. Though a young age, all four of their bodies were very well-formed. However, all the people were watching. They were all whispering among themselves. “Why shouldn’t Rama bend His head?” Saying that, some people started whispering. Yet even Rama didn’t like to stand for so long. He looked in Lakshmana’s direction*. One could see that Lakshmana had very keen intelligence. Even Bharata and Satrughna had keen intelligence. For that reason, even in those days Thyagaraja said: Will the monkey cross the ocean? Could He be tied to a stone used for grinding? Would Lakshmi Devi love Him? Would Lakshmana serve Him? Bharata with subtle intelligence, looking and looking, would he bow down? How wonderful is the majestic power of Rama! (Swami sings a Telugu song) In those days, Thyagaraja described it in this way. (*Rama’s look suggested the idea to Lakshmana to lift up the earth, thereby lifting Sita up.) However, even Lakshmana said that it wasn’t possible. Why? This is because he was Adi Sesha (the thousand-headed serpent) who held the whole earth on its hood. Yet, if he tried to raise only Sita, everyone would raise up too. He said that it wasn’t possible. Then Rama said, “You find a means.” Looking and looking, Lakshmana suddenly ran and fell at the Feet of Rama with much anxiety. Lakshmana, who fell at the Feet, did not get up even after a long time. Then Rama bent down and said, “Lakshmana, get up!” When Rama bent down, Sita immediately garlanded Rama. After Sita placed the garland, then Urmila and Sruthakeerthi also placed the garlands on their husbands. In this way it became known how great and how full of decency their character and their actions were, and how much good reputation it earned them. The marriage was finished and they came to Ayodhya. Even in Ayodhya all went on grandly. However, what is it that we should think of now? It is not only important to sit describing the virtues of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna. We should also describe to some extent the virtues of Sita, Urmila, Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi. They are also greatly virtuous. They came from great royal families. King Janaka was one who attained so much great fame. He achieved sense control. He was greatly valorous in karma yoga. He was an authority in jnana. The daughters of such a man as Janaka, and the daughters of his brother, were not ordinary people. Husband Is
God
When they went to the forest, only Rama was asked to go to the forest. However, Sita did not listen to that word (that only Rama should go). Afterwards, Rama went to His mother. His mother thought, “At a time when I was so happy thinking that, in only a few minutes the Coronation would happen, such a news has come!” She became very disheartened. “Dear son, you are going to the forest, only accepting the word of your father. What about the mother’s word? I am also half of him, aren’t I? I am half of the body of your father, isn't it so? Therefore, what are You doing to obey my half? I will also come with You.” Then Rama gave advice: “Mother, husband is God. There is nothing higher than husband. He is aged. Not only that; but he is distressed at this grievous news. It is not good for you to leave him and come with Me at this time. You have to serve him and you have to console him. The suitable courage has to be conveyed to him.” Saying that, he gave many different types of teachings to His mother. Sita heard all of this. After returning home, they had to put on clothes made of naara (fibrous bark of trees). That was what Kaika wanted. Sita put on the naara clothes and said, “I also must come.” Rama answered, “You can’t come!” When he said this, she replied, “Rama, is there different guidance for the mother and different guidance for me? Both are women, isn’t it? It is a characteristic of women to give joy to the husband. It is the characteristic of women to see to the conveniences of the husband. That applies to me also, doesn’t it? My Dharma is to give joy to my husband and to look after his comforts, isn’t it? Therefore, I will not accept this (Rama ordering her to stay).” When Sita spoke like that, Urmila, Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi kept silent. It happened like this. Serve Sita
and Rama
Everyone knew that just the next day the Coronation would happen. Mandavi was a great painter. Not only that, even Urmila was also a great painter. Urmila thought, “Tomorrow the Coronation of Rama and Sita will be performed. I have to paint the entire scene of the wedding and send it to my father.” With that happiness, she sat in a room and was painting. Lakshmana went to see Rama. He saw the situation. He was very angry. No matter how much was said, Rama didn’t listen. He was taking only Kaika as an ideal. Lakshmana came with that anger to Urmila. When he came near her he said, “Urmila!” She saw his anger. He said, “I am going to the forest.” When she who was painting got up, all that paint was knocked down and fell over everything. She said, “Alas! I was painting the Coronation of Sita and Rama and all has got ruined!” He said, “Urmila, I have ruined your painting. Kaika has ruined the Coronation of Rama. Both have been ruined, isn't it so? I am going now.” You should think about how much faith, courage and what a sacred heart she had. He said that Sita was also going. She was so happy. She didn’t have the stubbornness to say, “I am also coming.” “Lord (an address to one’s husband), make the suitable effort to serve Sita and Rama without any trouble. From getting up in the early morning till going to bed at night, you should be immersed in the service of Sita and Rama. You don’t even need to remember my name. You don’t need to think about me being in Ayodhya at all. Forget about Ayodhya. The forest with Rama is Ayodhya, and Ayodhya without you is a forest. Therefore, don’t think of me. I will think of you and spend my time happily.” Saying that, Urmila explained to her husband much about courage. Not only that -- Giving courage like this she thought, “If he thinks of me, it might be an obstacle to their service.” She made him promise: “Don’t think of me for even a moment in these fourteen years. Rama is your father and Sita is your mother. Service to such a mother and father is most important for you. So forget us.” She took the promise and she happily sent Lakshmana. Kausalya may have suffered but Urmila did not feel badly at all. Daughters-in-law should be like this. She should give the suitable type of courage and boldness to her husband. A wife has the names of illalu (housewife), Dharmapathni (partner in Dharma) and Gruha Lakshmi (Goddess of the Home). This Dharmapathni (Urmila) conveyed Dharma to Lakshmana. Sumitra Had
A Good Heart
However, Bharata, Satrughna, Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi were not there then. All of them were in the Kingdom of Kaikeya. It happened like this at the time when Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were sent away. Yet the mother Kausalya felt very badly. At the time that she felt badly, we have to remember the qualities of Sumitra also. She was ‘Sumitra’ (su= good, mitra= friend). She was a suitable friend as indicated by her name. She had a good heart. Her heart was stable. She didn’t cry. With a lot of joy she said to Kausalya, “Elder sister, why are you feeling so badly? No dangers will happen to Rama, who was born for the uplift of the world. If you feel with worldly vision that He is a human body, my son Lakshmana is there to take care of him. My son Lakshmana is a sevak (one who does selfless service) of Rama. Lakshmana is with Rama, so you don’t need to be afraid at all.” However, as Kausalya was the mother whose womb bore Him, she felt very badly and was unable to bear the suffering. When she was feeling so badly, what kind of advice did Sumitra give? Such very great teachings! There is no one to inquire into the teachings that Sumitra gave in the Ramayana. This is all only God's Master plan. They are all plans that God has made. They are not plans that you or me have made. God only determined in this way for the uplift of the world and to establish Dharma. “Don’t cry at all. If you cry when your sons are going to the forest that will be a bad omen for them. Keep smiling and bless them.” Saying that, Sumitra gave a lot of courage to Kausalya. However, having no other option, Kausalya accepted the situation and she went some distance away. Dasaratha awoke from his fainting spell and he came into the streets saying, “Rama, are You going, are You going?” Sumanthra was the charioteer. However, Dasaratha said, “Sumanthra, stop! Stop the chariot! I have to see Rama one more time!” However, Rama didn’t say not to stop it. He didn’t say to proceed. He told Sumanthra, “Do your duty.” When He said that, many people felt that this was a complete untruth. Many people say that what Rama said was that He told Sumanthra to say that he didn’t hear the father’s words, and so He said to speak untruth. Actually, Rama maintained silence. Rama and Lakshmana were very firm in situations like that. He stood very firm in wanting to achieve a great victory, wanting to uphold the father’s word and wanting to give satisfaction to the mother. He Did Not
Look Up And See Sita
Lakshmana was with Sita and Rama during these fourteen years. Though he was with Sita and Rama for fourteen years, he did not look up and see Sita. On the mountain, as Sugriva and all of them were talking, a bundle came there and fell. Sita tied up all the jewels that she was wearing (while being abducted by Ravana) in a bundle and she threw it down. Sugriva saw it and he kept it safely. Once when Rama and Lakshmana were walking, they saw Sugriva. Sugriva also saw Rama and they conversed. Sugriva told the news to Lakshmana that Ravana abducted Sita. He opened the bundle and showed it to them. “Are these the ornaments of Sita? Or did some other demon put the jewels in the bundle?” Rama looked. He saw all of the jewels. Rama didn’t know anything at all. If we observe these times, they write a list of what jewels the wife has and how many. Rama truly didn't know at all. Lakshmana didn’t know anything at all. Finally Lakshmana looked. He recognized only one and said, “These anklets belonged to my sister-in-law.” “How do you know the anklets?” “I always took a bath in the morning and then came to do namaskaar to Mother Sita. Then I saw the anklets.” Do you see? Though fourteen years in the same house, he didn’t look up and see Sita. Because they have such character, they earned the name of lavanya. In Sanskrit, having the name of lavanya meant one had a very good reputation. In these days, they are using it as a mere name. No, no! The name ‘lavanya’ refers to strength, earnestness and sacredness. In this way the nature of Rama and Lakshmana was so great. Afterwards, they heard the news of the death of their father Dasaratha. Unable to bear separation from Rama, Dasaratha gave up his life with grief. However, the last rites needed to be performed. Who should do it? Rama and Lakshmana were not there. Bharata and Satrughna were in the Kingdom of Kaikeya. It would take ten days for them to come. Therefore, how should Dasaratha’s body be kept for so many days? Then Viswamitra and Vasishta said that the body should be preserved. They told them to put him in oil. They put his body in oil. Today doctors say to do something like put it on ice in order not to spoil. None of those things were there then, so they put his body in oil. Dasaratha was in oil for these fourteen days. Satrughna Is
Very Great
Bharata and Satrughna came. Satrughna is very great. Satrughna was the same as Lakshmana. Bharata was elder to Satrughna. However, Lakshmana was younger to Rama. Both of these two (Lakshmana and Satrughna) took up the service of the other two (Rama and Bharata). Bharata used to follow according to the orders of Satrughna. The reason why Satrughna had so much strength was that Satrughna was one who killed satrus (enemies). There was no one who had greater power in the killing of enemies. Due to Satrughna being present, even Rama, Lakshmana and Bharata had so much joy (remained safe and secure). Satrughna didn’t used to speak often. However Lakshmana, on a few occasions and situations, used to speak a lot. The Ashram
Of Manmatha
They entered into the forest and were going about there. They crossed over Sarayu River and they were going near Ganga River. Then a boat was brought there. They got in the boat and reached to the other shore. When they reached the other shore, they saw a beautiful ashram. Lakshmana saw it and said, “Elder brother, what is this big ashram? It seems like a big city.” Viswamitra said, “Don’t be in a hurry; don’t be in a hurry. This is not an ordinary ashram. It is the ashram of Manmatha (God of Love). Manmatha was extremely handsome. He is one who attracts everyone. He fostered both internal and external powers. He was such a powerful Manmatha.” “He also spread his influence over Eswara (Siva). Siva then cursed Manmatha and, from that day, Manmatha became angaheena (devoid of anga, limbs; formless). Due to being formless, this area became known by the name of ‘Anga Desha’. We call this Anga Desha, dear son. All of this is a place where Eswara went about. It is the gift of Eswara. This is the place of Eswara.” Saying this, that day they slept in that ashram. After sleeping, again in the early morning all the people in the ashram got together and Viswamitra, Rama and Lakshmana got in the boat. They gave a grand welcome and send-off. Saying, “They are the sons of Dasaratha. They should be given the proper type of respect,” all the residents of the ashram of Manmatha came together and they placed them in a great, beautiful boat and they crossed over. A Fearful
Forest
They went into a fearful forest. Fearful animals were there in that fearful forest. A huge sound was heard. Rama asked, “Respected Preceptor, what is that sound?” “Dear one, this sound comes as Sarayu River falls into the Ganga River. Ganga is like the ocean and Sarayu River is a river. A sound like this comes when it enters the ocean.” Not only that. It was a forest full of wild animals and cruel demons. They stepped into that forest. When they put their steps into that forest and walked, wherever they went there were fearful wild noises and fearful sounds. Even Viswamitra blessed, “Rama, may You have all auspiciousness, auspiciousness, auspiciousness.” After going a little further, Viswamitra took only Rama. Lakshmana was a little late due to attending to a call of nature. Lakshmana went to a far place. After going there and returning, Lakshmana’s mind had changed. Lakshmana said, “Elder brother, why this pitiful situation? You, who should be experiencing all joys, have fallen in this state and have succumbed to this bad situation. Fie, fie! This is not good for us. I will arrange the suitable convenience to remedy this. Let us go back to Ayodhya. How can we live in this wild forest? In what way can we obtain food?” He spoke a bit angrily. Rama maintained peace, held his hand and brought him some distance away. Such anger was present until they crossed the border of that place. After going some distance, Rama sat Lakshmana under a tree and pacified him. Then Rama said, “All of this is the area of Surpanakha. This entire place is where Surpanakha moves about. So you stepped into that place. There is also the influence of the place. All the qualities of Surpanakha have come to you. Let us go to another place, away from this place.” Saying that, they changed the place. After they moved on, Lakshmana had such a repentant feeling. “Fie! Why did I speak such harsh words? These words did not come from me! They are due to the vibration of the demons. So it is not my feeling.” Saying that, he did namaskaar to Rama saying, “Forgive my mistake. How can we live so much time in this forest, in such a place of demons? As they were conversing thus, they experienced the vibration of Siddhasram. A sacred atmosphere came due to the cool breeze, repetition of the Vedas and the loud sounds of manthras. Then Viswamitra said, “Son, this is our Siddhasram. Vamana (the Dwarf Avatar) was born here. This is where Vamana was born. This is where Siva lived.” Saying that, he told them many things about Siva and Vamana.
The Yagna
BegAn
They reached Siddhasram. After reaching Siddhasram, Viswamitra gave them a work. He said, “Son, you have come for the protection of the yagna. Take up this responsibility. This is also the command of your father. From today, even from this moment, you will have to give up all sleep and food. This itself is a big yagna. Sanctify this yagna.” However, Rama and Lakshmana were ready. No tiredness, exertion or weakness was observed in them at all. When it happened like this, gradually the yagna began in the early morning. Immediately after the yagna started, they were circling around in this way, Rama on this side and Lakshmana on that side. They were guarding. A huge fearful noise came. Then the preceptor said, “Dear, this is a demoness. Even Chandra and Amarka (other demons) will come here. Be ready.” There was no food and no water. Even if thirst came, there would be no opportunity to quench their thirst. They bore the determination fully in this way. They killed the demons and the conclusion of the yagna was performed. In a situation like this, Rama and Lakshmana were fully immersed in the service of Viswamitra. By the time this happened and the yagna was completed, a big army battalion came. The army came and brought a message and gave it to Viswamitra. What was that? It was the invitation of King Janaka. He sent the invitation to all kings to lift the Bow of Siva. He requested Viswamitra, “As a revered preceptor, you should also come.” Viswamitra spoke much about this and gave Rama and Lakshmana enthusiasm regarding this. Viswamitra said, “Dear ones, you must see this Bow of Siva. There is nothing like it in the world. It has come from actual Vaikuntha (Heaven) itself. This Bow of Siva is not ordinary. You have to see it!” When he said that, they had a lot of enthusiasm. “Preceptor, our father sent us to protect the yagna but not to go to this other yagna. We will not go against the order of our father at all.” Then Viswamitra said, “Did Dasaratha say to obey the orders of Viswamitra or not? Therefore, you have to follow my command.” They closed their mouths. Keeping their mouths closed, they started on the journey from there with Viswamitra. In this way, if Rama’s nature is to develop throughout the country, you should understand well how Rama put to use subtle intelligence in every single work and how He crushed the demon’s actions. Master
Plans
Truly, all of these are ancient Master plans. It was also stated by Lankini that Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna would be born and that they would kill the demons. When Brahma appeared, it’s said that he told Ravana, “What do you want? Gods, demons, kinneras or kimpurushas will not kill you. You should not be killed by any demons, kinnera, or kimpurushas either.” Rama realized a subtle point there. “Swami, whom did Brahma say Ravana could not be killed by?” Viswamitra replied, “Demons, gods, kinnera or kimpurusha. In this way he said that even gods could not kill him.” Smiling, Rama said one thing: “Swamiji, he didn’t say that his death could not happen by a human being! He did not mention that. Therefore, only a human being must kill him. I am a human being. He should be killed by Me.” So Rama told Viswamitra to propagate that. “Rama is coming, Rama will kill Ravana.” Propagate this matter. Hence, Rama recognized very subtle points in every single manthra, in every single yagna, and in all other matters also. He said: Yasya Jnana Daya Sindho, Ragadhasyana Gagunah. Sevyata Makshayo Dhirah, Sasriyai Bamrta Yacha. This scripture is boundless, like an ocean, an abode of wisdom. Knowing it completely gives liberation. It gives prosperity. (Sanskrit sloka) The nature of God is important in everything. Amara Nirjaradeva Stridasa Vibudha Surah Sarparvanassu Mana Sastrivesa Divaikasah Aditeya Divishado Lekha Aditi Nandana (These are many different names used for demigods.) (Sanskrit sloka) Inner
Meanings Hidden In The Ramayana
This is the nature of the Sun. “The Sun is our family deity. Our entire clan is of the line of the Sun. The world could not exist without the Sun.” In the past, when light was necessary, it took a few crores of years (for light to appear). All was only darkness, darkness, darkness and darkness. In that same way, there was no sunrise for 15 days after the birth of Rama. Due to there being no sunrise, there wasn’t moonrise either. Due to there not being moonrise, both the Sun and the Moon felt badly. The Moon prayed to the Sun, “I want to see Rama. There isn’t even the time to see Rama! When will I see Rama?” Saying that, it is said that he did a lot of austerity. Then Rama came and told the Moon, “Dear, you have not seen Me only for these first 15 days, but in My next birth I will give to you the first darshan that others won’t have.” When? When the Avatar of Krishna came, in the middle of the night when Vasudeva put Him on his head and was proceeding, the Moon saw Him first. No one else saw. (Applause) He only gave darshan to the Moon. In this way, there are numerous inner meanings hidden in the Ramayana. In this way, no matter how much one thinks of Rama, one doesn’t get wearied and it still seems wonderful. The story of Rama is ever-new. No matter how many times it is heard, one desires to hear it again. The story of Rama cannot be forgotten. The leelas of Rama cannot be forgotten. All that He did was the path of Dharma. All that he spoke were dictates of Dharma. All that He practiced were actions of Dharma. In such a story of Rama, numerous people discovered numerous faults and they taught it in an unsacred way. There is not even a bit of discordance in this. There is not even a bit of untruth. From the beginning until the end, the story of Rama is Truth, eternal and pure. So let us stop today with the Siddhasram episode. Therefore, the combined nature of these four -- Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna -- is very amazing. Vasishta said this. He said: It is amazing! Sacred in the three worlds are crops, friends, forest dwellers, people and citizens. It
is the story of Vishnu. (Telugu
poem) They are so amazing. Yet foolish people, unable to know these secrets, teach many bad meanings, increase wrong meanings, and leave the Truth. So the story of Rama is a very sacred story. We will understand its sanctity only when that story is heard completely. Bhagavan ended His Divine Discourse by chanting the bhajan, ”Rama, Rama, Rama Sita”
Summer Course GlossaryMay 18th, 2002
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