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MAHASIVARATRI 2002 PHOTOS

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 BABA

Summer Course  - 2002

22 May 2002

Learning a way which brings about world peace,

giving up narrow feelings,

having unity and living in equality:

That which conveys these is education.

They are what a student should learn.

(Swami sings a Telugu poem)

The Story of Rama

Embodiments of Love!

The nature of Rama attracts all. No matter how many days such a nature is described, it never reaches a saturation point. Continually listening, one gets tired even of the song of the cuckoo bird. Continually eating, even nectar becomes bitter. However, no matter how much the story of Rama is heard or partaken, one isn’t satisfied. Whether anyone sings, hears, reads, or makes one to recite or read such a story of Rama, it is entirely nectarine.

No one knows when the recitation, propagating and teaching of the Ramayana began. However, based on a few signs, in many ways people are determining that the story of the Ramayana is from ‘this or that age’.

Before Ravana took Sita to the Ashoka Vana (the garden in Sri Lanka named Ashoka, which means ‘absence of sorrow’), in the chariot on the way, Ravana was telling her, based on the age of those times, “Sita, my age today is 2,000 years. The age of your husband is 40 years. Your age is 39. (A.K. translates, “You are 99 years old.” Swami corrects him aside. Then AK apologetically says, “39 years old!” and the audience laughs heartily.) In this same way, mistakes like this keep happening when talking of the Ramayana. (Laughter)

Sita Is The Daughter of Mother Earth

In the world, there is infinite power in the earth. There is amazing power (gravitational power) arising in-between the earth and akasha (ether, space or sky). Therefore, akasha is unable to attract the earth. The power of the earth is very mighty. Based on such power, the earth bears everything. This is the power of a magnet. No matter how much this power is investigated, no experimentation is successful. Hence, the power of the earth is very mighty.

Sita is the daughter of such a Bhu Devi (Mother Earth). Hence they called Sita, ‘Bhu Jatha’ (Daughter of the Earth). So when Rama lifted the Bow of Siva, Mother Earth was very joyful. All the kings that came were aged. Their appearance was ugly. Rama was very young. His beauty was indescribable. He was handsome.

 Mother Earth decided within herself, “Rama is right for my daughter. Therefore, it should be seen that no obstruction comes in the way of His success.” When Rama lifted up the Bow of Siva, He held it with His left hand, meaning, He did it like this to propagate to the world that He was able to lift it with only His left hand. This is Mother Earth’s great and sacred power. She reduced the weight of the Bow of Siva. That increased the strength of Rama. In this way, when and where it was convenient, Mother Earth acted based on the need.

Hence, the vast nature of the earth is completely indescribable. However, everything, every rasa (essence, power or liquid form of metals) that is in this earth is also in the human body. The power of rasa is also in this body. Electric power is also in this body. There is no need to describe only this or that. All powers that are in the earth are present in human beings. However, man is unable to recognize that he has so many powers.

You can consider how sacred the Divinity in human nature is. Man is greatly powerful. He can do anything he thinks of. Due to the effects of science today, he was able to go to the moon. He even brought back soil from the moon! Therefore, all of these are the powers that arise in man. If man resolves, he can do anything.  But man, who is so powerful, is unable to recognize his powers.

Every person in the world today continues to question everyone whom he sees, “Who are you, who are you, who are you?” Man is questioning, “Who are you, who are you?” But he is not questioning himself, “Who am I?” If the question of “Who am I” were put, all problems would go away. Everything is contained in that one question.

Our Destiny Is Like That

Ravana was taking Sita away from the forest. From there, he was taking her over the ocean. However, his sensual desires were more. So first and foremost, he desired to show her his inner apartments, his influence, his power and capabilities, and his jewels. He took her to the inner apartments, but no matter where she went, Sita did not open her eyes and look at anything.

Seeing this scene, Mandodari (Ravana’s wife) felt very badly. “Ravana, what is this? Your bad times?”

Vinaasa Kaale Vipareeta Buddhih.

At the time of destruction, perverse resolves will arise.

(Sanskrit sloka)

Mandodari asked, “Why did you bring such a chaste wife as Mother Sita here?”  It is said:

Our fate is like that.

   (Telugu poem)

“Our destiny is like that. Yet, you are not trying to recognize the power and capabilities of Mother Sita. Therefore, first and foremost, recognize your own nature. It is not possible to keep her in the inner apartments of the palace. Select a special place for her to live peacefully.” Due to Mandodari advising this, Ravana arranged a separate building in Ashoka Vana and he kept Sita there. It is said:

When her husband was evil

and contemplated doing bad things,

just as the minister gives advice to the king,

Mandodhari gave advice to her husband.

(Telugu poem)

She advised him so much, giving so much good advice, and in this way helped his mind to be controlled. “Ravana, instead of contemplating on Rama, you are contemplating on desire. So your fate will not be very sacred. The time of your death is drawing near. Very soon you will give up your life. So for that reason, such twisted thoughts are arising in you.”

“One should not allow women to cry. If you make her shed tears, you will have to shed a thousand times more tears. So suffering should never be given to women. Don’t give any chance for ladies to worry.” Saying that, Mandodari gave many teachings.

One day Mandodari went herself to see Sita. “Mother, Daughter of the Earth, namaskaar to you! You are a greatly chaste wife. You are a very sacred being. My husband is very wicked. This kind of nature of wickedness causes him to be spoiled.”

With good feelings, man gets happiness.

With bad feelings, he will become evil.

(Telugu poem)

“Hence, these bad feelings increased his wickedness. So pardon him, have mercy on me and protect my married state.” However, Mandodari asking this of Sita is not seen anywhere (not recorded in any book). Yet, Sita didn’t listen to the boon that Mandodari asked for or the desire that Ravana asked for. Hence, Sita didn’t have any other thoughts except the contemplation of Rama.

When it was like this, the situations of the world became confused (or disorderly). Just like it is today, in those days also all types of feelings became confused. No happiness was observed. Wherever one looked, there was worry. Wherever one looked, there was sorrow. Wherever one looked, there was only crying. Even all of Lanka was full of crying. However, due to fear of Ravana, no one displayed it in front of him. Yet deep inside, everyone was suffering.

The Wife of Vibhishana

There was the wife of Vibhishana looking after Sita. She was Sarama. This Sarama gave Sita a lot of good advice: “Mother, it is my good fortune to obtain the merit of serving you. Your sacred qualities will bring peace to Lanka. Ravana is not ordinary. It is your misfortune that you have fallen into the hands of such an evil person.” Saying that, she consoled Sita in many ways.

One day when getting up, Sarama had a strange dream. The daughter of Sarama was Shakini. Shakini also had the same dream. In the dream she saw that Lanka dried up, all the trees fell down, all the buildings, even the palace buildings, collapsed and Ravana was suffering without even any water to drink. “This is only the result of the sins that he did.” Thinking that, she criticized Ravana within herself. Sarama felt very badly.

While Sarama felt badly, Ravana came. He used to come everyday. He had no other work. Coming, fixing a time, and then going again (threatening Sita with death if she did not comply with his wishes): “Two more days, three more days,” he used to fix times (ultimatums) in this way. Though he was saying this and going about in this way, Sita didn’t pay attention to any of it.

One day, Sarama came close and held Sita’s feet. “Mother, this is my good fortune and it is the good fortune of my daughter. Only the mother and daughter have this service to your feet. My husband is virtuous. He is Rama’s devotee. He has joined Rama on the shores of the ocean. No one could gain this good fortune except for our family.” After hearing Sarama speak in this way, Sita had a little peace.

Hanuman Entered

In the meantime, Hanuman entered. He was wandering about, looking everywhere for Sita. He was scolding himself. “If I wish to see Sita, I should go and look only among women but not amongst men, isn’t it so?” So first and foremost, Hanuman entered into the inner apartments. He saw the women with evil hearts, without any sacredness. They were doing ugly actions.

 He was blaming himself. “Alas! What sin have I done? I have to see these sights. The form of Rama, the embodiment of bliss, should be seen. But why should I see these bad sights? Yet I have seen these sights keeping the aim of Sita in mind, but I have no delusion at all regarding these sights.” He looked around and climbed to the inner apartments. He came down, and there in the building of the inner apartments, Ravana was sitting in court in that vast hall. Ravana asked a question:

You are of the monkey species.

You have done monkey-like actions.

 Who sent you?

(Telugu poem)

Hanuman was not ordinary.

“The prince who cut off the nose and ears of your younger sister has sent me.”

Ravana answered, “Hey! Even kings have never addressed me as ‘yemi raa’

 (an informal address meaning, ‘Hey you’)! 

Shut your mouth!” Hanuman continued,

“You have the nature of a ghost

and I have a Divine nature.

I am the servant of Rama.”

(Telugu poem)

“Maybe no one has ever addressed you as ‘yemi raa’ before, but I am saying it!” Arguing with Ravana in this way, Hanuman started off again. Due to this anger, Ravana was burning up. Ravana thought to himself, “They have found out about Sita. Now perhaps Rama will come. War will come. War might take place.” He had a guilty conscious within himself.

“Mother, I Am The Servant Of Rama”

Hanuman looked around and went up the stairs. On one side the Ashoka Vana was full of trees. He jumped over there. When he did that, he saw Sita suffering a lot under a tree, bending her head and wearing soiled clothes.

He sat on the tree. Hanuman started to sing the entire story of Dasaratha’s son, Rama. She lifted her head and saw him. “Who is this Maruthi (a name of Hanuman, meaning ‘son of the Wind god’)? I never saw Maruthi before.” After she went to Lanka, Rama and Lakshmana saw Sugriva while searching for Sita. They also met Hanuman who was with Sugriva. However, Hanuman was new to her.

“Mother, I am the servant of Rama. Mother, I am a servant of your feet.” Yet regardless of how many words Hanuman spoke, Sita didn’t nod her head (acknowledging him). She felt badly thinking, “Demons take so many forms. They use so much maya (tricks of illusion). Maybe he also is immersing me in maya.”

Hanuman jumped down from the tree. Chanting the Name of Rama he said, “Mother!” and he showed the ring he kept with him. Rama sent his ring to Sita as proof. Sita touched it to her eyes (a Hindu custom of reverence). “Hanuman, you are so fortunate! Did Ramachandra give this to you?” It was the ring that King Janaka gave at the time of marriage. She remembered that. She inquired, “Where is Rama?” She asked questions like that.

Hanuman replied, “Mother, He is coming, He is coming! He will take you back. You don’t need to feel badly. If you are so anxious, sit on my back. I will take you in a moment.” Sita said, “Hanuman, if I sit on your shoulder and reach Rama, you will also be one who did the thing that Ravana did. Therefore, I will not submit myself to such a bad name. Rama Himself should come. Ravana must be killed and Rama should take my hand and go. Until then I will endure.” She said to tell this news into Rama’s ears. Saying these words and feeling very badly, she sent Hanuman back again.

This Hanuman, unable to bear seeing the suffering of Sita, came again to Ravana. He came and was unable to bear it. So Hanuman criticized Ravana in many ways. He also scolded him, saying that he was a terrible sinner. “It is the fault of the people to install you as a king. If such an evil person becomes a king, the people will also become evil people like that.” Saying this, he accused Ravana in many ways. Then Hanuman thought, “There shouldn’t be any more delay. This good news should be conveyed to Rama,” and he left.  .

Rama, Lakshmana and all of the monkeys were sitting on the shores of the ocean. Hanuman arrived there, jumping down. Everyone shouted very joyfully saying, “Victory, victory, victory, victory! Hanuman, you have given Rama joy through your sacred service. You have brought good news. You have received auspicious news and come. May all auspiciousness come to Rama!” Saying that, all the monkeys were immersed in joy.

Earlier, when Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were going into the forest, Sita went to Anasuya, the wife of Athri.  Anasuya gave a few saris and jewels to Sita. Sita had put them safely somewhere. She gave the one ornament to Hanuman and sent it with him (to be given to Rama as proof that Hanuman had met her). Rama knew about that particular ornament (which was given to Sita by Anasuya). When He saw it, Rama became both very happy and sorrowful also. Yet, He heard the news that Sita was safe. Then Hanuman told everything that had happened:

“Hear My Humble Submission”

Sri Rama, hear my humble submission!

 Take the jewel from Sita’s head

(that she gave to me for You as a token).

She is standing and shivering like a parrot in a cage.

All the many strong demonesses are waving swords,

saying that they will cut off her head.

 I saw Sita, who is waiting anxiously for You.

 Indrajit, with his important minister Prahasta,

jubilantly paraded me from street to street.

On the streets and terraces, there were big noises.

I saw the demon warriors and their houses.

(Swami sings a Telugu poem)

In this way, Hanuman described to Rama everything that he saw. When he heard these words, Lakshmana took out an arrow. “Brother, get up! We should not take even a moment of rest. Immediately go! Mother Sita is suffering a lot. You should bring her and come.” Rama said, “Peace, peace, peace! We should not be hasty in anything.” He said:

Regarding the work that has to be done,

considering well the good and bad of it,

if one does it without any thought,

it will become poison.

(Telugu poem)

Sugriva sent a message to all of his soldiers: “All have to enter into Lanka. Don’t return until Ravana is killed.” Sugriva, Hanuman, Jambavanta -- all of these very important people were afraid.

When they reached there, all of Lanka shivered. They climbed trees. They stood on the tops of mountains. Wherever one looked, there were only monkeys, monkeys and monkeys. The residents of Lanka had never seen monkeys. They said, “These forms are so strange!” They had seen the plight of Lanka that day, when Hanuman had set fire to it before. Each one was arguing among themselves.

Who Is This Monkey?

Who is this monkey? Who sent him?

 He is destroying our street!

He is setting each house on fire!

Whose house will he go to next?

He is saying, “I am the messenger of Rama.

Seeing Sita, I am comforted.”

This monkey is doing this sort of thing,

destroying all the houses!

Who sent him?

He is destroying our street!

It is the result of the sin that Ravana did

by bringing another’s wife.

The Creator gave so much strength to these monkeys!

What more can I say?

(Swami sings a Telugu poem)

All the people of that town were very happy in this way (that Ravana might be killed at last). “That monkey has come again! Who is this monkey? Who sent him today?” As they were speaking like this, the entire Lanka shivered. Ministers, prime ministers -- all were making their own places (homes or belongings) safe.

When it was like this, another thing happened here. Who was the one who crossed over to Lanka? Hanuman crossed over. Yet how can everyone else cross over? When it was said like that, Rama released an arrow into the sea. The sea was one who obeyed the orders of Rama. It gave way. All started off.

Once in Lanka, they climbed upon sacred mountains. They were shouting from the mountaintops. Ravana was unable to bear that noise. It looked as if a mighty war was going on. Each one was thinking within,  “Ravana cannot avoid being killed in this war.” Lankini also was very afraid. “Why did such crazy thoughts arise in this wicked person? Not only himself, he is turning all the residents of Lanka into ashes!” Saying that, everyone was scolding Ravana within himself or herself. No one had feelings of liking for Ravana.

Indrajit, the Son of Ravana

After it happened like this, finally the war took place. This war was very terrible. There was even Indrajit, who gained victory over Indra. He was the son of Ravana. He was Ravana’s first, eldest son. Indrajit came to the war on the second day. When he came, he came very grandly. Seeing him, everyone thought that he was Ravana, poor things! However, it was not Ravana. He was the son of Ravana. On the third day, Indrajit killed everyone, one after another. He took many lives. On the fifth day, he was like Ravana himself. No one else among the army could be seen with such power and capability.

Then, Vibhishana sat near Rama and he was saying, “Rama, you have to kill Indrajit. If you kill him, it is just like killing Ravana. Among the army of Ravana, he is very great. However, shoot the thumb on his hand. When the thumb is hit,” it is said:

By giving away his right thumb willingly,

He became unfit to fix the arrow to the bow.

The hill tribe boy (Ekalavya) became

devoid of the wealth of archery.

This caused happiness

to the heart of Partha (Arjuna).

(Telugu poem)

In the same way as Arjuna told his teacher to request the thumb of Ekalavya, here also Vibhishana told Rama. He said to shoot at his (Indrajit’s) thumb. Thus, Rama understood. If Rama resolves, He can shoot at anything He wants. When Rama shot his thumb, that chief of the army, Indrajit, fell down.

When he fell down, Vibhishana wiped away tears. Lakshmana saw this. He said, “Vibhishana, when so many people died, you did not cry. Why are you crying when Indrajit died?” “Swami, he was like my only son. I only have one son. Due to parental affection, tears are falling from my eyes. But truly it is good that he died. Ravana was doing so many evil actions based on his strength (based on the help of Indrajit). Hence, there are so many people like that. So Vibhishana explained well to Rama the (wrong) actions of Indrajit.

Kumbhakarna

From the day after, everyone gradually cooled down. On the last day, Kumbhakarna came. Rama shot Kumbhakarna down with one arrow. How can someone who is always sleeping fight a war? He had a stomach full of food and eyes full of sleep. Therefore the body was extremely heavy. Kumbhakarna fell down.

There was a poet in Lanka (who composed a poem about this). Kalidas also composed a similar poem. The poet declared the following: There were three brothers, Ravana, Vibhishana and Kumbhakarna. For all of them, the second letter in the name is ‘bha’. Vibha-ishana: the second letter is ‘bha'. Kumbhakarna: the second letter is ‘bha’. Rabhana: the second letter is ‘bha’ (Note: In some Indian dialects, ‘Ravana’ is spelled as ‘Rabhana’). Therefore, those with this letter of ‘bha’ will become bhasma (ashes).

Ravana Fell Down

When all that was finished, afterwards Ravana came. When Ravana was coming, he himself was afraid. That first day of Rama fighting with Ravana, Rama shot one head after another. (Ravana is depicted as having ten heads.) When the heads dropped off, they arose again. They were coming up and rising again. He didn’t die yet.

Then Vibhishana was saying aside to Rama, “Swami, even if the subject of how to kill Ravana is told, there is no sin. It will be very good for the country if this evil person is destroyed. I don’t desire the kingdom. However, this evil Ravana should die.” Saying that, Vibhishana showed the navel. Rama shot at the navel and in a moment Ravana fell down.

Mandodari came (Ravana’s wife). Mandodari came and was suffering a lot. “Ravana, I gave you so much advice: ‘Don’t go near another’s wife. Don’t touch the chaste wife of another. So much sin will be amassed. You are amassing a lot of sin. Therefore, you should not do this.’ I told you this so many times. However, you didn’t listen to my words.”

Such people won’t listen to good words,

even when said with the whole mind

(with heartfelt feeling).

They only give their ears to bad words.

How can such people know Me?

What is the result,

though there is so much strength?

 (Telugu poem)

“Will such people be able to know Me? Ravana could not recognize Me at all.”

 Ravana fell down. Then everyone was very joyful. Who? The monkeys. Many among the monkeys were also killed.

Sita Is Blameless

Then finally they were bringing Sita. However, when she was coming, Rama bent His head down. She was coming with so much aspiration to see Rama. “Ten months have passed since I saw You.” She was coming with the desire to see Rama at least once. All arrangements were made. However, Rama didn’t lift His head. He told Lakshmana, “Light the fire. She has to enter into the fire. I will accept her only after the witness of the Fire god says that she is blameless.”

Though Rama knew that Sita was blameless, but people of the world are like crows. “They talk so many things. Therefore, if I take her again with the witness of Fire, after she enters the fire, it won't be possible for anyone to say anything.” Sita came and did namaskaar to Rama, went around the fire three times, and fell into it.

The Fire god appeared. “Rama, Sita is blameless, blameless, blameless. She is a greatly chaste wife. She is virtuous. Don’t take any further action against her. Look here, I am standing still.” The fire stood still (didn’t burn her).

Sita was being brought to Rama. These monkeys acted even more so like monkeys: “We must see her, must see her, see that great Mother Sita! What is she like, what is she like?” Thus all the monkeys were so anxious that each kept jumping on one another and looking.

The Vimana (Aerial Vehicle)

Then Rama held Sita’s hand and, in the meantime, Vibhishana brought the vimana (aerial vehicle). Where is the vimana? Some people criticize saying, “Is it really the form of an airplane?” Ravana’s stepbrother had a vimana. Ravana killed his stepbrother and he stole this vimana.

Rama sat in it. Afterwards he also made Vibhishana to sit inside. He said, “Dear one, you also come to Ayodhya.” Due to ample space, they also took Sugriva. Everyone sat and many leaders of Lanka also sat inside, and they started off to Ayodhya.

Bharata was suffering a lot of depression thinking, “According to the present situation, Rama promised that He would come today. Will Rama come or not? According to the word given, Rama should come today, isn't it? Rama has to arrive here today, isn’t it so? Will He arrive or not, arrive or not, arrive or not?” Thinking that, Bharata was suffering a lot. Bharata had the chariot brought and he kept it there, wanting to take Sita, Rama and Lakshmana in it.

When Bharata came and looked, the vimana was coming. The vehicle was named ‘Pushpaka Vimaana’. When they were coming in that, no need to tell about the residents of Ayodhya! They were in grief due to not beholding Rama during these fourteen years. No need to speak of the women who were suffering a lot. They didn’t even take food! All were thin. A few ladies died. They were always contemplating on Rama saying, “Rama, Rama!” They were suffering.

It happened like this: When they arrived in Ayodhya and got down, Bharata took a garland. They (the people in the vimana) saw everything. Sugriva also came and saw the scene. However, there was the second younger brother of Rama (Satrughna). Satrughna was with Bharata. Even Bharata had not seen Satrughna for many days. Closing the door in his residence in Nandi village, Bharata was contemplating on Rama.

Satrughna took the garland and was coming. Bharata climbed first into the chariot. Then Satrughna came. There Satrughna became confused. Who was Rama and who was Bharata? Both looked the same. Due to contemplating on Rama during these fourteen years, Bharata also became the color of a dark rain cloud. “Is that one Rama or is the other one Rama?” When he was confused like that, Lakshmana got up: “Look here, our elder brother is here, look!” Satrughna placed the garland on his elder brother, Rama. He gave a garland to his sister-in-law.

Then from there they took them in procession. In this procession, they started so many different kinds of dance. It is not possible to describe all of that. They arrived in Ayodhya. After arriving in Ayodhya, each day there was a great function.  So it happened like this.

The Power of the Mother

As soon as the fourteen years were complete, Sita and Rama arrived in Ayodhya. This is the power of the mother’s blessings. Kausalya had said, “Son, may these fourteen years pass like fourteen minutes. You will not have any dangers at all. You are the manifested God. No one can give any difficulty to You. You will come back safely and arrive in Ayodhya.” She had said that. Then, as soon as Rama came back to Ayodhya, she hugged him.

Sumitra was a great friend. No one can describe her good qualities as ‘like this or like that’. She saw them. When she saw them, she felt so much joy. Even from the beginning she was joyful. “No matter what anyone tries to do with Rama, no one can put Him in danger. No one can give even a tiny bit of pain to Rama. No one has been born in the world who can give suffering to Rama.”

Continuing to describe Him in this way, Sumitra brought her daughter-in-law Urmila there. She brought her and said, “Dear, look! Your husband has come.” It was fourteen years since Urmila saw Lakshmana. Then she fell at his feet, “Swami, your devotion to Rama has protected you up till now. You were always contemplating on Rama. The Name of Rama has protected you.” Saying that, she was happy. She applied her sindhura (an auspicious red powder) on his feet. In those days, they used to rub on sindhura.

 When Urmila came, her mother-in-law (Sumitra) brought Urmila close and said, “Dear, your virtues have protected my son. If you weren’t a virtuous woman, my son wouldn’t have lived.”

 It happened in that way. Kaika also came. Kaika wasn’t an evil woman. However, she knew that the demons had to be killed by Rama.

Four sons like gems were born: Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna. Sita, Urmila, Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi: these four daughters-in-law were also like gems.

Then these four couples came together. Sumitra blessed all of them and she gave up her life. “Son, I stayed here, thinking of you. I aspired to see you again with my own eyes. Now fourteen years have passed and I have seen you. I am fortunate.” She said this and then she gave up her life.

As soon as she gave up her life, Kaika also gave up her life. Kaika also died. “I have succumbed to such disrepute. Yet this disrepute is not of my making. This is only:

Lokulu Kakulu.

The people of the world are like crows.

(Telugu poem)

“They just thought of me like that. Rama resolved that He should kill the demons like this. When I was teaching him archery, He told me one time: ‘Auntie, I came for killing the demons. You have to make plans appropriate for this.’”

 For that reason, from then itself, she made a master plan. Through Manthara asking Kaika to ask for boons like this, through the granting of the boons by Dasaratha, and finally through the death of Dasaratha, Rama got a good reputation. As long as Dasaratha was there, no one spoke of the great qualities of Rama. After Dasaratha died, everyone described the great virtues of Rama. So, all of Ayodhya was full of auspiciousness.

Bhagavan ended His Divine Discourse by chanting the bhajan, “Rama Kodanda Rama…”

Summer Course Glossary

May 22^nd, 2002

Taken from "A Glossary of Sanskrit Words

Gleaned from Sai Literature"

1)     Akasha: (pg. 17) Ether or space; sound is its nature, e.g. a clap

2)     Namaskaar (pg. 243) Salutation, good wishes, from namamakaara: All that I am and have is due to Your Grace; or ‘na-ma’, ‘not mine’; A form of salutation by folding the palms together and holding them near the heart region. It symbolizes the touching of the Guru’s Feet, or surrendering the ego at the Feet of the Lord.

3)     Maya (pg. 229) Illusion. Maya is the power of bewilderment, which gives the appearance of reality to that which is unreal, and which hinders the perception of the real.