DISCOURSE BY SRI SATHYA SAI BABA
Sri Rama Navami
21 April 2002

Sweeter than sugar, tastier than the essence of curds (butter), so much more tasty than matured honey, uttered and uttered with the mouth it seems like Amritha (nectar). Therefore, remember that excellent and eternal Name of Rama. O mind, O mind! Remember that excellent and eternal Name of Rama.
(Swami sings a Telugu poem)

PUTRAKAMESHTI YAGA
Embodiments of Love!
Ayodhya was the capitol city in the region of Kosala. There was no chance for any enemies to enter into it. Therefore, they gave the name of ‘Ayodhya’ to it. This village of Ayodhya was the village that emperor Manu built.
In heaven the Divine resolve became a flow towards the world. Such a resolve arose from the sarava (lake) of the mind, therefore this flow got the name of ‘Manasa Sarovar’. One part of that flowed near Ayodhya. This was called Sarayu River.
The emperor who ruled such a sacred Ayodhya was King Dasaratha. Even though all comforts, all conveniences and all joys were there, the sorrow that he had no children gave him a lot of suffering.
Sumanthra (Dasaratha’s chief minister) who was virtuous, pure, selfless and had a sacred heart, came one day near to Dasaratha and said, “Lord! Listen to a small resolve of mine, regarding your sorrow. An Aswamedha Yaga (horse sacrifice ritual) is essential for the kingdom. It also essential to (perform the ritual of) Putrakameshti (ritual to fulfill the desire for a son) for your individual life. So perform the Putrakameshi Yaga and after sons are born, numerous joys may be given to the country. However, the right type of arrangement should be done for it.” It was thus done.
Sumanthra prayed, Sir! There should be one head priest. There are so many priests who perform rituals, but there is one important, main and leading force for the Putrakameshti Yaga. He is only Rshyasrnga (a sage). Call Rshyasrnga and have him perform the Putrakameshti Yaga”
In that way, Rshyasrnga and Padmapada were in the region of Anga. There was a famine in the world. Even Padmapada called Rshyasrnga and resolved that the ashanti (lack of peace) that arose in his region must be destroyed.
Sumanthra and Dasaratha got together and journeyed to the place where Rshyasrnga was. They prayed (to him to come), brought Rshyasrnga, and Dasaratha performed the Aswamedha Yaga and the Putrakameshti Yaga.
As the Yaga was going on, a radiant form holding a vessel came out from the midst of the flames. That container was the vessel of payasam (milk pudding). That radiant form brought the container and gave it to Vasishta. (Vasishta) described about it well to Dasaratha and said to give it equally to his three wives.

DISTRIBUTING THE PAYASAM
However, regarding the process of distributing the payasam, each Ramayana described it in a different way: Kumbha Ramayana in one way, Tulasi Ramayana in another way and Valmiki Ramayana in still another way. However, these are not the correct answers. Ordinarily in man’s life the resolves that arise should be based upon the situation.
When Vasishta gave it (the payasam) to King Dasaratha, King Dasaratha came and poured it in three cups for the three queens. He gave equally. This is because whether then or now, when it is distributed, equal-vision should be developed. Rshyasrnga said that they should go, have head bath and return then drink the payasam.
Kausalya was ecstatic. Kaika was blissful. But Sumitra was not happy. She didn’t like to disobey the command of her husband (to drink the payasam). Her mind did not accept at all to leave the prasad (consecrated food) that Vasishta gave, without drinking.
She took head bath. As it was warm on the palace top, meaning, on the upper portion, she sat drying her hair. She kept the cup to one side (and thought to herself), ‘What is the use of drinking this? The first-born will gain the kingdom (be crowned king). The son of the principal queen will gain the kingdom. As the promise was given to the king of Kekeyi (that his daughter Kaika’s son would be crowned king), the son of Kaika will gain the kingdom of this land of Kosala. I have no basis at all. What is the use even if such a Sumitra has sons?’ Due to thinking that, without hope, being disheartened, shedding tears, she put that cup there, and ________________________.
The servants came running and said that Dasaratha was calling, saying to come. Just as she tied up her hair and was about to take that cup, an eagle came and flew away with the cup. More than the sorrow that she had, this suffering was a thousand times more! How will Dasaratha get angry? What curse will Rshyasrnga succumb me to? How will Vasishta chastise (or punish) me?’ All of these thoughts came one after the other, mixing together, and gave her even more suffering.
She went running and she informed this to Kausalya and Kaika. “Sister! This is the mistake that I did. Due to my negligence, an eagle came and took away that cup. I did not resolve this at all, wanting it to happen.” The sisters of those days were mutually very close. They felt they were all daughters of the same mother.
(Kausalya said,) “Sister, don’t feel bad.” Saying that she went inside and she brought a cup like that. She poured half of her share into that cup. Kaika also poured half of her share. The three, with equal portions, took these cups into the worship room.
Sumitra was somewhat happy with this. She felt very happy thinking, ‘My sisters treated me kindly in this way. They helped. How fortunate I am! How fortunate are these sisters!’ All of this happened naturally. (If it happened) in an artificial way, thinking, ‘so much share of this payasam, that much share of that payasam,’ that would only be mathematics.

HE WAS BORN
The three partook of it (the payasam). Nine months passed after that. A son was born to Kausalya. But at what time? He was born at a time when the five elements were in a state of balance. The mother was very eager to give a lot of joy to that child.
Before they knew this news, labor pains came to Sumitra and Kaika too. A son was born to Sumitra. Lakshmana was born. Then after a few minutes, Satrughna was born. As she was joyful with these two sons, a son was born to Kaika. He was Bharata.
The four Vedas were born to Dasaratha as the four sons. The four Vedas were born as four sons. They told everyone. (The news that four sons were born was conveyed to everyone.) On the tenth day they performed the naming ceremony.
The son who attracts people in all ways, keeping them safe and giving them joy, is one who raminchu (attracts) therefore, (he was named) Rama. Not only this. In many ways, just as a reflection is seen in a mirror, he used to behold the Atma in each one’s heart. Hence, he used to behold radiance in all. How was that light seen? It was seen in every heart as the form of the moon. He used to feel that wherever He looked, He was seeing the moon. For that reason they called Him by the name of ‘Ramachandra’.
(Once they were older,) The four of them spent the time joyfully in many ways, playing and singing. However (when newly born), Sumitra’s sons did not sleep at all. They didn’t drink milk. They didn’t take any food at all. Both kept crying from the moment they were born. Sumitra kept crying along with them! ‘Due to my misfortune, I keep crying. Even the sons who were born (to me) were born crying. What is my bad luck?’ Thinking that, she suffered a lot.
Noticing a time when no one was around, she went to Vasishta and said, “Guruji (Respected Teacher), I don’t need to be given these children. It is enough to live in peace. What is the reason for their crying? They have no difficulty. They have no bodily pains. (They have been crying) ever since they were born. What is this ailment?”
Vasishta closed his eyes, was immersed in meditation, and he entered into meditation. (Then he said,) “Mother, Sumitra! You are fortunate. You have equal vision and are friendly to everyone, so your name is ‘Sumitra’. You don’t need to cry. Do one small thing. Go to Kausalya and Kaika and ask for their permission for something. Lay Lakshmana in Rama’s cradle. Lay Satrughna in Bharata’s cradle. Keep them both like that. They will eat, they will sleep and they will experience bliss in all ways.”
(When Sumitra asked for permission,) Kausalya and Kaika were very happy. “Sister, bring him. He is my son and the other is my son. If all of them are together, it is joyful for all of us.” She took Lakshmana and laid him in Rama’s cradle. She took Satrughna and laid him in Bharata’s cradle. From the very moment that she laid them there, neither one cried (any more). They were so joyful playing, singing and moving their hands and legs.
Sumitra saw this scene. She was so joyful thinking, ‘How lucky I am! Even though my son doesn’t do anything else, he is playing comfortably and joyfully. That is enough.”
At one time, when Vasishta was observed to be all alone, (Sumitra asked him,) “Swami, what is the reason for both of them to be put there? What is the reason for Lakshmana to go near Rama and for Satrughna to go near Bharata?”
(Vasishta answered,) Sumitra, you have a heart of truth. You have good conduct and good qualities. You know ______________. You heart is pure, unwavering and selfless; it is not as if you do not know.”
Praising her like that, he said, “When your cup of payasam was taken away by the eagle, both of the others helped. Due to pouring a little from Kausalya’s portion and a little from Kaika’s portion (into your cup), the part from Kaika’s portion is Satrughna. He has joined with Bharata. The portion of the payasam from Kausalya’s share is Lakshmana. He has joined with Rama. So whatever part, they join with that part.”
In the Bhagavad Githa also it is said:

Mamaivamsho Jeeva Loke
Jeeva Bhuta Sanathanaha.

The eternal Atma in all beings
Is a part of My being.
(Sanskrit sloka)

All are My forms.
Likewise, the part of Rama joined with Rama and the part of Bharata joined with Bharata. From that day (the boys) spent the time playing and singing.

VISWAMITRA HAS COME
The age of youth arrived. Dasaratha made the resolve that they should be married. But right at that time, a messenger came and prayed, “Sir! Viswamitra has come.” All was correct for that time. God arranges everything depending upon the time and situation.
Dasaratha Himself got up, went near the door and brought inside Viswamitra who had come. He said, “Swami, my good fortune has gained fruit! Today I made the resolve to arrange for the marriage of my sons. I have your blessing. I am so happy that you have come.” He asked, “What is the reason you have come?”
He (Viswamitra) said, “One should not say too much. The reason I have come is for the protection of my yagna. I have to take Rama and go.”
It was like a big atom bomb fell on the heart of Dasaratha. “For so many years I performed sacrifices and rituals like this, and I have gained this son. Now he is taking Him to the yagna. What can Rama, who has not seen anything, do? He never went to the forest. He has not seen demons. He has never fought. He has no hatred for anyone. He is equal-minded. He has an auspicious (or blessed, fortunate) heart. How can I send one like this to the harsh forest?”
Suffering thus, he said, “O sage! My son is a boy. He hasn’t even reached the stage of youth. How can I send children like that?” He (Viswamitra) had only one word. “Will you fulfill your word (to grant whatever I ask) and will you send your sons with me? So far there is not even one person who has gone against their word given, in the family line of Ikshvaku. Dasaratha, you are going against the word given. This will bring bad reputation to your fame.”
However, Dasaratha also thought a lot. What to do? He called the Guru. Vasishta came. When Vasishta came he (Dasaratha) said, “Viswamitra is asking like this. What will be my fate?” He (Vasishta) said, “Dasaratha, you don’t have ordinary sons. They are gifts that have been granted to you by the resolve of God. They are four suns that arose out of fire. No harm will happen to them. No dangers will happen at all. Therefore, send them according to your word given.”
Yet, here one small point has to be recognized. Viswamitra only asked for one boy, Rama. Rama got prepared and he was going with Viswamitra. Nobody called Lakshmana. His mother and father did not command (him to go) and Vasishta did not say to come. Lakshmana also started off with Rama. A part. (This is because he was a part of Rama). Just as the reflection goes along with the image, that reflection was also going. Viswamitra thought that things happen due to the commands and resolves of God. (So he accepted Lakshmana also coming.)
However, before going he (Viswamitra) gave a promise to Dasaratha. He said, “Dasaratha, there are no powers that are not in me. There are all powers in me. There are all powers of wisdom regarding moral, physical, dharmic, spiritual and worldly aspects. However, after I sit in the yagna, the one who accepts the discipline (vow) of the yagna should not do harm to anyone. I should not even kill demons. That is a rule in the vow of the yagna. Or else why should I want your sons? I wouldn’t need them otherwise.”

THE PROTECTION OF THE YAGNA
They went and the protection of the yagna was done. When going, they went to the banks of Sarayu River. Viswamitra said, “Rama”. He was calling Rama but didn’t call Lakshmana. He said, “Rama, come here.” Rama went near and sat down. Even though Viswamitra didn’t call, Lakshmana also went near and sat near.
He said, “Dear, this is a yagna that is being performed in the forest. Ours is Siddhasram. It is not possible to do any kind of cooking here. There are only rishis (sages), rishi’s wives and students. So dear son, you are king’s sons. You are ones who eat nice meals. You live comfortable lives. So you are coming to protect the yagna. I will teach you a manthra.”
Why a manthra for Rama and Lakshmana who are able to protect the yagna? This means that he said like that for the sake of physical and external actions.
He (Viswamitra) said, “Dear one, I am saying this manthra, ‘Bala, Atibala’. These will make sleep and food unnecessary. How many days will they have to protect the yagna? Sleep should not come. You should not crave food. Both of these should be sacrificed. Remember this mantra and you can remain without sleep and food.”
They repeated the manthras and spent time without hunger or need for sleep. War was experienced. Maricha (a demon) came. In a moment He (Rama) shot him (Maricha). Maricha was thrown with force somewhere and fell down.
As soon as this happened, Surpanakha (Thataki, Maricha’s mother) came. She came making a big noise. Rama said (asked Viswamitra), “Swami, what is this sound? It is like ______________!” (Viswamitra answered,) “It is not mountains, son. Her voice has that kind of sound. Due to the sound of her voice, everything is frightened. So, Surpanakha (Thataki) is coming.”
He (Viswamitra) said, “Rama, get ready (to kill her).” Rama had a doubt. “Swami, women should not be killed, isn’t it so? This is a woman. How can I kill her? It is not the Dharma of Kshatriyas (the warrior class) (to kill a women). However, my father did not command it. Only you are commanding. How can I start this?”
Then Viswamitra said, “At the time of protecting the yagna, there is no difference at all between a woman and a man.”

Yallabdhva Pumân Iccharamo Bhavati
Trupto Bhavati Matto Bhavati
Atmaramo Bhavati

Having attained That,
man gets total satisfaction,
intoxication and ecstasy of the Self.
(Sanskrit sloka)

(Viswamitra continued,) “All are Atma Rama (the Divinity within). There are no worries for him (one who realizes this). So you should not think at all about differences between women and men.” Thinking, ‘Alright, it is the guru’s command, isn’t it?’ He (Rama) killed her. She did not die in just a moment. Such a big fight ensued. However, we don’t need to bring that up.

THE BOW OF SIVA
After she was killed, Siddhasram was supremely peaceful, full of joy and laughter. The gods sprinkled a rain of flowers. While it was like that, a messenger came from Mithila with a letter. What was in that? Janaka sent an invitation saying, ‘We have begun a yagna in which the Bow of Siva will be displayed. You must come.’
Viswamitra started off. They were renunciates; they weren’t married, and there wasn’t any need to do packing. He (Viswamitra) took a cloth and wore it, and said, “Rama and Lakshmana, are you also coming?”
(Rama answered,) “What for? My father sent me to protect your yagna. I don’t know about this (other) yagna. I don’t understand at all about the yagna that will be performed by King Janaka.”
(Viswamitra said,) “It is a very great yagna!” In order to give enthusiasm to those boys, Viswamitra gave this kind of encouragement. “No one has the power even to lift the Bow of Siva. No one can move it. His daughter Sita lifted such a thing like this. From that day King Janaka resolved that he would give his daughter in marriage to the one who lifts this Bow of Siva. So today, they started the yagna regarding the matter of lifting that Bow of Siva.”
(They arrived at the town of Mithila.) All the people from the town of Mithila came. All kings from different regions came. Hence, Ravana also came to this yagna. Everybody came.
Ravana had a mighty form. He had a big, great body. He came first and foremost to lift it (the Bow of Siva). When his arms and legs were moving, all the kings that saw were very surprised. (They thought,) “How could Janaka give the gentle Sita to this vulgar individual?” Even his face was disgusting. His form was observed to be so atrocious. Thinking, “OK, let anything happen,” each one remained in their place.
Ravana came and put his left hand (on the Bow of Siva). It didn’t move. He grasped hold with two hands. It didn’t move. He used all of his strength. It didn’t move. Finally he (lost his balance and) fell down. Seeing this sight, he was unable to bear the humiliation. When there is ego, it always brings about humiliation in assemblies. It is said:

Ahamkaram Atapatram.

Ego brings about ruin.
(Sanskrit sloka)

The people themselves will humiliate a man who has so much ego. Respect and courtesy will never be obtained or kept by him. The suitable result for ego is humiliation.
He fell down, paapam! Seeing the attempt of Ravana, everyone was surprised. (They thought,) ‘Then, no one else will be able to do it.’ Each one repeated manthras as per their position. They were afraid to get up.
Viswamitra saw. “Rama.” He made a sign with his eyes. Rama got up. He was a very young boy, only fifteen years old. When that boy came walking, that walking itself was seen to be so joyful. In that radiance, such an intense power was observed. It seemed as if all powers were coming as his shadow. He was coming peacefully. All the people and kings also who had come there were only seeing the radiance of that boy but they never had the doubt of ‘What is he going to do?’
He came and smiling, adjusted his clothes. He held it (the Bow of Siva) with His left Hand. As soon as He held it, it rose up. However, it should be stringed. It should be bent (in order to string it). If picking it up is so difficult, to bend it is even more difficult.
He bent it with His left Hand. He strung it. When it was bent that Bow of Siva broke. When that Bow of Siva broke, a tremendously huge sound was heard. Everyone trembled (in fright). They sat thinking, ‘What is this amazement? What is this power of Rama?’
Immediately Sita came with her maids, holding the garland. (To garland Rama would mean that He had won her hand in marriage.) Viswamitra said, “Rama, are you ready?” He (Rama) said, “Swami! My father sent me to protect your yagna. I protected the yagna in Siddhasram. I didn’t have father’s permission to come to this yagna. I am not ready for this (marrying Sita) until my father gives his permission.”
Viswamitra went and said something into the ear of Janaka. Janaka was also one who followed the ethics of kings, therefore he accepted. He sent messengers to Ayodhya. They described (to Dasaratha) in detail everything that had happened and they said that all of them should come. (Dasaratha agreed to come. They all started off on the journey.)

MASSAGING HIS OWN FOOT
This took three days. For those three days Rama and Lakshmana sat in a room. There was small joke that happened there. Rama put one leg upon the other, and he was softly massaging one foot.
He (Narada) saw. Narada went there. He saw from a small passage. ‘Paapam! A prince, a delicate boy, came walking so far. They never exerted so much. Maybe His Feet are hurting. So He is massaging His own pain.’ Thinking that, he was surprised.
He called Lakshmana. Lakshmana opened the door and saw. No one had an objection for him to go to his elder brother. Lakshmana sat at His (Rama’s) Feet and was massaging (His Feet).
(Rama said,) “Lakshmana, I don’t have pain. This is a drama that I am doing to show (set an example to) the people.” Lakshmana also knew that Rama had no suffering at all, and that no suffering could come to Him.

THE MARRIAGE
However, three days passed. King Dasaratha came with a large army battalion. Not only those two, Bharata and Satrughna were also coming. All of their friends were coming. All, thousands of people, were coming. They came and they got down. Each one arrived and was very happy. Each one was kissing the (top of the) head of the other (an expression of affection).
Bharata, Satrughna, Rama and Lakshmana, all four came together in one room. So much happened. The fourth day was the marriage. I told you many times about how this marriage was celebrated.
First and foremost the bride has to be given to the eldest son. There was the eldest daughter of Janaka (Sita). She was found in the plowing of the land. Urmila was the eldest (biological) daughter of Janaka. He brought both of them. Why? This is because both Rama and Lakshmana came, isn’t it so?
The second day both Bharata and Satrughna also came. Seeing these four (his four sons), Dasaratha was overflowing inside himself, thinking, ‘I am so lucky!’
(Side B) (There were two brides for Bharata and Satrughna also.) Meaning, they were the daughters of Janaka’s brother. It was all well suited. It was suitable: the four daughters for the four sons.
They stood. Then, the garlands should be put. When they were to put the garlands, Rama was very tall. He stood and garlanded her. However, Sita was a little short. She wasn’t capable (of garlanding) someone so tall (Rama).
Then, though so much time passed, he (Rama) thought, ‘I am one who bent the Bow of Siva. It would be very humiliating to bend my head in front of so many brave warriors.” Then also the characteristic of his masculinity was demonstrated. ‘It is not the Dharma of kings to bend their heads. Regarding that, for Me to bend My head among so many people only for a single woman, is very humiliating.’
Rama stood straight. She was trying a lot. She didn’t know where His head was and where it (the garland) should be put. The women of those days didn’t used to look at others. She was looking down and (trying to) garland Him. Yet it did not reach His Head.
Rama slowly moved His head and made a sign to Lakshmana. He said, “Lakshmana, this is a job for you.” (As Lakshmana was Adi Sehsa who held up the world, Rama asked him by sign to move the earth a bit so Sita would be taller.) (Lakshmana answered by sign,) “If the earth were raised, everyone would come up. It just isn’t only Sita who would become taller.”
Observing and observing, all the people were getting wearied. “Why isn’t He bending His head? She is not putting the garland around His neck. What is the reason for this?”
Lakshmana, who noticed this strange and amazing thing, ran up and fell on Rama’s Feet. The one who fell on Rama’s Feet did not get up; Rama saw (waited) for so much time. Saying, “Lakshmana, get up!” He bent over like this (to lift him up). Sita understood this time and situation, and immediately she put the garland around His neck. (Applause) This is the intelligence of Lakshmana. Even Thyagaraja said.

Could a monkey cross the ocean?
Could He be tied to a stone used for grinding?
Would Lakshmana serve Him?
Would Lakshmi Devi love Him?
Bharatha with subtle intelligence,
Looking and looking, would he bow down?
How very great is devotion to Rama!
(Swami sings a Telugu song)

No one can understand the power of this supreme devotion.
The marriage was completed. Then everyone came with great festivity to Ayodhya. In the middle conflicts also happened. (Referring to the appearance of Parasurama on the way to Ayodhya. Parasurama wanted Rama to show His strength and Rama was victorious.)

Pleasure is an interval between two pains.

Between two joys, a trouble also comes.

RAMA SHOULD BE CROWNED KING
Then, he was victorious and they reached Ayodhya. After arriving, after a few days had passed, Dasaratha had a dream in the early morning at 3 AM. The faith of Dasaratha was that the dream that came at 3 AM would become absolutely true.
What came? (What was the dream?) That he was old, his hands and legs were trembling and that many ______________ were happening. He got up feeling very bad. (He thought to himself,) ‘I won't be alive much longer. Rama should be crowned king.’ He made a resolve at that very moment.
When a king has a thought, what dearth is there (to fulfill it)? No (extensive) arrangements are necessary. So he said that it should be done. He called Vasishta. He also took the command (permission) from him also.
However, Rama’s sense of equality and fairness began from that very day (was present even then). (He thought,) ‘Everyone should be equal. There should not be any ________________ at all. No chance for differences should be given. All should lead an equal life. Life is one. God is One. So, God is one and life forms are many.’ Rama felt that His most important aim was to make diversity into unity.
Vasishta accepted. He (Dasaratha) called Rama near. “Rama, I have resolved to make you the crown prince. Be ready tomorrow.” Rama is omniscient; He has all powers, is omnipresent and thinks of all. He thought, ‘There is no need for one to say.’ Yet thinking that it is not right to give an answer (oppose) to father, he sat thinking.
(Bharata and Satrughna were in their maternal uncle’s kingdom at that time.) (Then Rama said,) “Father, Bharata isn’t here, right? Satrughna is not here, isn’t it so? Hence, they should (first) come, right?” He (Dasaratha) said, “That is all unnecessary for you. Obey my order.”
(Rama answered,) “Good. Yet, the four of us were born under the same star. We were born from the same bowl of payasam from the yagna. Initiation into learning the alphabets was done for all four of us equally (at the same time). Names were given to all equally. Bestowing of the sacred thread was done for all equally. The marriage also was done for all equally. However, why should the coronation be performed only for Me? Perform the coronation on all four at once!”
Then Dasaratha was very ________(shocked)! He said, “Dear son, the kingdom is one. The king is One. So it is not possible to perform it (the coronation) for all four.” (Rama suggested,) “Separate it (the kingdom) into four parts, and give a part to each of the four (brothers). Hence, the coronation should be performed for all four of us at once.” He said that it was not possible to be done at different times.
Dasaratha’s head reeled! He said, “Rama, go and come back after some time.” He sent Rama away. He called Vasishta, and consulted him. Vasishta also said, “I will try to convince Rama.” “For generations and generations, our kingdom had only one king. But now, due to the resolve of Rama, it would become necessary to divide the kingdom up into several.” Not dividing: each part to one of them. In this way, when it was (decided that it was) not possible to divide it, Rama did not accept.
Not only this, Dasaratha had become elderly. After becoming aged, the intellect becomes cast asunder and vanishes. He is not able to understand the right meaning of all of these thoughts. So, He (Rama) said it in a way that he (Dasaratha) would understand. He said that Bharata and Satrughna should come. It would take fifteen days for them to come. Therefore, due to this (delay of time), he said that one may think about it to any extent. Rama could thus spend the time (delay the coronation).
The power and capability of Rama, Rama’s logic and stratagem, were very amazing and wonderful. ‘All should be equal:’ that is the first truth of the culture of Bharath.

Sarva Loka Sukhino Bhavanthu.
Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu.

May all the worlds be happy
May all be happy.
(Sanskrit sloka)

All should be happy. He followed ancient culture like this.

THE CORONATION WAS STOPPED
So, then the coronation was stopped. Then Bharata and Satrughna were called. Regarding this also, what kind of sanctity? People are reading the Ramayana. They bring very big books that are like big pillows. What is the use? They get it by heart. But the essence, even a bit, is not tasty. Everyone reads the Ramayana so much and becomes surprised.
People say that Kausalya is a very virtuous lady, she is the main queen, she has many good qualities and all will have to obey her command. The last (youngest) wife is Kaikeyi. There is no obstacle in the way of her orders at all. Even Dasaratha: if she says to sit, he must sit; and if she says to get up, he has to get up! So Kaika was keeping (the authority) in her hands and playing this kind of drama.
When it was going on like this, no one would talk with Sumitra. No one is able to describe as ‘like this’ or ‘like that,’ the character of Sumitra and the character of Satrughna.
At one time Rama was going away to the forest. The coronation was not performed. Kaika desired that (Rama) should be sent to the forest for fourteen years. He was going away. He went to do namaskaar to Kausalya. She was crying loudly. The entire inner apartments were crying. There was no joy anywhere.
Afterwards, no one said anything to Lakshmana but he went to do namaskaar to Sumitra. She only said one thing (to him). She said, “Dear son, Lakshmana! Don’t feel bad that you are going to the forest. That is not a forest. Ayodhya devoid of Rama and Lakshmana is a forest. The forest where Rama and Lakshmana live is Ayodhya. So although you will be living in the forest, feel that you are living in Ayodhya. Rama only is your father and Sita is your mother. See that there is no obstacle in your service to them.”
Will any mother say like that? She (some other mother) would stop it (his plan to leave), saying, “According to the promise given, they may be sent to the forest. You don’t need to go.” But no mother will say like that. (But this mother Sumitra did not say like that). The good qualities of a mother were seen in Sumitra.
Afterwards, He also thought to tell Urmila, paapam, thinking, ‘It is not possible to come again for fourteen years, isn’t it?’ Urmila was the first daughter of King Janaka. She was a greatly virtuous woman. No one had her sacrifice and _____________.
She was sitting and painting. What was the painting? She was painting the coronation that would be held the next day, and the close relationship between Sri Rama and Sita. She resolved to send it to her father Janaka. She was painting that, paapam!
Lakshmana said, “Urmila!” She got up suddenly all at once. When she got up, that paint and that picture were ruined. It (the paint) fell on that (the painting). Even the painting was ruined. “Oh dear! I have ruined it!” She felt bad.
Then Lakshmana said, “Don’t feel sad. Kaika spoiled the coronation of Rama. Your husband Lakshmana ruined your painting of the coronation. Therefore, there is no need to feel bad about this. I am going.” “Where to?” “I am going to serve Rama.”
She felt only joy. She didn’t make any fuss saying, “I will come! You are going: you should also take me along.” (Instead) She said, “Lord! My mother-in-law had you and your brother in order for you to serve. Satrughna is (born) to serve Bharata. Lakshmana is (born) to serve Rama. So, do your service. Fulfill your duty.”
She only said (added) one thing: “Don’t think of me for even a moment at any time during the fourteen years.” Will any wife say like this? No one will say that. They would not resolve that. “Don’t think of me for even a moment. It will obstruct (you doing) the seva of Rama and Sita. Think of Sita and Rama, and protect them without any obstacle. Just forget me completely for fourteen years.”
Lakshmana shed tears at (listening to) that broad feeling. “Urmila, I didn’t think that you had such broadmindedness. Hence, I will keep (the memory of) your broad mind in my heart.” Then Urmila said, “Don’t even think of this broad heart. Remember the broad heart of Sita. Follow Rama’s commands.” Saying that, she succeeded to (help Lakshmana) be without any obstacle in the way of service to Sita and Rama.
Virtuous (wives) like Urmila and mothers like Sumitra cannot be seen, not only in this world but in any other world either. They were all sent (to the forest). That all was over.

HANUMAN CAME
In the war, Lakshmana fell down and fainted. Seeing Lakshmana who had fainted, Rama was in much anguish. “Lakshmana! If one searches this world, one can get a wife like Sita. But I cannot get a brother like Lakshmana. I can't get one, can't get one! I have lost Lakshmana! Then why should I live?” saying that he was suffering so much.
They brought a doctor that was there, and he said “Bring the Sanjiva mountain.” Hanuman came. He jumped up once. He went up Sanjiva mountain. No one knew where that tree was (that contains the herb that would revive Lakshmana). He took the whole mountain.
He took the mountain and he was coming over Nandi village, paapam! Bharata was in the village of Nandi. He saw. Thinking, ‘It is some demon. He is taking away that mountain,’ he released an arrow. Along with the mountain, Hanuman fell down.
All the people also gathered there as Hanuman, who had fallen down, was doing namaskaar. The people of the village of Nandi and the people of Ayodhya, all came running. They saw.
When they saw, Hanuman did a namaskaar to all. “Bharata, your brother Lakshmana has fainted. To bring him back to life, all the doctors of the town of Lanka said to bring this Sanjiva Mountain. There is a tree on it, called to Sanjiva Tree. I don’t know that tree so I am taking it (the whole mountain).”
He (Bharata) asked, “For what?” “Lakshmana has fainted.” When he heard that Lakshmana had fainted, everyone shed tears. “Is Lakshmana like that? Seeing him, is Rama feeling sad? What are these bad situations? What is the reason for falling to such situations during this time?” Thinking that, everyone was suffering a lot; then, it is not necessary to tell of the (plight of) the women!
Hanuman watched it all. Tears were falling from everyone’s eyes. But only one woman there wasn’t crying. Who? She only is Sumitra. She didn’t shed a tear. “Why cry about this? Rama will not have any sufferings. No suffering will ever happen to my son Lakshmana who remembers the Name of Rama. My Lakshmana is always saying, ‘Rama, Rama, Rama, Rama, Rama.’ The remembrance of the Name of Rama is completely in every atom and in every cell. So there will not be any suffering for my son or to Rama.” She was courageous.

THE DEVOTION IN URMILA
Seeing this courage, Bharata took Hanuman to Urmila, meaning, Lakshmana’s wife. She didn’t come out anywhere. She vowed that she would stay in the same room she was in when Lakshmana left, until Lakshmana comes back again. She would not leave that room. Urmila kept to such a determination.
Bharata went, “Sister-in-law, look here, he is Hanuman.” She was keeping her head down and was listening. “Where did he come from?” (Hanuman said,) “There is a war going on between Rama and Ravana. Lakshmana became unconscious during that. Rama is feeling bad. ‘Lakshmana, Lakshmana, Lakshmana! Why should I live without you?’ Saying that, Rama is suffering a lot. To protect Lakshmana (his life), I am bringing the Sanjiva Mountain.”
All at once Urmila laughed outright. “Hanuman, you are the son of Vayu (the wind god). You know everything. Don’t you even know as much? The Name of Rama is contained even in Lakshmana’s breathing. Will any danger happen to (him, having) that Name? There’s no chance at all for it to happen. So there is no danger to Lakshmana at all.
She asked one question. She asked at that time, “What is Rama doing and what is Lakshmana doing?” (Hanuman answered,) “Rama is suffering. He is shedding tears. Lakshmana is closing his eyes and is supremely peaceful.”
Then Urmila said, “Because my husband does not have any suffering, he is closing his eyes and is supremely peaceful. All the weapons that Ravana and the demons are throwing are hitting Rama, therefore Rama is feeling sad.”
So in this way, the characteristics of devotion and surrender in Urmila and Sumitra were not shown anywhere in the Ramayana. Due to there being such sacred women and men like that in those days, the mother (was considered) the embodiment of Dharma, the embodiment of love and the embodiment of Truth.
Urmila and Sumitra: these two protected the world in all ways. So all should be friends. Her very name is friendly (‘Sumitra’ means ‘good friend’). All of you should also be friendly in form. All should be Sumitras (good friends). All should be good children. That is what the country needs today.
So in the ancient times; there is no one in the country of Bharata who hasn’t heard the story of the Ramayana. Though thousands of years have passed, today also the story of Rama has not disappeared at all. Now and then new Ramayanas (translations or commentaries) increase.
There will be no more rebirths for the one who remembers the Name of Rama and for the ones who behold the form of Rama. For that reason, in the world, Valmiki described so much of the power of Rama and the Name of Rama. He described it so wonderfully!

(Bhagavan chanted the bhajan
‘Rama Kodanda Rama…’)

NO NECTAR GREATER THAN THE NAME OF RAMA
Embodiments of Love!
There is no nectar greater than the Name of Rama. Today the people are forgetting remembrance of the Name. They are only saying ____________ Names. No, no (that’s not right)! The country has fallen to such a state because of that. Wherever and whatever individual it may be, however great a person, they don’t even think of ‘Rama, Krishna’ (the Names of God).
Greatly educated ones, great scientists, great, great intellectuals also, are forgetting to put on vibhuthi (sacred ash). They put it on in the house and rub it off when they go outside! This type of fashion has begun. This fashion is killing humanness.
Hence, let anyone think anything. There’s no need to fear in any way. Why be afraid to say the Name of God? Therefore, the Name of Rama should be said in every corner, every street and every town in the world. Rama, Krishna, Govinda, Narayana, Siva, Vishnu: whether the Name of Siva or the name of Vishnu or the Name of Rama, some Name should be repeated.
Today that remembrance is avoided. Do to there not being God's Namasmarana, tangles are coming out of every house. Even fights are beginning among brothers. What is the reason? , Unsacredness enters in due to there not being sacredness.
Nowadays it is only is money, money, money, money, money, money. High position, position, position, position, position, position. What are these high positions? What is this money? Do these protect us? Aren’t there so many rich people in the world? Aren’t there so many people in positions of authority in the world? Are they experiencing supreme peace? No, no (they aren’t)!
That which gives happiness, bliss and peace to us is the Name of God and the remembrance of God. The ones who neglect this will be ruined. So we should never neglect. We should contemplate on every Name.
Siva is the personification of the Name of five letters (‘Namah Sivaya’). (Vishnu) is the embodiment of the eight-lettered Name, ‘Namo Narayana’. The praana (life force) in the embodiment of the five-lettered Name (Siva) and the embodiment of the eight-lettered Name (Vishnu) is (contained in) these Names.
Hence, God said that there is the letter ‘ma’ in the five-lettered Name and the letter ‘Ra' in the eight-lettered Name. The unity of these two (is Rama).
There is ‘ma’ is in the five-lettered Name. The five-lettered Name is ‘Namah Sivaya, Namah Sivaya’. If there was no letter ‘ma’ in it, it would be ‘Na-Sivaya:’ that would mean inauspiciousness. (‘Na’ is negating; ‘Sivaya’ is auspiciousness.). If the ‘ma’ joins, everything is auspicious. Namah Sivaya. Na-ma, if the ‘ma’ is removed, Na-Sivaya, it is inauspicious. Namo Narayanaya. Meaning, in that also there should be the letter ‘ma’. Without the ‘ma’, there would be inauspicious there also.
When both the ‘ma’ in the five-lettered Name, ‘Namah Sivaya’ and the ‘Ra’ in the eight-lettered Name come together, it becomes ‘Rama’.

HE EXISTS FOR ME
Hence, students! People (gathered)! Devotees!
Yet, there is nothing else which protects us more than God's Namasmarana. Let any position come. It comes today and goes away tomorrow. All is passing clouds, passing clouds, passing clouds. We should not struggle for this.
Position may come to anybody. Through what? Through politics! How long is the position that comes through politics? If one blows (it away), it will go. So we should not struggle at all for the power that comes through politics. It should come from the heart. Whoever has God's Name in his heart is fortunate and meritorious.
The people who don’t like it may say no. (You should argue, saying,) “You don’t want (God), but I want (Him). Rama isn’t there for you, but He is there for me. Rama doesn’t exist for you but He exists for me. Who are you to say that my Rama doesn’t exist? Who are you? I have my Rama. I have my Siva. You say that He doesn’t exist: He may not exist for you but He exists for me.”
No one has any right at all to deny (our God). So we have to fight for this right. So God's Name should never be given up, at any place or time.

Sarvada Sarva Kaleshu Sarvatra Hari Chintanam.

Contemplate on God everywhere,
at all times and under all circumstances.
(Sanskrit sloka)

Bhagavan ended His Divine Discourse by chanting the bhajan ‘Rama, Rama, Rama Sita…’

Embodiments of Love!
Try to make the proper effort to install in the heart the feeling of today, without it moving or shaking even a bit. Accept prasad: feel that it is Rama’s prasad.

Look! Here is the prasad of Rama’s Name!
Come O devotees!
(Swami sings one line of a Telugu song)

No one sang at all! (Laughter)

(Swami sings a couple of lines from the song ‘Rama, Rama, Rama, Sita…’)

This translation from Telugu to English is done word-by-word to get the literal meaning. It is NOT an edited version.