Ramakatha Rasavahini, Chapter 5 - The Guru and the Pupils

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Chapter 5The Guru and the Pupils

 

The brothers lived in the preceptor's house and served him with devotion. They

renounced the comforts of the palace and gladly underwent the hardships. They

carried out the wishes of the master in humility and with loyalty. They

finished their studies in a very short period and mastered the subjects they

were taught. One day Emperor Dasaratha proceeded with his Minister to the home

of their teacher. He was beside himself with joy when he saw them reciting

Vedic hymns and heard the sacred formulae rolling out of their tongues, clear

and fast, like a cascade of bright pearls. He was happy that his sons had

learnt so much.

Rama rose and fell at the feet of his father. Seeing this, the three brothers

too came forward and prostrated before him. The teacher invited the Emperor and

the Minister to seat themselves on raised seats covered with deerskin. Dasaratha

began conversing with the teacher in order to find out how far the children had

advanced in studies. Rama signed to his brothers that they should not overhear

their talk; he left the room with the permission of the guru, carrying his

books with him and calling on the others to follow him. The brothers took the

cue from Rama in all matters and so they silently obeyed his merest gesture.

Vasishta and Dasaratha noted this incident; they appreciated the upright conduct

of Rama, his understanding of the trend of the teacher's conversation and the

immediate reaction of humility and the way in which he was an example and ideal

for the three brothers. They were glad that they had learnt so much discipline.

Vasishta could not contain himself. He said, "Maharaja: Your sons have mastered

all the arts. Rama has mastered all the Sastras. He is no ordinary mortal. As

soon as I began teaching him to recite the Vedas, he used to repeat them as if

he knew them already. Only He who has inspired the hymns can repeat them so,

not any other. The Vedas are not 'books', which he could have perused while at

leisure! They have come down from guru and disciple, through recitation and

listening only. They are not available anywhere, except from the preceptor!

That is the reason why it is referred to as Sruthi (That which is heard). It is

the Divine breath of God that has shaped itself into these manthras. I have not

seen so far any one who has mastered them as Rama has done. Why should I say,

'seen'? I have not even 'heard' of any one who has accomplished this remarkable

feat!

"I can tell you of many more superhuman achievements of your son. Maharaja! When

I think of my good fortune in securing these boys as my pupils, I feel it is the

reward for the asceticism I practiced so long. They need learn nothing further.

They have now to be trained in bowmanship and archery, and similar skills

appropriate for royal princes. They have completed their studies under me and

become efficient in all that I can teach. The day too is very auspicious. Take

them back with you to the Palace".

At this, Dasaratha, who was afflicted for months with the pain of separation,

shed tears of joy. He could not contain his delight. He turned towards the

Minister by his side, and directed him to convey the good news to the Queens

and ask them to come over to the hermitage with the offerings that the pupils

have to present to the preceptor while leaving his custody. Sumanthra proceeded

very fast to the Palace, and communicated the news. He got ready the gifts and

returned quicker than anticipated.

Meanwhile the boys had their belongings packed at the suggestion of Vasishta and

the articles were loaded into the chariot. As directed by their father, the

children worshipped the Guru according to prescribed ceremonial, gave him the

gifts, and fell at his feet, asking his permission to leave for home.

Vasishta drew the boys to his side, pressed their hands and patted them on their

heads. He blessed them and most unwillingly allowed them to leave. The pang of

separation brought tears in his eyes. He walked up to the chariot with his

pupils. The boys ascended the vehicle, and it moved away. They turned back

towards the Guru and looked in his direction with folded palms, for a long

distance. The preceptor, too, stood at that place, his cheeks wet with tears.

Dasaratha noticed this bond between the teacher and the pupils; he was greatly

pleased.

They reached home. The guru entered the hermitage with a heavy heart. Wherever

his eyes were turned, he noticed darkness and no light. He feared that the

attachment he had developed might confirm itself as a shackle; he decided to

sit in Dhyana in order to suppress the rising tides of memory. Soon, he

overcame the outer illusion and merged himself in inner Ananda. He realized

that the boys were embodiments of Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha - the Four Goals

of Human Life (Righteousness, Welfare, Endeavour and Liberation) and that they

had taken human form in order to re-establish on earth these grand ideals of

gracious living. This gave him unruffled peace.

Dasaratha resolved to supplement the education the boys had received, by

training them in the use of arms; so, he called in expert archers and others

and made arrangements to teach them the science of attack and defense. But who

can claim to be the teachers of these boys who were already pastmasters in

every field of study? They were only 'acting' the roles of humans and

pretending to learn.

To Him who holds the strings of this puppet show, who can teach to pull the

string? Men who could not recognize their Reality underneath the camouflage of

Maya sought to train them and teach them the objective skills useful for

external living. They have come to save the world from disaster; so, they have

to be in the world and of the world, respecting the conventions of the world,

so far as they subserve their purpose. Men could not understand their acts,

for, they are beyond human intellect or imagination; they will be helpless if

asked to explain them. But people must learn the ideals they put into practice.

So, Rama was presenting himself as a cinder covered with ash, or a lake with a

thick float of moss or the moon hidden by a curtain of clouds. The brothers

were following the footsteps of Rama.

Rama and Lakshmana were revealing knowledge of stratagems and skills which even

expert instructors did not know about. They were wonder-struck and were even a

little fear-stricken. But, the four Princes never shot an arrow at an animal or

bird. They never broke the vow taken solemnly by them that they will use arms

only on occasions of great urgency, not for the pleasure of killing or

wounding. The trainers took them often to the forest for hikes and

game-shooting; but, when they spotted animals or birds and invited them to

shoot, they remonstrated and said, "These arrows are not to be used against

innocent targets; they are to be used for the protection of the good, the

welfare of the world, and the service of the people. That is the purpose for

which they are with us; we shall not insult them, using them for these silly

pastimes", they averred and desisted. The teachers had to accept their

arguments. Every word, every deed of Rama demonstrated his compassion.

Sometimes, when Lakshmana aimed his arrow at a bird or animal, Rama came in

between and protested "Lakshmana! What harm has it done to you or the world?

Why do you long to shoot it? It is quite against the code of prescribed morals

for kings to punish innocent beings; don't you know?"

The Emperor often sat among his ministers with the princes near him, and

discussed with those around him the problems of political administration,

judicial trials and the application of moral principles in the governance of

the state. He related stories of their grandparents and others of the royal

line, how they earned the love and loyalty of their subjects, how they fought

wars with 'demons' and for 'gods' and how they won the Grace and support of God

in their endeavours. The father and the sons were both exhilarated when these

tales were told. Many a day, the ministers took turns in this pleasant task.

As they grew with the passage of years, the ministers became confident that they

could be entrusted with some fields of governmental activity. The people dreamt

that when they came of age and took hold of the reins of government, the earth

will be transmuted into heaven. When people saw the princes they felt a bond of

affectionate attachment springing between them. The conversation that ensued

among them was marked by sweet concord. The city of Ayodhya had no one who did

not love those simple, humble, virtuous, selfless Princes, or who did not

evince a desire to watch them. They were as dear to the children of Ayodhya as

their own bodies, as precious to the city as its own heart.

When they were in their eleventh or twelfth year, one day, Dasaratha called to

his presence the minister Sumanthra, who was the repository of virtue, and

commissioned him to arrange for teaching the princes the spiritual Science of

Liberation (the Paraavidya). He said that however proficient a person may be in

secular sciences (Aparaa Vidya), Paraa vidya alone can give him the strength to

carry out his Dharma (Rightful duties). The highest moral culture must be

imparted to them at this tender age itself.

Success or failure in later life was built upon the Impressions and experiences

gained in the early stages of life. The early years are the foundations for the

mansion of later years. Therefore he said, "Take the princes around the kingdom

and let them learn not only the condition of the people but also the holiness

of sacred places. Describe to them the sanctity of holy places, the history of

the temples and of the saints and sages who have consecrated them, and let them

drink deep the springs of divinity that are hallowing those spots. I feel it

will be good if they do so. As they grow, they will be prone to sensual desires

and urges. Ere they fall a prey to such tendencies, it is best to implant in

them reverence and awe, and devotion to the Divine, that is immanent in the

Universe. That is the only means to save their human-ness from demeaning itself

into animality. And for rulers of kingdoms, it is essential. Consult the Guru

and the preceptors and arrange

the tour without delay."

Elated at the prospect of the princes getting this great opportunity Sumanthra

had all preparations made to his satisfaction; he got ready himself to

accompany them. The Queens came to know of the pilgrimage that the Princes were

undertaking. They were delighted that the Princes were going on such a holy

venture and they made many things ready to render it as happy and useful as

possible. They arranged a few nurses for them and some comrades of their own

age to accompany them. The Princes too, were beside themselves with joy at the

prospect of visiting the sacred places of the land. They enthused their

companions and sought from the King equipment and clothes for them also.

The next day, when the auspicious hour specially selected for the journey was

on, the Princes bowed before their parents, touching their feet with their

foreheads; they fell at the feet of the Preceptor; the mothers placed holy dots

on their foreheads and cheeks to ward off the evil eye and to guard them against

evil; they discarded royal robes and put on the habiliments of pilgrims, that is

to say, silk dhotis round the waist and silk shawls wrapped round the shoulders

and, taking leave of all, they ascended the chariot. The palace resounded with

shouts of victory rising from thousands of citizens who had gathered to see

them off. The chariot moved on with guards before and behind.

Days, weeks, even months rolled by! They went to every temple and sacred spot;

they imbibed the holiness of each place; they worshipped at each shrine with

faith and devotion, they learnt after deep enquiry the history of each place

and the antecedents of the shrines; they ignored every other thought or

activity during all that long period. Sumanthra was describing to them the

sanctity of each place so graphically and intimately that their hearts were

thrilled. The Princes plied him with questions demanding further and deeper

elaboration of his narrations, Sumanthra was overjoyed at the insatiable

yearning of the boys, and he gave even more information and inspiration,

Thus they journeyed from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, and from the eastern sea to the

western, spending more than three months. They had their eyes open to the

sufferings of the people and the discomforts of the pilgrims in every region of

the empire, and whenever they observed these, they pleaded with Sumanthra, the

Minister, to set things right and to provide the needed amenities.

They were responsible for the repair and improvement of many temples, the

provision of drinking water wells, the planting of avenue trees, the opening of

centres for the distribution of water to thirsty wayfarers, the building of

caravanserais, and the establishment or health centres. Whenever Rama expressed

a desire that such amenities be provided. Sumanthra never hesitated to agree; he

saw to it that they were immediately provided to his satisfaction. The Princes

derived great comfort that the empire had such a loyal and efficient Minister

as Sumanthra; they said to each other that when they had such ministers welfare

and progress were assured.

Accounts of the pilgrimage of the Princes were conveyed to Ayodhya by special

couriers who ran in relays, forward and backward with news they collected.

Whenever delays occurred the Queens were weighed down by anxiety. They prayed

to the Preceptor Vasishta to give them correct information regarding them.

Vasishta had the yogic attainment to discover what was happening to them; so,

he used to tell them the reassuring news that they were happy, healthy and

hearty and that they would soon be returning to the capital. The mothers

derived courage and confidence therefrom. The Preceptor blessed them and

repaired to his hermitage.

Meanwhile, the news-gatherers brought good tidings. They said that the Princes

were nearing Ayodhya; they must be reaching the City within two days!

Arrangements were therefore made at the main Gateway of the City to welcome

into the Imperial Capital the four Princes, who had successfully gone through

their long and arduous pilgrimage and earned meritorious renown by their

devotion and compassion during their triumphal tour. Rosewater was sprinkled on

the roads to make them dust-free. Arches and festoons were put up. On both sides

of the road, women stood with plates on which they had placed lamps, with bright

flames, which they desired to wave before them as they passed along.

The Princes arrived at the Gate, as announced; lamps were waved before them;

they moved along the main high-way, which was strewn with petals of fragrant

flowers; parties of musicians and minstrels singing welcome songs proceeded

slowly in advance. Brahmins recited hymns invoking the blessings of God upon

the distinguished scions of the Imperial family. Sumanthra came alongside the

Princes, who were shining with an ethereal glow on their faces.

When they reached the palace gates, many rites were gone through to ward off the

effects of the evil eye; they were then led into the inner apartments. The

mothers whose eyes were longing to look upon them were awaiting them there; the

boys ran towards them and fell at their feet. They were raised up and held fast

in close embrace for five or six minutes, during which they lost themselves in

the thrill of joy, which enveloped both mother and son in the bliss of Mergence

with the Divine! The tears that rolled from the eyes of the mothers out of the

surgence of the love bathed the heads of the boys. They took hold of their sari

ends and wiped the heads dry with them. They stroked the hair, they fondled the

head, they seated them on their laps, and fed them fondly with sweet rice and

curd-mixed rice.

Ah! The excitement and thrill of the mothers were indescribable. The pang of

separation which they had suffered for three long months could be assuaged a

little, only by having the children in their care and custody, day and night,

for a few days. They wanted them to relate the story or their pilgrimage, and

the boys narrated in sweet, simple, sincere style the sacredness of each holy

place, as explained to them by Sumanthra. They listened to these narratives

with such ardour and faith that they too seemed to experience the exhilaration

each shrine provides for the earnest pilgrims.

Dasaratha celebrated the return of the young Princes from their holy journey by

offering oblations to the Gods, and arranging a magnificent banquet for all

Brahmins who had successfully completed the pilgrimage to Kasi and Prayaga. He

gave the latter monetary gifts too. Thus, since the day when the princes were

born, it was one continuous round of festival and feast in the capital city and

in the kingdom. The city of Ayodhya shone with uninterrupted rejoicing. Feasting

and festive entertainment knit the populace into a family, bound by love and

gratitude. Every month, the days on which the children were born (the ninth,

tenth and eleventh days of the bright half) were filled with gorgeous ceremony,

to mark the happy event. Even when the boys were away on pilgrimage, these days

were celebrated as grandly as if they were in the City; except for functions

where their physical presence was needed, all else - the feasts, the gifts, the

games, the dance - were all

gone through with enthusiasm. The parents noticed a change in the boys as a

result of the pilgrimage. The transformation was very surprising and they hoped

that the strange ways or life they had assumed might weaken with the passage of

days. They watched their behaviour and attitudes with great attention. But they

continued, with no sign or diminution.

Rama stayed mostly indoors. He did not bathe at fixed hours as he was doing so

far. He had a dislike to wear royal robes; he desisted from delicacies; he

never sat on the golden throne; he appeared as if he was immersed in the

contemplation of the Absolute, of something beyond the senses and the mind.

Since their brother appeared so morose and was ostensibly sulking, the three

younger brothers always kept near him. They never left his presence, for games

or for any other reason.

The four used to gather in a room and holt themselves in. The mothers had to tap

the door at intervals to bring in their food! However hard they tried to

discover why they behaved so, they never revealed the reason! Rama alone

deigned to answer their queries thus: "This is my nature; why seek to know the

reason for my being so?"

The mothers soon felt that this state of things could no longer be kept away

from gaze; they informed Dasaratha; he sent word that the boys be brought to

his apartments. But, finding that the sons, who previously would have rushed

in, took a long time to come, he was filled with wonder and worry. He made

ready to proceed to their room himself. Just then, the attendant announced that

the princes were approaching! The father was overwhelmed with bliss; he embraced

them and held them tight to his breast; he sat, with the sons on both sides; he

enquired from them about things, light and serious. Formerly, if he asked just

one question, the boys used to reply to ten: but, that day, when he asked ten,

they scarce replied to one.

Dasaratha drew Rama on to his lap, and pleaded fondly with him, "Son! Why this

refusal to talk? Why this silence! What is it that you desire? What else have I

than you in the world? Tell me what you need? I shall fulfil it immediately,

without fail. Since you do not mix with the brothers and play with them as

formerly, they too are unhappy." Though the King lovingly stroked the chin and

looked at the face of Rama, Rama did not say anything more than that he was

quite content and needed nothing! Watching this strange behaviour, Dasaratha

grew anxious and agitated; tears welled up in his eyes. The boys remained

unaffected by his grief. The father spoke some soft words to them about how

sons should conduct themselves and sent them to their apartments in the Palace.

He called Sumanthra so that he might confer with him; he asked him whether

anything had happened during the pilgrimage to put the boys out of gear or

whether he had brought them back too soon when they were themselves eager to

visit a few more places of interest to them. Dasaratha plied him with so many

questions that Sumanthra was filled with surprise and apprehension. His lips

quivered as he replied: "Nothing happened during the journey to displease the

Princes, no difficulty was encountered. Every wish of theirs was honoured and

carried through. I gave away in charity as much as they wanted; I got built,

wherever they suggested, houses for pilgrims; there was no hesitation or delay.

They never told me about any happening which they did not like. Nor did I notice

any such. The pilgrimage was one long journey of joy and adoration".

Dasaratha knew his minister well. He said at last, "Sumanthra! You are a great

good man. I know full well that you are incapable of neglect or error. But, for

some inexplicable reason, I find the boys have undergone a transformation after

the pilgrimage; they have developed distaste for food and fun.

"However much the people around persuaded him, Rama did not answer, nor did he

indicate the reason for his strange behaviour. He was immersed in his own

awareness of the falsity of things. I am surprised at this. The queens, too,

have taken this so much to heart that they are being consumed by anxiety". When

Dasaratha spoke thus to Sumanthra, the loyal Minister replied, "If permitted, I

shall meet the children and try to diagnose the ailment." Dasaratha said,

"Quite right! Proceed at once. Once we find the cause, the remedy isn't

difficult, the cure isn't far".

Sumanthra hurried to the children's apartment, heavy with a load of anxiety in

his heart. He found the doors bolted from inside, the guards standing outside

them. When Sumanthra tapped, Lakshmana opened the door and let him in. He

closed the door behind him and conversed with the boys for long on various

matters, in order to draw out from them the reason for their malady. But, he

could not delve into the mystery. He noticed the difference between the

confiding spirit of camaraderie which he enjoyed during the months of

pilgrimage, and the distance that had grown in recent months. He pleaded with

Rama with tears in his eyes, for revealing to him the reasons for his

melancholy. Rama smiled and said, "Sumanthra! What reason can be given for

something which is my very nature? I have no wants; I have no desire. You need

have no anxiety on that score".

Unable to do anything else, Sumanthra came to where Dasaratha was and sat beside

him. "I feel it will be good to invite the Guru tomorrow and consider which

measures are proper", he said and departed from the presence, after taking the

King's permission to leave.

The King was sad; he neglected everything else; he ignored the demands of empire

and spun many theories in his mind to account for the behaviour of the children.

They are entering the years of adolescence and so, such temperamental

revolutions are natural, he surmised. He shared this opinion with the Queens

and set his mind at rest, for a little while.

When they learnt that the Preceptor Vasishta was arriving at the Palace, the

queens made the preparations necessary, and waited for him at the family altar.

Just then, the Guru arrived; all fell at his feet; they showered eager questions

on him about the peculiar malady of the boys and the change that had come upon

them. They were all in tears. Noticing the agitation of the King and the

Queens, Vasishta turned his attention inwards and sought the reason for the

sorrow, through inner Vision. The truth was quickly revealed to his penetrating

purity.Within seconds, he turned towards the Queens and assured them. "There is

nothing wrong with the boys. These are not just ordinary children. They are free

from the least trace of worldly desire. Their minds are untarnished. Do not get

anxious. Bring them to me; you can retire now to your apartments."

The King and Queens were happy at this assurance; they sent for the princes and

left. Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna quickly got ready to meet the Guru,

when the news that he wanted them reached their ears. But, Rama evinced no

haste. He was immersed in himself, as usual. So, Lakshmana touched his feet and

prayed, "It is best we go without delay; or else, our parents will grieve that

we dared disobey the command of the Preceptor". Lakshmana pleaded with Rama

insistently for a long time, advancing various arguments. Finally, Lakshmana,

Bharatha and Satrughna were able to proceed to the altar room, with their

eldest brother. There, they fell at the Feet of the Guru and reverentially

stood before him.

Seeing them, Vasishta asked them with great affection to draw near and sit

beside him. They all sat close to him, but Vasishta wanted Rama to come still

nearer. He fondled Rama lovingly, playing with his hair and patting his back.

He said, "Rama! Why have you thus become quiet and silent? Your mothers and

father are suffering from grief and fear, unable to explain this inscrutable

change. You have to pay heed to their happiness too, isn't it? You have to

demonstrate the validity of the precious axioms, Mathr devo bhava (Treat the

mother as God) Pithr devo bhava (Treat the father as God) by your own action,

isn't it?" Vasishta placed before Rama many such lessons and truths for his

consideration.

Rama sat smiling, listening to the Guru. When he had finished, he spoke calmly,

"Master! You speak of mother; but, who exactly is 'mother'? Who exactly is

'son'? Why, what exactly is 'body'? And what is the 'Jivi' (the individual)? Is

this objective world real? Or is the Supreme Soul real? This body is but the

image of the Supreme Soul isn't it? The five elements that comprise the

substance called 'body' are also the substance of the entire Universe. This

Universe is but the concatenation of the five elements, isn't it? The elements

persist, in spite of all permutations and combinations. They have also a deeper

base. Without realizing this, if this created Universe is itself assumed to be

real, and if one yields to the fascination of this falsehood, if the truth be

discarded for the sake of the lie, what are we to say of such colossal

ignorance ? What can the individual gain by ignoring the Eternal Absolute Real

Reality, the Atma?"

When Vasishta observed Rama raising such profound philosophical problems, he

noticed also a halo of bright rays of spiritual splendour that emanated and

surrounded his face! He knew that the Light was an indication of Divinity,

attempting to surge outwards! So, he wanted Rama himself to provide the answers

to the questions that Rama put forward. And the replies and explanations Rama

gave were verily the Voice of God. Vasishta could see this fact clearly. He

bowed his head before him, mentally, for fear of being noticed. He said, "Son!

I shall see you again in the evening", and left the palace, without even

meeting Dasaratha; he was so overcome by the illumination of the occasion. He

fondled the children with a joyous sense of gratitude and love.

Dasaratha saw the princes after some time; he too saw the strange Glow of Divine

Awareness shining in their countenances. He could not understand how, it

happened and he awaited the arrival of Vasishta in the evening. No sooner did

he enter the shrine than the children, the mothers and Dasaratha fell at his

feet and sat in their places with palms folded in prayerful humility.

All of a sudden, Rama surprised every one by asking a series of questions: "The

Jivi, the Deva, the Prakrthi (Soul, God, Nature) what is the inter-relation

between these? Are these three, One? Or are they distinct entities? If One, how

did it become three and for what purpose? What is the unifying principle

underlying these? What benefit is gained by recognizing them as different,

giving up the cognition of the Unity?" The parents were aghast at the

profundity of these questions and the tender age of Rama. They became fully

merged in that stream of instruction and inquiry, that showered precious axioms

which shed light on the problems raised, as if Heaven answered the questions

raised by Earth! They forgot that Rama was their own child; the hours of the

night rolled by in the analysis and understanding of the great monistic wisdom.

Vasishta saw that the words that flowed from the lips of Rama were indeed drops

of the Nectar of Immortality, which can ensure Peace for mankind; he blessed

the King and Queens and returned to the hermitage. The dialogues between Rama

and the Preceptor form the text of 'Yoga-vasishta', a treatise which is

meaningful and mellow. It is also referred to as the Ramagitha.

Rama spent his days immersed in Vedantha, communing with himself, talking while

alone to himself, silent in company, and often laughing at nothing in

particular. Dasaratha grew concerned. He was worried what would happen to the

brothers; he sought to keep the younger three apart; but, they never agreed to

be isolated from Rama; so, they had to be left in his company always.

The King and the Queens were very much depressed, for all their dreams of joy

and glory had come to naught. They became desperate, for they saw no sign of

recovery or transformation in the sons. They counted hours and minutes, passing

the time in anxiety and prayer. Rama had no interest even in food and so with

irregular and indifferent meals, he appeared weak and wasted in health.

 

Ramakatha RasavahiniThe Sweet Story of Rama's GloryOriginal in Telegu written by

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai BabaRendered into English by Professor N. Kasturi

Source: http://www.vahini.org/ramakatha/chapter5.htmlVahini.org: 'Vahini' Books

written by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

 

 

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