Ramakatha Rasavahini, Part 2, Chapter 5 (b) - Success in the Search

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Part 2 - Chapter 5 (b)Success in the Search

 

Hanuman consoled Vibhishana a great deal. He said, "Vibhishana! Rama heeds only

the heart; He will not be affected by family affiliations, religious

affinities, or Sadhana attainments. He is pleased best by feelings and their

purity. He will bless you for the loftiness of your ideals and the cleanliness

of your daily life. He will grant you the Darsan you are yearning for; do not

grieve. Why, you can take me as the best proof for what I am saying about His

compassion and grace. I am a monkey; waywardness is the

hall-mark of my tribe; the word 'monkey' has become a by-word for a prankish,

playful, petty mind. I am not versed at all in the Sastras. As for asceticism,

I have no idea what it means. I have not repeated, according to prescribed

rules, the Name of God, nor have I gone on pilgrimages seeking holy rivers! How

then has Rama blessed me? Because He heeds only the Love that animates and the

feelings that activate people. In your case also, He will pay attention only to

the Purity of Feelings. Be confident, do not doubt."

Relieved by these words, Vibhishana informed Hanuman details of how Sita was

brought to Lanka. Hanuman refused to partake of any food or drink, since he had

resolved to refrain from both until he could see Sita and communicate to her the

message of Rama. He was eager to renew the search without delay. But, Vibhishana

advised him to proceed cautiously and slowly, and inform himself of the strength

and weakness of Ravana's Empire before he left. He himself acquainted him with

these points in some detail. Thereafter, he permitted Hanuman to leave on his

errand. Hanuman was so delighted to learn that Sita was in Lanka that he

actually forgot to ask where she actually was! He entered many mansions to find

out whether she was anywhere therein. He saw bevies of women, fallen on their

beds, intoxicated by drink and dance, and floored by the banalities of luxury.

Keeping in mind the characteristics and excellences of Sita that Rama had

described to him,

he observed closely every woman in those houses; but he could not meet Sita. In

near despair, he jumped on the peak of a hill and thought over the situation,

deeply, for long. "How can I go back to Rama, without completing my mission,

meeting Sita and consoling her? Better far to drown in the sea yonder. Alas.

Mine is a wasted life. Fie upon it", he said to himself.

That very instant, he saw a beautiful garden, trim and green, shining in the

distance. Coming down the peak, he realized that since the garden was in a

valley surrounded by tall mansions, he could not discover the place from the

ground. Not knowing what to do next, he hied fast to the house of Vibhishana

and discovered him immersed in reciting the Name of Rama. Seeing Hanuman,

Vibhishana rose and approached him in a friendly and pleasing manner. He asked,

"Hanuman! Did you see Sita?" Hanuman expressed his disappointment, but,

Vibhishana gave him the information. "Hanuman! There is in this City a garden

named Asokavana. There, in the midst of terrible and mighty Rakshasas, Sita is

kept; my wife and daughter are with her, doing service." He also disclosed to

him the route by which he could reach the garden and the spot. Hanuman could

not

stay a moment longer; he reached the garden in a trice. Those who saw him began

shouting and accosting, for, his figure was strange and peculiar to them.

Noticing this, Hanuman felt that his figure was making him too prominent and

public, and so he assumed a diminutive size. Jumping unnoticed from branch to

branch, hiding himself behind clusters of leaves, he reached the Asokavana.

There he saw a woman, sitting under a tree, weak and worn, through want of food

and sleep. The fierce Rakshasas sitting guard around her were threatening her,

to change her will and to break her determination. Meanwhile, a grand cavalcade

neared the place heralded by the beating of drums and the blowing of trumpets.

Behind them Hanuman could see a royal personage, bejeweled and be-robed in

magnificent style. Hundreds of maidens followed him, carrying plates full of

jewels, sweet and fragrant presents and soft silks. Ensconcing himself within

the green shade of leaves, Hanuman watched the scene from the top of a nearby

tree. It was Ravana, evidently, for, he pleaded before Sita and prayed to her

that she might offer her love to him. He tried to extract a promise by threats

of cruel punishment. Hanuman heard him exhort those around him to inflict pain

and injury on her. That frail feeble woman did not raise her eyes towards

Ravana even once

during all the tirade. She only said, "Fool! Vile vicious fellow! Rama alone has

rights over me: no one other than Rama has any. I shall reduce this body to

ashes in the flames of sorrow at separation from Him. I shall never stray from

my resolve. Believe in this and beware!" Hanuman heard these emphatic words and

realized that the woman was Sita and no other. His mind gained peace and

calmness when he knew this. Very soon, Ravana stung by disappointment and angry

at the discomfiture, became even more violent in speech. He gave her a month's

respite, to think over and accede. The cavalcade and the maids with the plates

also accompanied him out of the garden. When they had all left, Sita raised her

head towards the heavens and sighed; "Rama! Has not compassion yet entered your

heart? Why have you condemned me to this torture? When am I to be freed from

this?", and she burst into weeping.

A Rakshasi named Thrijata was one of the warders of Sita; she was deeply

attached to the Lotus Feet of Rama; she was a pious devotee, who had both

worldly wisdom and spiritual experience. She spoke to her companions keeping

watch over Sita, "Comrades! Last night, I had a dream, which I must relate to

you. But, first, let us serve and revere Sita and win her grace. For, listen to

the story that revealed itself to me in my dream. A monkey entered Lanka,

slaughtered the Rakshasas and set the city on fire! Ravana had no clothes on;

he was riding, of all animals, a donkey and moving fast in the southerly

direction. And, his head, I noticed, was shaven close. Besides, I found that

his arms were severed from the body. Vibhishana was crowned the emperor of

Lanka. Throughout the length and breadth of the land, the name of Rama was

resounding. Then Rama sent for Sita. Sisters of the Rakshasa clan! Take note. I

never get dreams. I haven't seen any

so far. So if I dream at all, know it will certainly come true; it will happen

just as in the dream. Moreover, the realization, in actual fact, of this dream

will not take long; things must happen just as I dreamt, within four or five

days." The Rakshasa women were amazed at the revelation; they forthwith

prostrated at the feet of Sita and silently resumed their routine duties.

Seeing the behaviour of Thrijata, Sita addressed her, "Thrijata! Rama Himself

must have sent you here to be one of this group that is around me. Truly, it is

because there are a few women like you in this Lanka that unfortunate persons

like me are able to sustain our chastity and virtue. Or else, what will be the

fate of women like me? You heard, didn't you, the expressions Ravana used just

now? He has given a month's respite. If Rama does not come within that month,

I, or, rather, this body, will be cut to pieces and it will be plucked and

eaten by vultures and crows. Being the consort of Rama, I can never tolerate

that horrid fate for this body. Tell me some plan through which I can get rid

of this body sooner." Hanuman heard these words from the branch of the tree; he

was overcome by sorrow, when Sita spoke in that strain of despair. At this,

Thrijata fell at Sita's Feet, and assured her, "Mother! Do not lose hope, Rama

is no ordinary being.

His might and majesty are unequalled. It will ever be so. You are certain to be

saved by him. He will arrive very soon and hold your hand in his. Do not lose

courage." She consoled her by loving words and left for home.

Availing himself of this chance, Hanuman jumped from his perch to a lower

branch; he dropped right before Sita the ring that was given by Rama; it fell

shining like a flame of purest ray. And, he kept on repeating "Rama! Rama" in

ecstatic bliss. When her eyes fell upon the ring, Sita was astonished at what

she saw. "Is this true, or, am I dreaming? Can it be true? How can this golden

ring worn on the golden finger of my Lord be found in Lanka? Is this Rakshasa

magic or mere hallucination? ... No. I should not hesitate any longer, even

after recognizing it as my Lord's to take it in my hand. It will be a sin if I

refrain from handling it." So saying, she took it and placed it on her eyes in

reverence. Tears of gratitude flowed from her eyes. "Rama! Are you granting me

your Darsan, the joy of your presence through this ring?" she said and raised

her head.

(See Srîmad Bhâgavatam Canto 5 : Ch. 19: The prayers of Hanumân and Nârada and

the glories of Bhârata-varsha)

There she saw a small monkey sitting on a branch of the tree and reciting in

deep devotion, "Rama, "Rama", continuously. In a flash, she remembered the

incidents in Thrijata's dream as related by her. "Ah! Good days seem to be fast

approaching. For ten long months, I have not heard the name of Rama pronounced

in this Lanka. This day, I am able to see a living being reciting that holy

name. I also received the dearly loved ring of my Lord," she exulted. She could

not keep her joyful excitement down. Sita, who had not talked to any stranger

for long, looked at the monkey-form and addressed it thus: "O monkey! Who are

you? Wherefrom is this ring?" She could not put full trust in the monkey, for,

she had been deceived for months by tricks of impersonation. She interrogated

the monkey in various ways in order to verify his credentials. Off and on, she

would ask the monkey about the welfare of Rama and at the very thought of His

being alone, in the

forest, tears would flow profusely from her eyes. Sita swung alternately between

joy and grief. Hanuman watched her plight; he could not keep away from her the

bond of love and loyalty that was holding him on to Rama. He related the

dynastic story of Rama and His exploits, as well as his own story until he met

Rama. When she listened to that story, she felt as happy as when Rama stood

before her; she could picture Rama standing beside her at Ayodhya and in the

forest retreats; she felt so thrilled that she forgot herself and her

condition.

Soon, she recovered consciousness and knew where she was. She said, "O Monkey! I

am glad you told me all this; but, let me ask one question: How were you able to

enter this heavily guarded city, in spite of your being only a weak little

monkey? How could you escape being caught by these Rakshasas and succeed in

spotting out this place and coming to me?" Hanuman replied, "Mother! What skill

and strength have I? I am the servant of Rama, His slave. He makes me do

everything He wants or likes. Without Him, I cannot survive even a moment. I am

a doll in His hands. I play as He pulls the strings; I have no will of my own."

Then, Hanuman elaborated on the glory of Rama and manifested his devotion and

dedication in the most impressive manner. It was most thrilling to hear those

words of his.

Rama had told Hanuman for communication to Sita some incidents which no one else

knew. He had said, "It may so happen that Sita may not believe your words; she

may doubt your genuineness. Then, you can remind her of these events, which are

known only to her and me." So, Hanuman began relating those special incidents.

"Mother Sita! He has asked me to tell you of the attempts made by the wicked

Crow to cause injury to you and of His attempt to save you and to kill that

demon." At this, Sita wept aloud, saying "Hanuman! Why is Rama who was so kind

to me then delaying to release me from this torture? Rama is the ocean of

mercy. Yes. But why has he become so hard-hearted at my fate? No. No. I am

wrong. Rama is the embodiment of compassion. He has to play a role that

involves all this apparent hard-heartedness, that is all. Hanuman! You are no

ordinary individual! For, Rama will not associate Himself so close with

ordinary individuals. Nor will He

send His ring with inferior persons. How fortunate you are to be His messenger!

Show me once your full stature and form."

Then, Hanuman landed on the ground and stood before Sita with palms folded in

adoration. When Sita saw him growing into a huge and terror-inducing size, she

half suspected it to be some demonic trick; she closed her eyes and turned

aside! Realizing her fear and the suspicion that was at the basis of that fear,

Hanuman said, "Mother! I am neither Ravana nor any one of his devilish

Rakshasas. I am the faithful servant of Rama with the pure sacred body of

unequalled splendour. He is the very breath of my existence; believe me, I am

speaking the Truth. Guessing that you may not have faith in my being His

authentic messenger, He took off His finger this golden ring and placed it in

my hands to be given to you. With me, there came Jambavan, Neela, Angada and

thousands of others of extraordinary heroism. But, I alone was able to cross

the ocean through the Grace of Rama. The others are all on the other shore. We

were able to hear from Jatayu [RRV-3b] and Sabari [RRV-3b] the story of your

having been brought here by this villainous Rakshasa King. When we came to know

three days ago from Sampathi news confirming your being here, we felt as happy

as when seeing you before our eyes. Rama and Lakshmana are awaiting my return

with the good tidings. If you permit me, I shall get back immediately and

communicate to them news about your welfare."

Sita pleaded, "Hanuman! I do not know whether you will be back at this place or

when. Please stay for a day more and delight me, by telling me about Rama and

Lakshmana." But, since the demonesses gathered around in groups to carry out

their separate assignments Hanuman resumed his miniature size and hopped on to

a branch of the tree.

Sita sat under the tree, ruminating on all that Hanuman had related to her; she

derived delight while doing so, and she cast her eyes showering benediction on

Hanuman sitting on the branch above her head. That day, she had no thirst or

hunger; she did not touch the fruits and drinks that the women-guards brought

for her; her pathetic condition hurt the kind heart of Hanuman. She appeared to

him as the very picture of misery. Hanuman heard the harsh and sharp-pointed

words used by the women-guards, and he gnashed his teeth in anger, for, he

could not deal with them as he wished to; Sita alone could give him orders what

to do.

After some time, Sarama, the wife of Vibhishana and her daughter, Thrijata, came

to the tree and fell at the feet of Sita sitting disconsolate thereunder. They

enquired about her health. Since they were partial towards her, Sita spoke to

them about how the dream of Thrijata had come true, and how a monkey had

actually entered Lanka in accordance with it. Sarama and Thrijata showed

extreme enthusiasm and excitement when they heard the account of what had

happened; they plied Sita with questions, in their eagerness to know all

details. Sita showed them the monkey perched on the branch and the Ring it had

brought. They both pressed the ring on their eyes in reverent adoration.

Hanuman was watching for an opportunity to see Sita while alone and very soon

he got it. Hanuman jumped to the ground and whispered to Sita 'Mother! Do not

be anxious and grief-stricken. Sit on my back, and I will transport you in a

trice to where Rama and Lakshmana are

awaiting news about you." Hanuman pleaded in many ways for acceptance of this

plan. Sita replied, "Hanuman! I am indeed very glad to hear you speak thus. I

am sunk and struggling in the sorrow of separation; your sweet words give me

solace like a boat on a stormy sea. But, do you not know that I will never

contact a person other than my Lord? How then can I sit on your back; consider

that." These words of Sita were a sharp repartee which hit Hanuman in the heart

and exposed his pettiness and pride for having suggested a dishonourable step.

But, Hanuman recovered soon and said, "Mother! Am I not your son? What is wrong

when the son carries the mother on his back? What evil consequence can follow

from that?" He supported his idea with various pleadings and points. In reply,

Sita declared, "Hanuman! Of course, for me and for you, the feelings of mother

and son are real; but, imagine what the world will think of it. We have to

consider that aspect, also, haven't we? We must so live that we are ideals for

the lives of others. We should not draw upon ourselves by our acts the

ridicule, contempt or condemnation of others; no one should point the finger of

scorn at us. And, above all, we must derive self-satisfaction, as a result of

our acts. When I know I cannot derive that satisfaction I will never attempt

such acts. Even if my life departs, I don't need or crave for another's

assistance.

"Moreover, my Rama has to destroy this vile demon who tortures me; He is the

person who has to discharge the responsibility, no one else can. He must come

himself into this Lanka, kill this Ravana, and lead this Sita back holding her

in His hand - that is the sign of the true hero that He is. That is the sign of

genuine valour. Look at this Ravana; he came like a thief in a false form and

stole me from my Lord. But, Rama is the embodiment of Righteousness; he

observes the norms of right behaviour. He honours the spoken word. When news

spreads that this Rama sent a monkey and brought away Sita without the

knowledge of Ravana, it would be dishonouring him. Getting out of here in the

way you suggest will surely be treason. We should not resort to mean

stratagems. We should guard the fair name of Rama as our very breath. His fame

is the deity we adore in our hearts. We have to preserve it unimpaired by

thought, word and deed. Your proposal has not

given me satisfaction for this reason". Hanuman admired her untarnishable virtue

and her steadfast adoration of her Lord, and the loftiness of the ideals she

maintained. He extolled her in his mind and recollected her words, in order to

draw inspiration therefrom. He said, "Mother! Pardon me. Since I saw with my

own eyes the tortures you are undergoing and the pangs of separation which Rama

is suffering, I entertained this idea to take you as quickly as possible to the

Lotus Feet of the Lord. Pardon me if it was wrong", and fell at her feet, again

and again, in great remorse.

At this, Sita questioned him many times on the condition of Rama and Lakshmana

and how they were faring in the forest. "Why worry about men? They can bear any

burden or travail. They can bear separation from women with fortitude. Women

suffer most, for, it is terror for the wives to live apart from their

husbands." Hanuman told her, "Mother! Rama and Lakshmana are keeping well, of

course; but, do not compare them with ordinary males. It is not fair. Alas!

Every moment, Rama is spending in thoughts of you and of separation from you,

and so, He is not paying heed to either thirst or hunger. He does not eat or

drink, unless pressed lovingly by Lakshmana to partake of a few fruits or a

little drink. I do not remember a single occasion on which Rama drank a gulp of

water on His own initiative. Do not be under the impression that they have

forgotten you or are neglecting you.

"Lakshmana is spending his days watching over Rama as the lids guard the eye; he

is the breath of the Breath of Rama; he is overcome by the agony of separation

from you and of witnessing the anguish of his brother; he has become a rock,

unaffected by any feeling other than concern for Rama. He is the source of

courage and sustenance that is unfailing and full. He has not slept these ten

months, nor has he taken food."

When Hanuman was describing the pathetic condition of the brothers, Sita acted

as if she was amazed at the love and affection that Rama had towards her. Again

and again, she said, "Yes. You too describe only the misery of the men; what do

you know, how can you gauge the sorrows of women?" She pretended not to believe

all that Hanuman related to her! She watched Hanuman and appreciated his wisdom

and powers; she recalled the story of how Rama and Hanuman had met and came to

be bound in love and loyalty, and derived great joy and content therefrom. At

last, she got firm faith in Hanuman and his mission.

Again and again, Hanuman pleaded, "Mother! Why this feeling of separateness? Why

spend days and months in agony and pain? Please sit on my back and I shall take

you in a trice to the Presence of Rama." Sita noted the anxiety of Hanuman to

win his point in spite of her arguments, moral and spiritual, legal and

worldly; she decided therefore to stop further conversation on this score by a

sharp repartee. She said, "Hanuman! Are you or are you not one who obeys

strictly the commands of Rama?" Hanuman replied, "Yes. I would rather give up

my life than go against the commands of Rama or disobey His orders." He banged

his chest with his fist in order to lend emphasis to his declaration. "Well.

Consider this. Did Rama command you to seek me out and bring him information

about where I am after seeing me, or, did He ask you to bring me with you?"

Hanuman was rendered dumb by this question. He could not continue his

pleadings. He said, "Mother! I did not think so deep into the consequences of

my proposal. I ask pardon again." From that moment, he never broached that

matter.

Bhajan: Murali Gana Lola

 

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/ramakatha2/ch5b.htmlVahini.org: 'Vahini' Books

written by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

 

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