RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI - PART II [10]

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RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI - PART II[10]

The Rama Story, Stream of Sacred Sweetness

As told by the Divine Lord Himself in the present Avatar as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Chapter 11Happy Ayodhya

The Pushpaka took off and turned north. When it rose, there was great commotion

on the ground; Vanara hordes raised thunderous shouts of 'Jai' - "Victory to

Rama, Victory to Sita, Rama and Lakshmana". Inside the Pushpaka, there was a

high throne charmingly carved and designed. Sita and Rama took their seats on

it. They then appeared to all as cloud with a lightning flash resting on the

Sumeru Peak. Rama drew the attention of Sita to the battlefield below, and

said. "Here is where Lakshmana overpowered and killed Meghanada". He also

showed her other spots associated with similar exploits and victories. He

showed her the bridge that the Vanaras constructed across the sea, and

described to her the heroism, devotion and faith of the Vanaras. Very soon, the

aerial chariot reached the Dandaka Forest. Rama had the

vehicle land before the hermitages of Agastya and other sages. With Sita and

Lakshmana, and other members of his entourage Rama visited the holy sages, paid

reverential homage to them, and after taking leave of them, he ascended the

Pushpaka again, and reached the Chitrakuta Hill. There too, he offered

prostrations to the sages, and soaring to the sky again, he showed Sita the

City of Kishkindha from the chariot itself. Even while the Pushpaka was

speeding fast, Rama indicated to her the sacred rivers Yamuna and Ganga. Sita

offered worship to the holy streams in her mind. Soon, they could see the

thrice-holy Prayag, where the Yamuna flows into the Ganga. They could get a far

glimpse from that position of the splendorous City of Ayodhya itself.

The chieftain of the Nishada tribe, Guha, who was yearning most ardently for the

return of Rama, his brother and his consort, espied the Pushpaka in the sky; he

fell flat on the ground in grateful obeisance, the very moment he saw the

vehicle. And, lo and behold, the Pushpaka landed just then at the very place.

Guha ran forward and fell at the feet of Rama. Tears streamed from his eyes; he

could not contain his delight; he rose and embraced Rama in the ecstasy of his

heart. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana conferred their blessings on the tribal

chieftain. They took their bath in the sacred river and ordered Guha to bring

the ferryboat for them to cross the Ganga. The Pushpaka, which belonged to

Kubera, before Ravana appropriated it, was sent back to its original owner.

One more day remained to be spent, outside Cities, in exile. Therefore, Rama

commissioned Hanuman to change himself into a Brahmin and proceed to Ayodhya.

He was to inform Bharatha the news about Rama and others, and bring back from

Ayodhya news of Bharatha. Hanuman left immediately. Rama, with Sita and

Lakshmana, and all who had come with him, moved into the hermitage of

Bharadwaja and accepted the hospitality and gratitude of that sage. Hanuman

found the residents of Ayodhya lean and famished, despondent and depressed;

they had not relished food or drink during the absence of Rama. All over the

town, one could hear their grievous groans and wailing. No one could move

towards another to console or nurse, for everyone was too weak to take a few

steps nor had anyone the desire or the capacity to nurse or console.

But, rays of hope had already been cast by the news he was bringing. Bharatha

had some welcome premonitions of the happy event; his right eye twitched and

his right arm too. He anticipated the receipt of the good news of Rama's entry

into Ayodhya. He was grieving that one more day was still to pass before the

period of exile would end. He was worried that Rama had not sent anyone to

communicate to him which place he had reached. He told himself how fortunate

Lakshmana was, since he was all the time in the presence and serving the Lotus

Feet of Rama. "The Lord cast me into this City, for, I am a hypocrite. My Lord

is all softness and sweetness. He is the kind kinsman of the downtrodden and

the fallen. He is compassion itself. He will certainly arrive tomorrow", he

consoled himself.

Just then, Hanuman was within his sight as a Brahmin, come with tiding. Hanuman

was thrilled at the condition of Bharatha. His body had been very much reduced;

he was worn down by anxiety. His hair had become matted. His eyes had become

perennial streams of tears. He was repeating the name of Rama without

intermission. Hanuman was full of joy at the sight of such a dedicated soul.

The hairs of his body stood on end because of the ecstasy. His thoughts ran in

several directions. But, he remembered his mission and poured the nectarine

news he had brought into the thirsty ears of Bharatha. "Bharatha! The person

from whom you have been separated and for whom you have been pining without

sleep or food all these nights and days, whose virtues and powers you have been

extolling and reciting every moment of your life

all these years, who has guaranteed safety to the gods and security to the

sages, who fosters truth and righteousness in all the worlds - He, Rama, has

achieved victory over all enemies, and the gods are singing his glory".

Just as a man suffering from acute thirst is rendered happy at the sight of

water, Bharatha was filled with joy when he listened to Hanuman. He wondered

whether he was actually listening to some one actually speaking to him. But, he

assured himself that it was true. "How can this be an illusion? Who is this

person who has brought the good news? Where did you come from?", he asked the

visitor, embracing him out of sheer gratitude. Hanuman replied, "O Bharatha! I

am Hanuman, the son of Vayu, the Wind-God. You seem to have forgotten. I am the

Vanara who fell on the ground, before you, while I was carrying the Sanjivi

Hill. I am a servant of the Lotus Feet of Rama."

Hearing this reply, Bharatha rose most respectfully and was overwhelmed with

joy; he bowed his head in reverence. "O Leader of Monkeys! You have demolished

my sorrow. Your very sight has ushered calm in my mind. Ah! How fortunate am I!

I could see a Messenger come from Rama today!" He continued to repeat the same

sentiments for a long time. "Is my Rama hale and happy? My mother, Sita, how is

she? Hanuman! How am I to express my gratitude to you? What shall I do for you

in return? I cannot find anything of equal preciousness, which I can offer you

in gratitude. So, I will ever remain indebted; I do not know how to repay the

debt, or with what. Where is Rama now? At which place is he staying? Relate to

me the exploits he fought unto victory", he said, with unbearable eagerness.

Hanuman was struck by the devotion

and dedication that Bharatha evinced and he fell at his feet to demonstrate his

admiration. He said, "Bharatha! Rama is very near the city of Ayodhya itself.

You can see him within a short time. His achievements are indescribably

wonderful. You know this. He too was constantly remembering you. The Lord of

the Worlds, Rama, has said out of his own mouth that in the whole world there

is no brother equal to you in purity of heart, sharpness of intellect, and

equipped so fully with all the virtues. How can those words be negatived?"

Bharatha was overcome with delight when he heard these words. "Has Rama spoken

of me thus? O! How fortunate am I!" he cried and embraced Hanuman fondly.

Hanuman declared that he could not delay any longer; he took leave of Bharatha

and reached the Presence of Rama. He informed Rama about all that he had seen

and heard.

Now, Bharatha started preparations; he seldom put both his feet down at the same

time on the ground! He was ever on the move, most busy. He arrived at Ayodhya

from Nandigrama and offering prostrations to the Preceptor, Vasishta,

communicated to him the news of Rama entering Ayodhya soon. He rushed into the

Queens' apartments and announced to the three mothers that Rama, Sita and

Lakshmana were arriving. The mothers rose quickly and were filled with joy.

Bharatha ordered that the entire City be informed of the good news through all

media. The news reached all ears with lightning speed. Children, the aged, men,

and women ran helter-skelter shouting the news at the top of their voices.

Bharatha collected the sages, the scholars, the preceptors, the leading citizens

and the four Sections of the Armed Forces, and with the three Queens and

Ministers led by Sumantra, he walked forward with Satrughna by his side to meet

Rama. Rama, while nearing Ayodhya, was describing to the Vanaras and others

around him the beauty of the City: "O Sugriva, Angada, Vibhishana! Ayodhya is a

holy City. It is a beautiful City." In the midst of Rama's enthusiastic

description of the City's charms, Bharatha appeared at the head of the Armed

Forces and with his brother and queens. As the ocean heaves up in joy at the

sight of the autumn moon the vast populace heaved a breath of joy at the sight

of Ramachandra, Rama the Moon. Their excitement reached the sky. The mothers

embraced Rama with ecstatic delight and forgot

themselves, caught in the flood of happiness. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana fell at

the feet of the mothers; the joy of both parties knew no bounds. Rama drew

Bharatha near him and, pained at his weakened frame, he consoled and counseled

him lovingly. He praised aloud his brother for his steadfast devotion and

affection towards the people. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana prostrated before

Vasishta, Jabali, Vamadeva and other sages, as soon as they were sighted. Even

the most ascetic among the sages could not restrain his tears at the happy

reunion with Rama.

The Vedic scholars raised their voices to the sky and showered their blessing in

traditional formulae: "Live victoriously for hundreds of years. Live

prosperously for hundreds of years". Bharatha and Satrughna fell flat on the

ground before Rama in reverential homage. Though Rama pleaded with them again

and again to rise up, they found themselves unable to rise and leave hold of

the Lotus Feet. Lakshmana and Rama had to exert jointly to lift them. The

brothers embraced each other in fervent affection, and shed tears of joy and

relief at sight of each other's faces. The delight with which their minds were

filled gave their innate beauty a rare splendor. They shone like embodiments of

physical charm. The sadness of separation gave place to the joy of togetherness.

They were now deep in the ocean of

bliss.

Sugriva, Nala, Nela Angada, Hanuman and others assumed beautiful bodies for the

festive occasion. The citizens were overjoyed at the sight of the entourage of

Rama. They extolled in various ways the austerities that Bharatha went through

and welcomed the result thereof. They appreciated his sterling virtues. Rama

admired the faith and devotion of the people of the City. He gathered around

Him the Vanaras and Vibhishana; he introduced them to his brothers and his

preceptors. When he took them near the queens and told them, "These are my

mothers", all of them fell at the feet of the women, saying, "O, how fortunate

we are. We see the mothers who gave birth to God Himself. You are indeed most

worthy of worship. Bless us most graciously".

Kausalya addressed them thus, "O Vanaras! You are all as dear to me as my son

Rama himself. May Rama never forget you; may He ever protect you". Then,

deliberating among themselves, they ascended the chariots brought for them and

entered the City.

In front of every home were placed golden pots filled with auspiciously coloured

water. Flags were tied across the streets and on houses. The faces of the

people, which were faded and shrunken with sorrow, like lotuses in moonlight,

blossomed into freshness and beauty, like the same lotuses at sunrise, when

Rama came before them. Their countenances shone with attractive effulgence. The

sky resounded with their cheers and shouts of Victory. The chariot, which bore

Rama, entered the city streets. The streets were bursting with excitement and

delight. The auspicious flames of the lamps that were held by devoted hands and

waved as he passed, shone like stars and gave the impression that the firmament

had fallen on the earth. The roads were soaked with fragrant rosewater.

As the chariot passed, the citizens from the windows and the terraces rained

showers of flowers on it. The ecstasy of the citizens broke all bounds. With

His three brothers and three mothers, Rama with Sita by His side, gave immense

joy to the thousands packed on the sides of the roads. People congratulated one

another on their good fortune in being alive and present on such a happy

occasion. When they reached the Palace, the women of the inner apartments and

the aides and servants of the household came forward and received them with

customary rituals, like washing the feet.

Chapter 12(a)The Coronation

As soon as they entered the palace, Vasishta, the Royal Preceptor, announced the

date when the Coronation of Rama as the Emperor of Ayodhya would be celebrated,

giving details of the auspicious attributes of the day which had persuaded him

to choose it for the great event. He invited also all the pundits and priests

to take part in the ceremonies that the Vedas had enjoined, to consummate the

coronation. They appreciated the decision of Vasishta for, they said, "a

coronation so celebrated would confer peace and prosperity on all mankind."

Vasishta called Sumanthra into his presence and addressed him thus, "Assemble

the armed forces - cavalry, elephantry, chariotry and infantry - at the city,

for the Coronation of Rama is to be celebrated". Those words filled Sumanthra

with extreme delight; he arranged for the presence of the army with all its

components. The elephants, horses, and chariots were decorated grandly for the

occasion. They were posted in serried ranks outside the city gate. The horsemen

and the foot soldiers wore colorful uniforms and they stood at attention, ready

to march into the city for the festival. Messengers were sent in all directions

to gather in time the various auspicious articles necessary for the rituals that

formed part of the celebrations. The entire city was agog with joy; citizens

vied with each other in decorating

their houses and streets. People felt their two eyes were not enough to imbibe

the charm of the city.

Rama was especially considerate towards the persons who had accompanied him from

beyond Ayodhya - Sugriva, Vibhishana, Angada, Nala, Nela and others. He ordered

that proper arrangements be made for accommodating them and for looking after

their needs. Accordingly, servants from the palace rushed to perfect the

arrangements designed for the comfort of the guests. Rama called Bharatha and

with his own hands, he combed his hair that had got matted, since he had not

paid any attention to it, for years. The three brothers personally poured holy

water and attended on Bharatha while he bathed. Then, Rama received the assent

of Vasishta to disentangle his own matted hair and had his auspicious bath. The

queen mothers meanwhile had Sita go through her bath also. The mothers carefully

combed her matted hair too, and

dressed her in yellow silk; they made her wear jewels in plenty. She shone like

Goddess Lakshmi. She moved to where Rama was and took her seat to the left of

her Lord.

The three mothers [Kausalya, Kaikeyi and Sumithra] experienced the highest

bliss, looking on, while Rama and Sita were seated together. "Is not this day

the luckiest day for us? This day, our lives have achieved fulfillment. This

day, our dearest wish has come true. This day, our eyes have had their purpose

realized", they said to themselves. They lost all consciousness of their bodies

or surroundings, watching Rama and Sita, and taking them to be the God Narayana

and the Divine Consort of Narayana, Lakshmi. Vasishta the great Sage was moved

by the splendor that shone in the face of Rama. He was delighted beyond measure

at the divine effulgence of the Rama Form. 'I achieved today the goal for which

I have been waiting so long', he felt, and he ruminated on that joy and

remained blissful and silent. He called the

servitors and instructed them to bring the Great Throne and install it in the

Coronation Hall. It was a throne set with multifarious gemstone, which shone

like the sun, with dazzling brilliance.

Rama prostrated before Vasishta and other sages, and fell at the feet of the

queen mothers. Then, he prostrated before the entire assembly of elders and

citizens and ascended the throne, with Sita following him close. The vast

gathering rejoiced at the unique sight, so full of majesty and glory. The

Rishis, the elders, the leading citizens and the saintly well-wishers were

filled with gratefulness and joy. The Brahmins recited appropriate Vedic hymns.

The populace shouted Jai Jai, so loud and so often that the sky threatened to

fall. It was the seventh day of the dark half of the moon in the month of

Vaishakh. Taking the permission of the assembly and the assent of the Brahmins,

Vasishta wound round the brow of Rama the insignia of Imperial Authority.

Kausalya, the mother of Rama, turned her eyes on Rama every now and then, and

felt supremely happy. And, what can be said of the joy of the brothers

Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna! It was beyond words. They were holding

whisks and the umbrella, and standing behind the throne, as attendants on Rama.

In fact, they were all through the years doing penance for the culmination they

were enjoying that day! The gods beat drums of victory in the sky; the

celestial musicians sang hallelujahs, the celestial dancers danced in joy.

Vibhishana, Sugriva, Angada, Hanuman, Jambavan, Nala, Nela, Dadhimukha, Divida,

Mainda - these heroes bore bows and arrows, scimitars, spears and stood on both

sides of the throne, in reverential humility.

With Sita sitting on his left, Rama manifested the beauty of a billion Manmathas

(Manmatha - the God of Love) rolled into one. The gods were fascinated by the

divine charm of the Lord of the Raghu line. Rama wore silk, interwoven with

gold, and he had pendants on his ears brilliant with precious gems. He wore

ornaments on his ankles and wrists, which derived beauty from his entrancing

charm. The three worlds exulted at the sublimity of the event and the personal

grandeur of Rama. Really those who witnessed that scene were the fortunate ones

among the living.

Vibhishana came forward with a dazzling necklace of gems, which the Lord of the

Sea had offered to Ravana. Sita accepted it. Its brilliance shone all over the

vast Hall and struck everyone as a unique string of gems. But, with the

necklace in her hand, she cast a questioning glance at the face of Rama. Rama

knew what was passing in her mind. He said, "Sita! You can grant it as a gift

to anyone among those here who deserves your grace." Sita thought just for a

second and looked at Hanuman. Becoming aware of the compassion in that look,

Hanuman approached her in great humility and stood before Sita with bowed head.

Sita gave the necklace to Hanuman. Hanuman turned it around many times in his

hand, its dazzle enrapturing everyone in that vast assembly. He was struggling

to discover its specialness, with unslaked

curiosity. He plucked every gem, put it between his teeth, and placed it

adjacent to his ear, and with a face indicating disappointment; he threw the

gem away in disgust! All eyes were watching with increasing amazement this

peculiar behaviour. They were stunned into silence and inactivity. Until he

treated the last gem in the same cavalier manner, no one dared interrupt or

condemn. They could only protest in whispers among themselves! "Who is this

monkey that treats the diamond necklace so lovingly and so compassionately

presented to him by Sita?" was the question on most lips.

Even Vibhishana was sad that Hanuman had so brazenly insulted the priceless

jewel that he had brought. 'He has pulled it to pieces and cast the gems

aside', he told himself. Everyone in the Hall surmised the reason for this

strange behaviour in his own way. At last, one vassal Ruler could not restrain

himself. He rose and gave vent to his resentment: "Peerless Hero! Why did you

break that necklace of gems into so many bits? Was it right to do so? Tell us

the reason why? Give us some explanation and remove our doubts."

Hanuman listened to him patiently and replied. "0 King! I examined each gem in

order to discover whether each had in it the sacred Name of Rama. I could not

find it in any gem. Without that Name of Rama, they are but stones and pebbles.

So, I cast them on the ground." This did not silence the ruler. He asked,

"Hanuman! If it is your desire that in every article and particle there should

be the name of Rama, are you not asking for something impossible?" Hanuman

replied, "Of what good, of what profit, is any thing which has not in it the

name of Rama? I have no need of such". The valiant hero, Hanuman, dismissed the

arguments of the ruler thus. The ruler, however, continued his objections. He

said, "You would not wear any thing that has not got in it the name of Rama.

Well. You are wearing your body. You are

carrying it about with you. Prove to us that you have the name in it". Hanuman

laughed aloud; he said, "I shall prove, see!" He pulled a single hair from off

his forearm and held it very near the ear of the Ruler. He could hear the name,

Rama, Rama, Rama, uttered by that single hair! At this, he was overcome with a

sense of wonder; he fell at the feet of Hanuman and prayed for pardon.

Rama called Hanuman near Himself and warmly embraced him. He asked him,

"Hanuman! What can I offer you on this occasion? I have no gift worthy to be

given to you. I am giving you myself as my gift to you." Then, he offered his

body to be clasped by Hanuman's hands. The assembly was moved into shouts of

Jai at this unique act of grace. They praised Hanuman and declared that there

was no one to equal him in all the worlds. They praised the devotion and

dedication of Hanuman.

Then, Rama rose from the throne and moved out into the open, where vast

congregations were awaiting his appearance. He gave them the Divine Darshan of

His charming majestic Form. They were all thrilled as never before in the bliss

the Darshan conferred. All who were in the City were provided festive reception

and given lavish food and luxurious shelter. Rama arranged for the

distribution, as charity, of gold and money, of vehicles, household utensils

and clothing, of houses and other amenities in plenty. Vibhishana and the

Vanara heroes were wonder-struck at the magnificent elaborateness of these

events. They stayed on for six months in the Capital, serving Rama both day and

night, in full exultation. The six months sped away as a single day for them.

They had no memory of their homes, their families or their

kingdoms during all that period of time.

At last, Rama called all the companions and comrades, who had accompanied him,

into the Audience Hall and seated them in appropriate places. Then, he

addressed them in soft, sweet accents, thus; "Friends! You have all toiled hard

on My behalf. Of course, it is not proper to praise you to your face. You

confronted various difficulties for My sake, giving up your homes, not worrying

about your wives and children and unconcerned about your properties and

possessions. I have no friends other than you all. Therefore, I have special

love and compassion towards you. More than My parents, more than My brothers,

more than My kingdom, more than My subjects, and more than even My Sita, you

are My loved ones. This is My firm assertion. So, I now require you to proceed

to your homes. Serve Me after installing Me in your

hearts, with faith and devotion. I shall grant you the fortune of seeing Me,

beside you, behind you, before you and in your homes. I shall grant you Grace".

 

They listened to these words so full of Grace and Love, and they were so

overcome by gratefulness and joy that they forgot themselves and their

surroundings. They did not allow their eyes to stray away from the face of

Rama; they shed tears of delight abounding. They could not utter a single word

in reply; the tongue was unable to pronounce any. Then, under orders from Rama,

the servitors brought large quantities of clothing and jewels. Lakshmana,

Bharatha and Satrughna were requested to offer them to the members of the party

and to personally help them in wearing them. They then assisted the Vanaras and

Vibhishana in putting them on and they shone with added charm and brightness.

But, the Vanaras were unaffected by what was done; they stood unmoved and

stiff, looking only at the feet of Rama, their adored Lord.

All bowed their heads and fell at those lovely feet. And, Rama lifted them

gently and embraced them with great affection.

Rama told the departing groups of Vanaras and others, "Children and friends! I

am awarding you the Sarupya stage of liberation, by which you are endowed with

powers and attainments approximating to My own. Go back and carry out the

duties devolving upon you with success and fulfill the responsibilities with

which you are involved. Rule over the lands and peoples entrusted to your care

and enjoy peace and prosperity". Rama provided them valuable counsel of various

kinds and gave them leave to depart. Bharatha and Satrughna were struck with

admiration by the devotion that shone in the hearts of the Vanaras and others.

As Rama commanded, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna accompanied the party for

some distance until they reached the outskirts of the City. Even as they sat in

the chariots provided for them, the

Vanaras turned back wistfully and shed tears at the thought of leaving Rama. The

brothers saw the anguish in their faces and could not bear the sight. They knew

the meaning of those streams of tears and those sad looks and praised the

spirit of dedication, which filled their hearts. They gave them company until

the riverbank and they supervised arrangements for ferrying them across. Then,

the brothers returned to Ayodhya. Hanuman also returned with them. He prayed

and pleaded with Sugriva, his ruler, and promised to return after about ten

days for, as he said, "I cannot bear the pang of separation". Though Sugriva

was not very happy, and in spite of his protests, Hanuman came back along with

Lakshmana and others to where Rama was.

One day, Rama proceeded to a garden with his brothers and his dear Hanuman, in

order to spend some time strolling through it. The place was replete with

flowers and fruits. Rama sat on an elevated seat, with the brothers on his

side. The brothers were found hesitating to ask some questions, though they had

the desire within them. They looked at Hanuman and communicated their feelings

to him. They knew that if Hanuman put those questions, Rama would fain give the

answers. The omnipresent Rama recognized the situation. "Hanuman! What is it you

seek to know? Ask", he said. Hanuman replied, "O Protector of the Weak! Bharatha

wanted to ask you a question. But he was stricken by doubt; he is downcast with

a sense of fear". He folded his palms and fell at the feet of Rama, for having

answered his query so bluntly, and

in thankfulness that he was commanded to speak in the presence. Rama then spoke

thus: "Hanuman! You know full well My nature. There is no difference between Me

and Bharatha, nothing to make either feel distinct". When Bharatha heard these

words, he fell at the feet of Rama, and said, "O Healer of the miseries of

those who surrender to you! Listen. Pardon my errors and protect me. I have no

doubts lurking in my mind. I have no grief and no attachments, even in my

dreams. Of course, I owe all this to Your grace and compassion. You are the

treasure house of all the virtues. I desire to learn the distinction between

good men and bad."

Rama deigned to reply. He said, "Brother! The qualities that mark out the good

are endless in number, as the Vedas and Puranas say. The distinction that

separates the good and the bad are as wide as that between the sandal tree and

the axe. Note this; even when the axe cuts the sandal tree, the tree confers on

the axe the fragrance it possesses. The axe is killing it, but the tree does

only good to its executioner. Hence, all appreciates the sandal. The Gods love

to have sandal paste on their foreheads. But, see what happens to the axe that

does harm to the tree that wishes it well. It is kept in fire and while

red-hot, it is hammered into shape and sharpness. Wicked persons cause grief to

good men in this manner. But, the good always wish well and do good to the

wicked, whatever harm is done to them. And, what

is their gain? They certainly attain heaven. That is to say, they are in

constant bliss. The bad persons, on the other hand, will be constantly

struggling in sorrow and discontent. That is to say, they will be subject to

hellish agony; though they may appear happy to observers, they will be tortured

inside by the infamy and the hatred they invoke".

"I shall tell you the characteristics of good men. Listen. They are not

fascinated by sensual pleasures. They possess all the best virtues and modes of

behaviour. They will be happy at the happiness of others; they will be sad when

others are sad. They look upon all with equal affection. They have no enemies

and they are not bothered even if foes exist. They are endowed with wisdom,

knowledge of the objective world, and a deep sense of detachment. Their hearts

are tender; they have compassion towards the weak and the helpless. They adore

My feet with purity of thought, word and deed. They delight in serving me. They

have no concern with fame or infamy, honour or dishonour. They are always

interested in serving others; they never yield to the urge of selfishness, even

in dreams. Their actions are transparently

simple; their hearts are ever cool and unruffled. They yearn for opportunities

to renounce; they are every moment soaked in joy. For them praise and blame are

the same. Brother! Whoever has these characteristics in him, take it that he is

of My own nature. He is myself, I am himself. Take that to be the truth".

"Now, I shall tell you of the qualities of bad men. Listen. You should avoid

their company, by all means. Grief will descend upon you as a result of that

companionship. Their hearts will be pained at the prosperity of others. They

will delight as much in scandalizing others, as in welcoming a fortune. The six

foes of bad men - lust, anger, greed, desire, pride and hatred are fostered by

them and they are ever at their beck and call. They move about and act

according to the commands of these six. Pity and charity are absent in their

makeup. They pick up quarrels with others with no reason or on no provocation.

They develop enmity even towards those who do good to them. Their actions are

false; their utterances are false; their dealings of give and take are false.

Their attitudes are hard; they have hearts of

stone. The peacock is charming to behold; its cry is pleasant to hear; but it

kills snakes. So too wicked men are eager to harm others, and craving for

others' wives. They relish damaging the reputation of others. They revel in

evil; they are evil-minded all the time. They are the meanest among men. They

have no fear of retribution. When they see or hear about the progress of

another, they are possessed by so much envy that they are afflicted with

unbearable headache. But when others are caught in calamity, they exult over

their sufferings, When others are suffering, they are elated as if they have

been crowned kings of the realm. They are dominated by the ego; they do not

have any thought of helping others, even in their dreams! Their hearts are the

birthplaces of lust, anger and other passions. They have no consideration

towards parents, preceptors or elders. They feel disgust at the very mention of

'good personages' or 'God'. Their intellects are dull; their conduct is

reprehensible. They can be observed in large numbers during the Kali Yuga.

Chapter 12(b)The Coronation

"Brother! Of all righteous acts, help rendered to those needing it is the most

righteous. Of all evil acts, there is nothing worse than causing harm to

others. Know that this is the essence of the teachings of the Vedas and the

Puranas. This is the ideal, held forth by good men everywhere. Those who are

benefited by birth as men, and yet indulge in injuring others, are degraded

into lower bestial levels and have to be born and die as those beings. Or, when

born again as men, they commit further evils through their ignorance and the

blindness it causes. For such, I am the meter-out of karma-consequence and it

is only after a long passage of time during which they have to struggle out of

the darkness, that I vouchsafe a vision of Myself. I throw them again and again

into the vortex of life and make them experience

the ups and downs so that they might be educated."

"Bharatha! The gods, the sages and the great personages do not engage themselves

in acts involving dualities; they are ever engaged in adoring Me in a dedicated

state of mind. They engage themselves in activities without any desire or

attachment to the consequence of those activities. If austerities are taken up

in order to gain some ends, if activities are undertaken with a view to earn

the fruits they yield, people have to be born with bodies so that they may be

awarded the good and the bad, which those activities deserve. When the fruits

are not craved for, and acts are still done sincerely and rightly and

correctly, they don't bind; on the other hand, they confer wisdom on the doer.

The person will have his devotion and dedication advanced a great deal. And as

a result, he will be nearer to the Supreme and

mergence in the Supreme. When you are able to distinguish between the good and

the bad on the basis of these characteristics, and act accordingly while

choosing company, you will be able to extricate yourselves from the coils of

the sea of change, the Samsara Ocean. Brother! Know that all distinctions

between good and bad are basically the result of attachment and development,

due to your considering the world as real, while it is neither real nor unreal.

Those who have escaped this 'illusion' and this duality are the Mahatmas. They

have realized that their reality is the unchanging Atma. They know that there

are no two; they experience always only the One. Others are the ignorant lot."

The brother and others who listened to this clarification attained equanimity.

Their hearts were delighted with the upsurge of love. They acknowledged the

kindness of Rama by gratefully prostrating before him. This they did for each

point that was clarified. Hanuman felt the ecstasy more than all others. Later,

Rama proceeded to the palace, accompanied by the brothers and Hanuman. This

became the normal routine every day - conveying counsel and then, the carrying

on of the duties of administration.

One day, Rama desired that the citizens of Ayodhya assemble in the palace, with

the Preceptors and the Brahmins. They all met at the Durbar Hall, and were

provided comfortable seats. Rama came into the Hall and addressed them thus:

"Citizens! Preceptors and Brahmins! Prostrations to you. Listen to my words in

peace and to the very end. I am not discoursing to you in pride or selfish

conceit. It is also not to declare that I am your monarch. Nor is it to lead

you to journey along evil paths. If My words appear good to you, then, follow

the path I indicate. But, I must say this: Those who listen to my words and

walk accordingly, those alone are dear to me. They alone are my brothers. If I

utter anything wrong, point it out to me instantly, without hesitation. Well.

Birth as a human being is hailed in the Vedas and Puranas and by wise men of

all lands as the rarest chance of all. The human birth cannot be achieved

unless a great deal of merit is built up in many lives previous to this. Even

gods yearn for the chance and find it hard to get

born as men. Birth as a human opens the door to liberation. It provides wide

opportunities for undergoing Sadhana and benefiting by them. The human body is

to be used not for enjoying sensual pleasures. It is not to be treated as an

instrument for reaching heaven and delight in heavenly toys and joys. These

pleasures are all momentary. They bring you back again into the tangle of

change, the toil of birth and death. Therefore, these pleasures bring about

sorrow. Only fools will be led away into the pursuit of these sensual

pleasures. Such pleasures are as poison to man; is it proper to seek poison, in

preference to nectar? Those who crave for poison cannot be good men. They are

like the fools who discard the wish-fulfilling gem (Chintamani) and prefer a

bead of glass. Being endowed with the human body, if a person does not use it

for crossing the ocean of illusory existence (Samsar) he is indeed to be pitied

as unfortunate and of dull intellect. He is indeed the slayer of his own

self, the enemy of his own progress. Therefore, those who are born as men have

to realize that God resides in all men as the Atma within and to serve everyone

as Divine, and regard that service as the most proper worship of God. Observe

the dictates of God with full heart. Carry out all activities as if you are

dedicating them to God."

"Citizens! Those who yearn to be happy here and hereafter! Listen to my words.

Have them as your guides and your goals. Follow this path. Of all paths that

lead to God and Self-realization, the path of devotion (Bhakthi) is the

easiest; it is a path full of delight for the mind. The path of discrimination

and elimination of illusion (Jnana) is fraught with difficulties and packed

with obstacles. It is well nigh impossible to extinguish the mind. And, even

those who travel along the hard path of Jnana can become dear to me only if

they have devotion and love in their hearts. There is nothing equal to Bhakthi.

Bhakthi is not bound, it is free. It endows man with all joys and delights. And,

it must be emphasized that you can progress in Bhakthi only when you seek and

stay in Satsang, good company." Continuing His

discourse to the assembly Rama said, "Listen, O people of My Kingdom! I wish to

tell you one very important truth, often not clearly grasped by you. Do not

attribute any distinction between Siva and Kesava. Believe that God is one. The

Name and the Form are distinct, but, the Divyatma (the Universal Absolute

Entity) is the same. That Divyatma is in everyone in equal potency".

Hearing these nectarine teachings from the lips of Rama, the citizens bowed

their heads in reverential homage. One of them came forward to express their

gratitude. He said, "Lord! We are attached to you more than to our own lives.

Our bodies are healthy and hardy because of you. Our homes are resonant with

joy and happiness because of you. It is all due to your Grace. You have rid us

of sorrow and drawn us near you. Maharaja! Who else can teach us so lovingly as

you do? Our own fathers and mothers seek from us the fulfillment of their

selfish desires; that is all. Of what use are we for you? But yet, you train us

for attaining the bliss of heaven. This gives us full contentment. You and your

excellent followers have done magnificent service to the world, by destroying

the demonic race. We can never acquire a

Lord, a Friend, a Father, as kind and considerate as You". The people expressed

their joy and the sense of enlightenment plentifully before Rama. Rama

brightened at their loyalty and eagerness to learn more about spiritual

matters. The citizens took leave of Rama and returned to their homes. They

reminded themselves of the valuable truths they had been taught.

In the City of Ayodhya, every house had a flower garden attached to it. The

residents tended the garden with love and care. It was perpetual spring in

Ayodhya, for, the plants were heavy with fruits and fragrant with blooms

throughout the year. Clusters of bees hovered over the blooms and their murmur

could be heard all over. A cool breeze, heavy with the scent of flowers,

greeted every one. Children of the city had many species of birds as pets;

their songs, twitters and chirps mingled to make charming music to the ear.

Even thousand thousand-tongued Seshas cannot adequately describe the wealth and

prosperity of the citizens under the benign reign of Rama. This was the result

of the righteousness (Dharma) which Rama fostered and guarded. Rama celebrated

many an Aswamedha Sacrifice. Millions and millions of Brahmins were granted

generous gifts and they were made happy and contented. Rama, the promoter of

Vedic rites and ceremonials and the Guardian of the codes of Dharma, (but yet,

above and beyond all obligations and attributes - Gunathitha), as well as Sita,

replete with all auspicious attributes and intent on helping all who craved to

fulfill their beneficial obligations - were both vigilant in their task of

keeping themselves and their subjects on the path of Dharma. Physical illness,

mental anxiety and moral downfall were

totally absent, when Rama ruled. People had deep love and affection for each

other. Every one stuck gladly to the duties and rights sanctioned by the Vedas

to the community and the profession. Austerity, charity, sacrifices, spiritual

ritual and studies continued unabated and even enthusiastically all over the

land. Sinful thoughts dared not peep into minds of people, even in their

dreams. Women, men, old persons, and children - all were at all times reveling

in thoughts of Rama. There was no calamity or natural catastrophe evident

anywhere. During the Rama age, there were no poor, no grief-stricken, no one

humbled or crestfallen, no one cruel or hateful, no one ugly or ghastly to

behold. Everyone had all the marks of charm. No one hurt another with his pride

and pomp. No one envied another. All were versed in Atmic wisdom; all were eager

to practice and protect Dharma, all were compassionate and intent on serving

others. Each one was eager to extol the good qualities of another; no

one gave room for egoism in his heart.

The entire Globe, with its seven Dwipas bordered by the Oceans, was under the

shade of the single Umbrella of Rama's sovereignty. Over this entire region,

Rama was the sole undisputed Lord. In this imperial domain, people enjoyed

mutual love and mutual help; there was no trace of faction or fight; apart-ness

and the big stick were not evident at all. Of course, distinction came to the

fore in dance and the arts. The stick was evident in the hands of ascetics and

monks. Fighting was to be seen only when used against the senses by Sadhakas.

Attachment (raga, also meaning, tunes) could be noticed as raga only in music.

When no one had any enemy, how could 'killing' be done? But, people killed the

vagaries of the mind instead and won victories over their own lower

natures.

The City and environs shone with incomparably attractive wells, lakes and tanks.

O the pure waters! O the beautiful landing places! Their sublime charm drew

admiration from sages and seers. They blamed themselves for being so attracted.

The lakes and tanks had lotuses of many colors blossoming on their surface. Many

birds were singing on the trees growing thick on their banks. Parrots, peacocks,

and others clustered on the branches and made merry. The City was more splendid

than even Heaven and people were wonder-struck at its uniqueness.

One day, Vasishtha entered the Palace in order to see Rama, the Grantor of

prosperity in all fields. Rama received him in true traditional style, washing

his feet and offering sanctified water as drink. He raised his folded palms and

said, "O Ocean of Compassion! I have a request to make. I have been watching

most delightfully your 'play as man'. I am beset with a big doubt, now. Your

potency is limitless. Even the Vedas do not know fully your Nature. Lord! How

can I describe You, or decipher You? This profession of Family Preceptor or

Priest is rather derogatory. The Vedas, Sasthras and Puranas declare that

priesthood is inferior in status, since it is a mean occupation. He has to

officiate at all the ceremonies in his master's household, both auspicious and

inauspicious. Therefore, it is contaminated. First I

did not agree at all to enter this profession; but Brahma saw me and understood

my plight. He told me, 'Son! You do not know what lies in the future. Accept

the profession, without demur. You stand to gain enormously in the coming

years. The Parabrahmah will incarnate in the Raghu dynasty'. Hearing this, I

bowed my head to this profession and became the Family Priest of the Raghu

dynasty. I have now, as a result of that decision, attained that Supreme

Principle, which can be won only by means of countless years of Japa, Tapa,

Meditation (Dhyana) and Yoga, besides the performance of many Yagas and

Yajnas, without putting myself into the hardship involved in these. All those

good Karmas have as the goal to be won, and I have won you".

"What better works have I to do than the one I have chosen? Lord of Lords! Japa,

Tapa, Yajnas, Yagas, Vows, Rites and Ritual rules have been laid down in the

Vedas. Through the cultivation of wisdom, compassion towards living beings, and

virtuous conduct, Your Presence and Grace can be attained. Lord! I am praying

for a boon. Grant me that in your infinite mercy. Shower your Grace on me from

the corner of your compassion-filled eye. Let my devotion for You be

undiminished, however many lives I have to live hereafter; this is the boon I

crave for". Later Vasishtha returned to his residence, taking leave of Rama.

The subjects of the kingdom spent their time singing the thrice-holy captivating

story of their Ruler, Rama. One might have achieved success in Yoga or performed

many ritual vows but, if one has no love in his heart, he could not get Darshan

of Rama. The wise man, the ascetic, the hero, the poet, the scholar, the

accomplished, no one of these was afflicted with greed in Rama's empire. No one

strayed into wrong, urged by pride of wealth. The intoxication of authority did

not render anyone deaf. Where was the young man who suffered from the fever of

Youth? Or, where could be found the man who lost his fame through yielding to

the pull of selfishness? Where was the man tainted by enmity? Where was the man

suffering from the paralysis of grief? Where was the man bitten by the serpent

anxiety? There was none such -

Rama himself standing above and beyond these, as an example for all to emulate.

He is the Atma Swaroop, God Himself.

The redoubtable armies of Maya are roaming allover this world. The soldiers are

the passions, lust, greed etc. Pride, unbelief etc. are the commanding

officers. But, the same Maya is the bond slave of Raghunatha, Rama. She is

'un-real', but, yet, unless you have the Grace of Rama, you cannot escape from

capture and bondage. The Grace flowing from the corner of His eye alone can

liberate you from her grip. Maya 'possesses' all movable and immovable things

in the universe; no one can be free from her hold. She imitates the earthly

glory of the Lord and like a skilled actress; she enacts her role with lust,

greed and others as supporting cast. Rama, however, as the embodiment of

Sath-Chith-Ananda, as the personification of the Deep Blue that characterizes

the Sea and Sky, the Phenomenon that has no Birth, as the

Paramatma Itself, has no trace of Maya in Him.

In the City of Ayodhya, every day was a new festival; every festival was marked

out with some novel features of entertainment. Each day, Rama gave away riches

as charity. It was laid down that no one should blame another or scorn another.

No bad word should be uttered. In every home, there were daily readings of the

Vedas and the Puranas. No community of people looked on another or considered

another as inferior. Each carried on its traditional occupation and respected

the norms laid down. Therefore, compassion and affection towards the subjects

grew quick and large in Rama's heart. Observing the devotion and dedication

with which wives in Rama's kingdom served their husbands, even the Gods grew

envious of men. The husbands too shone as persons deserving such service; no

one brought a single tear from the eyes

of those wedded to them. Husband and wife had the feeling that each was half the

body of the other and so, they got on as one, desiring each other's best

interests and devoted to their realization. In Rama's time, no one attempted to

have recourse to falsehood under any circumstance. Boys and girls honored the

commands and directions of parents and preceptors. Every one was as happy as

the Lord of Gods in Heaven, Indra. Grain and riches were as plentiful in every

home as in the place of the God of Wealth, Kubera. The Chakora birds were glad

as if they were looking on at the Moon in autumn, Sarathkala. Women watched

Rama from behind the doors of their enclosed apartments and were delighted.

Bharatha, Lakshmana and Satrughna were thrilled continuously in mind, filling

their eyes with the Divine Charm of Sri Rama. The entire world was filled with

full splendor while Rama was ruling it. There was no trace or mention of 'sin'.

The monks and ascetics wandered about fearless in the wildest

woods. The mutual affection between the King and his subjects grew more and more

from day to day. The earth shone with Love and Light. The forests were

shimmering in perpetual green. Birds and beasts had lost their instinctive

hatred for one another. Not even an iota of hatred was to be found anywhere,

nor was there even a whisper indicating its existence. All were bound by the

thickest of comradeships. Every individual evinced great enthusiasm in

describing the excellences and achievements of Rama.

One day, Rama was on his throne, in the Audience Hall, along with his brothers.

A Brahmin entered the Hall in great distress. He spoke many harsh words and

pleaded angrily for redress. "Alas!", he cried, "the fame of the Solar Dynasty

has ended today. I remember the glory of the great kings of the past Sibi

Raghu, Dileepa, Sagara, for, such iniquities would not have happened when those

Kings were ruling. Will a son ever die during the lifetime of the father? Can

such a disaster happen if the ruler is good? But, this day, I saw this thing

happen." Rama, who is omnipresent, was able to know what had taken place; he

was affected by the words spoken by the Brahmin. He probed within himself the

reason for the death and assured his mind that it had not occurred as a result

of any administrative fault. He was aware

that it was the consequence of evil thoughts and so, he set about prescribing

limits and regulations which would prevent such thoughts from arising in

people's minds. Rama paid great attention even to such small matters and

designed measures to prevent their recurrence. He laid aside all concern about

Himself and sought to realize the goal He had set before Himself, viz., and the

happiness of his people. He cared for his subjects as if they were as dear to

Him as His own body. The people too valued the affection and happiness of the

King; he was to them as dear as his heart. The Ruler never worked against the

wishes of the people. They, too, did not overstep even by a hair's breadth the

orders given by Rama. The Rama Rajya of those days was resplendent thus for

many years. Rama was Narayana Himself. So, his reign redounded to the glory of

the earth and its history. For, truth and righteousness are the real guardians

of mankind.

TO BE CONTINUED

With Sai love from Sai brothers - ''

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