Ramanavmi Discourse - Kodaikanal news

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OM SAI RAM

 

Ramanavmi Discourse - Kodaikanal news

 

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Kodaikanal news: At the foothills of Kodaikanal (19-04-05)

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SBOI - GROUP

 

 

Kodaikanal news:

At the foothills of Kodaikanal (19-04-05)

We have this description from a former student of Bhagawan, who is

presently the Youth Coordinator of Sri Sathya Sai Seva

Organisations, Tamil Nadu. Read on for details …

Swami travelled by car from Madurai airport to Kodaikanal and had a

break in between at Gunguvarpatti, near Kodai foothills town,

Vanthalagundu.

A group of Seva Dal had already refurbished the Highways Travellers'

guest house at Gunguvarpatti. Swami arrived at about 3.30 pm at the

spot. The Dindugal collector along with State President, Sri Sathya

Sai Seva Organisations, Tamil Nadu welcomed Bhagawan. Though they

were ready with a sofa-wheelchair for Swami, He shunned it away and

proceeded to walk His way. He was waiting for the students and guest

accompanying Him to arrive. Once they arrived, Swami had His tiffin

(snacks). This is a testimony of the love and care Bhagawan has for

His children. The students and guests were served with sumptuous

tiffin.

Once, Bhagawan got down from the car, He noticed us, the old

students. Immediately, there was a smile of recognition. Once on His

feet, He enquired about us, with the same old charm.

Oh, after nearly ten years, we are hearing His voice, directly

speaking to us. My mind is slowly drifting to those days when He

used to walk amongst us creating His own path, His robe brushing our

faces, the divine scent wafting in the air, suddenly speaking to a

boy till then not spoken to, cracking some jokes, simplifying

philosophies into sweet one-liners, sometimes just standing in total

silence for a length of time with us in rapt attention for the next

divine word...

Then Bhagawan materialised a ring for the District Collector. At

about 4.35 pm, He left the spot, followed by two buses of students

and guests. Swami reached Kodaikanal at about 6.15 pm.

In the evening, after Swami had left, being alone, the experience of

being with the Avatar was sinking in. We may have Him in our hearts;

it is good but not extraordinary. But if He has a small space, maybe

even the smallest for us in His heart; it is something that will

bestow unspeakable happiness. And, when He decides to bless us with

the physical demonstration of the existence of that room for us in

His heart, can words explain the experience?

JAI SAI RAM

 

 

Sri Rama Navami Divine Discourse 2005

 

 

RAMAYANA – A SACRED WAY OF LIFE

Sweeter than sugar, tastier than curd, sweeter indeed than honey is

the Name of Rama. Constant repetition of this sweet Name gives one

the taste of divine nectar itself. Therefore, one should contemplate

on the Name of Rama

incessantly.                                             (Telugu

poem)

The Ramayana represents a sacred path, a sacred door to Divinity, a

sacred way of life. The Ramayana is not merely the biography of an

individual. All characters in the Ramayana are equally important.

Dasaratha distributed the sacred pudding he received from the Yajna

Purusha equally among his three wives. Kausalya received her share

of pudding joyfully and took it to her Puja (worship) room. Kaikeyi

also did the same. Each of them was happy thinking that her son

would be the heir apparent to the Ayodhya throne. However, Sumitra

had no such desire. She carried her bowl of pudding to the terrace

and placed it on the parapet wall while drying her hair in the sun.

All the while, she was contemplating on God. As she watched

helplessly, an eagle swooped down and carried away the bowl of

sacred pudding. She was shocked and disturbed thinking of the

reprimand she would have to face from her husband for being

careless. She at once rushed downstairs and informed Kausalya and

Kaikeyi about what had happened. Unlike the co-wives of the present

time, the three queens had utmost love and affection for each other.

Kausalya and Kaikeyi hugged Sumitra and consoled her,

saying, "Sister, why are you disturbed so much? We three are one and

we will share our pudding with you. Kausalya and Kaikeyi at once

went into their respective shrine rooms and brought their pudding

cups. Each of them gave half of her share of pudding to Sumitra.

Sumitra felt greatly relieved and expressed her gratitude to her

sisters. The three queens offered their pudding to God and partook

of it. Very soon, they conceived. It was Kausalya who developed

labour pains first and gave birth to a male child. Then Kaikeyi was

blessed with a son. Soon Sumitra developed labour pains and gave

birth to two sons. In fact, Sumitra never had any desire to have

children. But she was blessed with two sons. She accepted it as the

Will of God and was very happy about it. The three queens were

waiting for King Dasaratha to come and bless the children. Dasaratha

went to each of them and showered his blessings on the children. It

was then that Sumitra revealed to King Dasaratha about the incident

of the eagle carrying away her bowl of pudding, and her sisters

Kausalya and Kaikeyi giving half of their share of pudding to her.

That was the reason she was blessed with two sons.

King Dasaratha requested Sage Vasistha, the family preceptor, to

christen the newborn children. Sage Viswamitra was also invited for

the function. Many sages, Vedic scholars and eminent personalities

who attended the naming ceremony were spellbound by the ethereal

beauty of the children. Sage Vasistha, Sage Viswamitra and other

sages blessed the children by chanting Vedic Mantras. Everyone was

wondering how Sumitra had two sons while Kausalya and Kaikeyi were

blessed with only one son each. How can anybody comprehend the ways

of God? Everything happened according to God's Will. Sage Vasistha

named Kausalya's son as Sri Rama as He had the power of attraction

in Him. Ramayathi Ithi Ramah (that which attracts is the principle

of Rama). The name `Rama' was given to Him according to His birth

star. His form was highly brilliant and resplendent. As per the

tradition, Vasishtha wrote the name Rama on rice. Then Vasistha

named Sumitra's first son as Lakshmana as he looked one of valour

and his face shone with all auspicious attributes. He named her

second son as Satrughna, saying he would destroy all Satrus

(enemies). Vasistha then went to the place where Kaikeyi was seated

with her son on her lap. She was bubbling with joy as she remembered

the promise made by Dasaratha that her son would be made the crown

prince of Ayodhya. She was thinking that her son would rule over the

kingdom of Bharat. Keeping this in mind, Vasistha named her son as

Bharata. In this manner, the naming ceremony came to a happy

conclusion.

The sons of Kausalya and Kaikeyi were having timely food and sleep

and were happily playing in their cradles. On the other hand,

Sumitra's sons were crying all the time, day and night, without even

taking food. Sumitra became restless seeing the plight of her sons.

When she mentioned this to King Dasaratha, he consoled her

saying, "Everything happens according to God's Will. Pray to Him. He

will take care of the rest." There was little he could do about it.

Three days passed, the situation remained the same. Sumitra could no

longer bear the suffering of the children. She went to sage

Vasishtha and told him about her predicament. Sage Vasishtha closed

his eyes. His Yogic vision enabled him to know the truth. He said to

Sumitra,"As you partook of the sacred pudding given by Kausalya, you

gave birth to Lakshmana who is an Amsa (part) of Rama. Similarly,

Satrughna is born out of the share of pudding given to you by

Kaikeyi. So, he is a part of Bharata. Put Lakshmana by the side of

Rama and Satrughna by the side of Bharata. Then they will rest

peacefully." Sumitra did as instructed by Vasishtha. The children

became peaceful and stopped crying. Watching this, everyone heaved a

sigh of relief. As the children grew up, it became very clear to

Sumitra that Lakshmana was an Amsa (part) of Rama and Satrughna, an

Amsa of Bharata. One day, she told Kausalya and Kaikeyi, "Dear

sisters, your sons may ascend the throne of Ayodhya in future. I

have no such ambitions. I am happy to see my sons being in the

company of their elder brothers and serve them." Accordingly

Lakshmana and Satrughna were always in the company of Rama and

Bharata respectively. They served them and spent their time

blissfully. King Dasaratha and the three queens were very happy to

see such unity and harmony among their children.

It is but natural that both happiness and difficulties follow each

other. As King Dasaratha was spending his time blissfully, one day

Sage Viswamitra came with a request which caused great anxiety to

the king. Viswamitra said, "Oh king! I want you to do me a favour."

Without a second thought, Dasaratha promised to do the needful. Then

the sage said, "I have decided to perform a Yajna. I request you to

send your son, Rama to protect the Yajna from the demons." Dasaratha

was in a dilemma. He thought, "Rama is very young and tender. He

knows no hardship. How can I send Him to the forest with the sage?

How can He fight the cruel demons?" When he expressed his feelings

to the sage, Viswamitra became furious and said, "Oh King! It is a

great folly to go back on your word, for no one in the noble lineage

of Ikshvaku has, until now, ever broken his word. You are tainting

their glory by breaking the promise given to me."

Dasaratha became frightened on hearing the words of Viswamitra. He

consulted Sage Vasistha in this regard and ultimately decided to

send Rama with the sage. He left everything to God's Will. He called

Rama to his presence. Rama came there with all valour and courage.

It was natural for Lakshmana to follow Rama wherever He went. Hence,

Lakshmana also came to Dasaratha in fact, with Rama. Nobody had

called Lakshmana. He came of his own accord and sat next to Rama.

The king did not want to dissuade Lakshmana from following Rama. The

Ritwiks chanted Mantras and blessed Rama and Lakshmana before the

two brothers set out with Sage Viswamitra.

When they reached the banks of the Sarayu river, Sage Viswamitra

said, "My dear ones! This is a very sacred place. Hence, you may

perform Sandhya Vandana here." Rama and Lakshmana offered their

prayers as instructed by the sage. They closed their eyes and sat in

meditation for sometime. Then Viswamitra thought that it would be

very difficult for the royal princes, who are used to palatial

comforts and luxuries, to keep awake day and night to guard the

Yajna. They cannot even think of food as they have to be on high

alert all the time to fight the demons. It was then that the sage

taught them the sacred Mantras of Bala and Atibala which would help

them overcome sleep and hunger.

Viswamitra, accompanied by Rama and Lakshmana reached Siddhasrama

and started the performance of the Yajna. Rama and Lakshmana guarded

the Yajna night and day chanting the Mantras taught by the sage.

They never felt the pangs of hunger nor did they feel sleepy. They

were on high alert all the time in all enthusiasm and exuberance.

All of a sudden the demons appeared in their frightening forms and

tried to disrupt the Yajna. They were making deafening sounds. But,

the princes were least perturbed. They fought the demons with

courage and valour and ultimately vanquished them. Viswamitra was

very happy that he could complete the performance of the Yajna

without any interruption. He showered his love and blessings on Rama

and Lakshmana.

In the meantime, a letter arrived from Janaka, the king of Mithila,

inviting the sage to take part in a Yajna. Viswamitra told the

princes, "My dear ones! We have received an invitation from the

noble King Janaka. I am proceeding to Mithila and I wish that you

two should accompany me." At first, Rama was not inclined to go to

Mithila and said to Lakshmana, "Dear younger brother, our father

instructed us to follow Sage Viswamitra and protect his Yajna. We

don't have his permission to go to Mithila and take part in the

Yajna performed by King Janaka." When the same was conveyed to

Viswamitra, he convinced them saying, "My dear ones, your father

commanded you to follow me and it is your duty to follow me wherever

I go." The princes had no option but to obey the command of

Viswamitra.

The arrival of Rama and Lakshmana in Mithila created a sensation.

People admired them and began talking about them. As they were

moving in the streets, they attracted everybody's attention. "Who

are these handsome princes? They look strong and valorous. Have they

come to marry the daughters of King Janaka?", people started talking

to themselves in this manner. They reached the royal palace allotted

to them and rested. The Yajna was to commence on the next day. A

meeting was also being arranged for which the gallant heroes of

Bharat were invited. It was to see if anyone could break the bow of

Siva. The victor could win the hand of Janaka's daughter, Sita. One

after the other, the princes tried to lift the bow of Siva, but had

to return to their seats humiliated. At the instance of Viswamitra,

Rama gently walked towards the bow, and raised it with His left

hand. There was a thunderous applause. When He bent the bow to tie

the string, it broke with a thunderous sound. Sita was brought there

ready with a garland. Then Viswamitra asked Rama whether He was

ready to marry Sita. He was ready to undertake any task entrusted to

Him by Viswamitra, but was certainly not prepared for the marriage.

Rama offered His salutations to Viswamitra and politely

said, "Swami! You have brought us with you to safeguard your Yajna

and not for performing our marriage. I would not think of marriage

unless I get the consent of My father." The sage was in a fix. There

was absolute silence in the assembly. Everyone was surprised at

Rama's reply. Rama was firm in His stand. Thereupon King Janaka sent

his messengers along with a few disciples of Viswamitra with an

invitation to King Dasaratha. Viswamitra's disciples narrated to

Dasaratha all that had happened. The king, the queens and the people

of Ayodhya were filled with joy and jubilation at the prospect of

the marriage between Rama and Sita. Dasaratha accompanied by his

queens, Bharata and Satrughna and a host of others, arrived at

Mithila.

The womenfolk proceeded to the venue of the wedding in all

enthusiasm, singing joyously, exhorting each other to witness the

celestial wedding of Sita and Rama.

Welcome to all for Rama's wedding;

together we shall witness the joyous scene.

Many have gathered already,

decked up in all their finery.

With necklaces the ladies are adorned

of jewels pure and gleaming.

Rama shall tie the knot today

to beauteous Sita, oh what a fine match they make.

Father Dasaratha has made ready bounteous feasts.

All learned sages are assembled with Vasishtha presiding.

Oh, what a multitude has assembled

to rejoice, hearts with joy overflowing.

Wedding of the holy pair

Rama and Sita, such a sight is indeed rare.

The sight shall confer great merit.

Rama looks the cool full moon,

and Sita is a matching double.

The compassionate Rama who loves all

will confer his grace on us all.

Come quickly to witness the holy wedding of Rama and

Sita.                                         (Telugu Song)

The men folk were also ecstatic and joined the festivity by singing

thus:

Come let us go and see the marriage of Rama and Sita,

The sight shall confer great merit.

The lives of those who see this marriage will be sanctified.

Oh come one and all to see the sacred marriage,

Rama, who is riding on an elephant, is shining effulgently.

Mother Sita is by His side,

The brothers are at their service.

Sita and Rama will smilingly enquire about our well-being;

What else can we aspire for!

Come let us go anon to see the holy wedding of Rama and

Sita.                                     (Telugu Song)

Sita was Janaka's foster daughter. He had another daughter by name

Urmila. His brother Kushadwaja also had two daughters by name

Mandavi and Srutakeerthi. With the consent of King Dasaratha, it was

decided that the four brides would be given in marriage to the four

brothers. Dasaratha was happy that all his four sons who were born

on the same day were getting married on the same day and same time.

The marriage function was celebrated in all grandeur.

Sweet notes of auspicious music reverberated in the air. The Vedic

priests chanted the sacred Mantras full-throated and blessed the

couples. King Dasaratha shed tears of joy. Everyone was filled with

divine bliss watching the marriage proceedings. It is customary

during the occasion that the bride and the bridegroom exchange

garlands. Sita had to garland Rama first, before the other brides

could garland their respective bridegrooms. Sita, being short in

stature, could not garland Rama who was Ajanubahu (tall

personality).Unless Rama bent His head before Sita, she could not

garland Him. But He did not want to bend His head lest people should

blame Him for not maintaining the honour of His lineage. Unable to

garland Rama, Sita was holding the garland in her hand for a long

time. There is another secret in this act of Rama. Lakshmana was the

incarnation of Adisesha who carried the mother earth on his hood.

Rama looked at Lakshmana as if to say, "Look, why don't you raise

that part of the earth where Sita is standing to enable her to

garland Me." Then Lakshmana indicated to Rama that it was not

possible to raise any particular area. If he tried to raise that

part of the earth where Sita was standing, simultaneously Rama would

be raised and so also others. Lakshmana, being endowed with

intelligence, thought of a plan to solve the problem. All of a

sudden, he fell at the feet of Rama and did not get up for a long

time. Then Rama had to bend to lift Lakshmana up. Sita seized the

opportunity and lost no time in garlanding Rama. Then the other

three brides garlanded their respective grooms. The four brothers

and their brides shone like brilliant gemstones. The onlookers shed

tears of joy watching the grand spectacle.

As they were returning to Ayodhya, they heard a loud and frightening

sound. Rama instructed Lakshmana to be ready for the battle.

Parasurama appeared on the scene and challenged Rama saying, "Oh

Rama! I have heard that you have broken the bow of Siva. It is of no

consequence and is not at all difficult to lift. If you really have

strength, you should break this weapon of mine. So saying,

Parasurama hurled his weapon at the feet of Rama. Rama calmly picked

it up and broke the weapon. Parasurama at once fell at the feet of

Rama. The people of Ayodhya welcomed the newly-wed couples. At the

main entrance, Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi gave the brides and

grooms Mangalarati and took them inside. The entire city of Ayodhya

bore a festive look and everyone rejoiced.

Today, everyone is celebrating the marriage of Sita and Rama. But

after the marriage Rama had to face many ordeals; He overcame them

all with fortitude. He decimated the demonic forces. Lakshmana was

His main weapon. With his help, Rama emerged victorious in the

battle with demons. Many a time He lavished praises on His brothers

saying, "My brothers are greater than Me. I owe My victory to them.

I could win over the enemies because of the strength of unity among

us." The lives of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna

demonstrated the ideal of brotherhood to the entire world. Such

ideal brotherhood is not noticed today. Many wonderful events took

place in the life of Lord Rama.

The stories of Lord Vishnu are amazing,

They purify the lives of the people in all the three worlds,

They are like the sickles that cut the creepers of worldly bondage,

They are like good friends who help you in times of need,

They are like shelters for the sages and seers doing penance in the

forest. (Telugu Poem)

It is not enough to merely celebrate the Rama Navami as the birthday

of Sri Rama. You should understand the purpose of His birth and

practise the ideals He demonstrated. Rama Kalyana does not mean the

marriage of Rama and Sita at physical level. Rama Kalyana is Atma

Kalyana; it signifies the merging of Atma (individual soul) with

Paramatma (universal soul). The Ramayana is not the story of an

individual. Rama symbolises the cosmic and universal spirit.