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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

`Ram Charita Manas', a unique classic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI, JAN. 23. Among the 84-lakh creations of God, from a mosquito to a

mammoth elephant, the human being alone has been endowed with an enviable

faculty - the power of speech. The pachyderm too has brain but its activity is

controlled by a mahout and it just obeys him. But man can use his ability of

thinking on his own and can utter truth or indulge in false versions. The gift

of speech is said to be guided by Goddess Saraswathi (wisdom) and hence he

should not resort to abuse others or to carry tales about them or to slander or

to vilify others. On the other hand, he should use this forceful vehicle to

remain soft-spoken and chant God's names or conduct Bhajans and invoke Divine

grace. This process of chanting helps to cleanse the man of his sins, can be

compared to the flying away off all the birds perched on a tree just by a clap

of hands standing underneath it. When it is possible to get rid of all our

defaults, why not adopt it? No one is a born sinner and hence sin!

ging the praise of God can reform anyone.

 

A saint who has given the Hindi version of the Ramayana was totally committed to

the worship of Rama and adore His qualities, completely believing that

glorifying Him through Bhajan will surely enable all of us to keep away from

untruth and misconduct. Initially, he composed the epic in Sanskrit but on a

directive from Lord Siva (as Viswanatha of Varanasi) that since Valmiki had

already done this in that language, the poet (Tulsidas) can write the story in

his own so as to be understood by all, he composed Ram Charita Manas, ``a lake

brimming over with the exploits of Rama.'' It enjoys a unique place among the

classics of world scriptural literature.

 

In his Harikatha, Sri Krishna Premi said singing Rama's virtues will act as an

axe that can cut down the tree of poison in this Kali era. Tulsidas was deeply

attached to his wife and when once she was not found in the house and he learnt

that she had gone to her father's house, he rushed to that place facing hazards,

even unmindful of the dark night. Her words at that time acted as a turning

point in his attitude towards worldly pleasures. ``After all, what is there in

my body except flesh, blood and bones and which is perishable? Had you given

even one thousandth part of that love which you had devoted to this decomposing

body towards Rama, you would have been blessed with His vision.'' These sharp

words pierced his veil of passion. With the guidance of Anjaneya, the saint was

able to see Rama and by reciting the Rama (Taraka) Mantra, he attained

liberation. Rama's story is akin to Kamadhenu which will grant a devotee

prosperity, plenty and devotion.

 

 

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