Ramakatha Rasavahini, Part 2, Chapter 12 (b) - The Coronation

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Part 2 - 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".

Lord Rama (See also Colin Meijers Krishna Art)

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.

The wealth and prosperity of the citizens under the benign reign of Rama cannot

be adequately described by even thousand thousand-tongued Seshas. 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, 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, [see also

Prasnottara Vahini] 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.

A view on the Yamuna

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 colours 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, Vasishta 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, Sastras 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 Parabrahma 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,

Thapa, 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 work have I to do than the one I have chosen? Lord of Lords! Japa,

Thapa, 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 Vasishta 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 Darsan

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

accomplished, no one of these were 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 Atmaswarup, 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 it was being ruled by Rama.

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

[RRV-10b, BV-32, Sathya Sai Vahini], Raghu, Dilipa [RRV-2, RRV-7a, RRV-7c],

Sagara [RRV-7a, RRV-7c, BV-32]; for, such iniquities would not have happened

when those Kings were ruling. Will a son ever die during the life-time 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.,

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 Ramarajya 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.

(*) Bhagavad Gîtâ of Order, Ch. 12.

(**) Bhagavad Gîtâ of Order, Ch. 13.

(***) Srîmad Bhâgavatam, Canto 5: The Creative Impetus, Ch. 16: How the Lord can

be Comprehended as a Matter of Fact.

 

Bhajan: Kiba Jaya (Gaura Ârati): Evening Song. Text

 

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/ch12b.htmlVahini.org: 'Vahini' Books

written by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

 

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