Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 After Pattabishekam, Sri Rama posed this question to Hanuman, " How do you contemplate on Me? " Hanuman replied At the physical level, You are my Master and I am Your servant. At the mental level, I am a spark of thy Divine Self. At the Aathmic level, You and I are one " . --- Narayana Bhattatiri's comments in his Narayaneeyam: In Canto35 Verse 10 of Narayaneeyam, Narayana Bhattatiri attempts to explain Rama's action after slaying Ravana, resulting in Sita Devi's ordeal by fire and again, later in Ayodhya, when he sent her away to the forest even though she was pregnant. " This human embodiment of Thine is for instructing mankind how too much attachment (Kama) will lead to pangs of separation and how addiction to Dharma (the letter of the Law) will push one to such Adharma as abandonment of innocent ones. Otherwise, it is unimaginable how Thou, who art ever established in the Atman- consciousness, canst ever have any weakness of the mind. O Thou Lord of Guruvayoor, the very embodiment of Sattwa, deign to remove my sufferings from this disease. " The following comment appears in Note #14 appended to the text: " Bhattar's estimate of Rama Incarnation, that it is to show men how intense affection (Kama) will lead us to pangs of separation (as Rama suffered from his loss of Sita) and how extreme addiction to Dharma, (the letter of the Law), will push one to Adharma -- is an echo of the Bhagawata verse 5.19.5-6. Many a devotee of Rama will not agree with this, although it may be conveying a subtle point that would interest a critical student. Rama and Krishna are two major incarnations, the former being glorified in the Ramayana and the latter in the Bhagawata. Both have been equally important factors in the devotional life of India. Rama Incarnation depicts a model of manhood and human conduct which people are asked to follow, whereas Krishna is a Divine manifestation whose words are to be followed but not deeds. In some Vaishnava texts, Rama is therefore described as Maryada-Purushottama (Divinity who has restricted Himself by laws) and Krishna as Pushti- Purushottama (Divinity that bestows Grace in ways that are not bound by laws and social norms.) - Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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