RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI PART II (10)

November 7, 2008

Om Sri Sai Ram

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 11

Happy 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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