Rama Avatar- a Perfect Incarnation – by Sri.Sri.Muralidhara Swamiji Part-15

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Dear Members,

 

To listen to one’s own praises is akin to committing suicide! Lord Krishna

advises Arjuna not to take the vow of committing suicide. But Arjuna informs

Krishna, “I have already taken the vow”. Krishna tells him, “Praise your own

self. It is akin to committing suicide!” Praising our own self is equal to

committing suicide. If we accept other’s abuses calmly our sins are burnt up.

Without any sign of repulse (‘dwesha’) if one can accept abuses, his sins are

indeed

destroyed. We should neither praise ourselves (‘stuti’) nor listen to others

praising us. So, Rama says, “It is not right to hear my own glory in the court.

Let them come to Naimisharanya where a Yajna is

to be performed. During the ‘virama kala’ (rest) let the children sing.” Is it

justified for Rama to listen to his own glory sung in a place other than his

court? Rama explains, “I have a desire to know how much Bharata, Lakshmana,

Piratti have all sacrificed for my sake. My father fell down just as a huge

banyan tree falls down. I wish to hear all these. Only on thinking of these will

I feel greateful (‘krithajnya’). Only on repeatedly thinking of the good things

done to us by others will our heart melt and the feeling of gratitude be born.

Therefore, only on thinking Bhagavan’s story is bhakti born in one’s heart. Only

on thinking of the lilas of Bhagavan is Bhakti born in the heart. So, ‘smaranam’

(constant thinking) is a necessity. It is supportive for bhakti. So, to acquire

‘smaranam’, we should either experience a fountain of imagination or listen to

one from whose heart it rises up like the waves of the ocean.

 

With this desire in his heart, Rama receives the children in Naimisharanya

kshetra and listens to their melodious rendering. The children begin musically,

“Tapas swadhyaya niratam….” Rama who at first sat on the throne, gradually moved

down and close to the children. Tears flow down in torrents from the eyes of

Rama. ------Naham vasami vaikunte na yogihrudaye ravou matbhakta yatra gayanti

tatra tishtami narada --- (I live neither in Vaikunta nor in the Yogis’ heart

but wherever my bhaktas sing there do I stand, Narada!)

Rama is unable to hold himself on the seat as the children pour forth Rama

charitra. The children complete their rendering with a ‘phala sruti’ - Anyone

who listens to Ramayana will be blessed with

everything. All those who render Ramayana, listen to Ramayana, arrange for the

rendering of Ramayana will be blessed with all comforts. Ramayana will pour

forth welfare on to the whole world. ‘Vishnor balam vartate!’ Lord Vishnu

Himself would receive strength only from Ramayana! Ramayana is of such great

glory. But there is a vacuum (‘kurai) in Ramayana. All the people of Ayodhya are

leading a happy and comfortable life. The reason for this is it is Rama who is

ruling Ayodhya. But, Rama is not happy. Rama’s family is not happy. What is the

reason for this? There is none to protect Rama. But, henceforth even Rama will

be happy. How? Ramayana has come as Rama’s protector!”

 

Rama inquires of the children, “What shall I offer you? (‘sambhavana’). The

children reply, “Our Guru did not teach this to us! We do not know about this!”

The surprised Rama asks, “Who is your Guru?” The Children inform, “Valmiki is

our Guru”. Rama then invites

Valmiki. Rama addresses Valmiki, “How well have you taught the children! They do

not seem to know anything about reward. Please enlighten me how should I reward

them?” Valmiki speaks out, “Your should join Sita again. This is the reward that

is sought.”

 

Rama and Sita come together again. "

 

“Gopika Jeevana Smaranam Govinda Govinda”

“Janaki Kanta Smaranam Jai Jai Rama Rama”

“Sadgurunatha Maharaj Ki Jai”

 

Regards