Glory of Sri and His Name (Divine Discourse on the occasion of Sri – April 21, 2002) Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

" Sweeter than sugar, tastier than curd, sweeter indeed than honey is the Name of Rama. Constant repetition of this nectarine sweet Name gives one the taste of divine nectar itself. Therefore, one should contemplate on this sweet Name incessantly."

Embodiments of Love! help to get over this crisis. One day King Ayodhya was the capital of the kingdom Dasaratha, Sumantha and Padmapada of Kosala. The name Ayodhya signifies a together went to the hermitage of place where no enemies could enter. It Rishyasrunga. As per the request of was built by the emperor Manu. The river Dasaratha, Rishyasrunga came over to Sarayu, which originated from the Ayodhya and performed Aswamedha Manasasarovar, was flowing nearby. The Yaga and Putrakamesti Yaga. As the Manasasarovar is the manifestation of the sacred ritual was in progress, there Will of . Such a sacred place was emerged an effulgent being from the ruled over by Emperor Dasaratha. In spite flames with a vessel containing Payasam of having all the wealth and comforts, his (sweet pudding). He handed over the life was devoid of happiness as he had no vessel to Sage Vasishta, who in turn gave children. Dasaratha had a minister by it to Dasaratha and told him to distribute name Sumantha, who was noble-hearted it equally between his three wives. As and highly virtuous. One day, he there were many composers of approached Dasaratha and said, "Oh king! like Kamba, , Tulasidas, etc., each I have a plan that would solve your of them gave different versions of the problems and give happiness to you and proportion in which the Payasam was the people at large. The country will attain distributed between them. But none of plenty and prosperity if you perform them gave the correct version. Dasaratha Aswamedha Yaga. There is another sacred gave equal share of the Payasam to each of ritual called Putrakamesti Yaga, by his three queens in three different cups. performing which you are sure to beget Whether it is then or now, the principle of children." He told that Aswamedha Yaga equality is most essential for man. can be performed after Putrakamesti Dasaratha told his wives to have a sacred Yaga. Dasaratha was happy with the bath and seek Sage Rishyasrunga's bless- advice and commanded him to make the ings before partaking of the Payasam. necessary arrangements. Sumantha reque- Kausalya was very happy and so too was sted Dasaratha to invite Sage Rishya- Kaikeyi, but Sumitra was not elated. At srunga as the chief priest to preside over the same time, she did not want to the Putrakamesti Yaga. He felt that disobey the command of her husband Rishyasrunga was well-versed with this Dasaratha and Sage Rishyasrunga. After type of ritual. having a holy bath, she went on to the terrace and started drying her hair in the At that time, Padmapada was ruling over sun. She had kept the Payasam-cup by her the kingdom of Anga which was afflicted side. As she was drying her hair, she with famine. King Padmapada was also started thinking thus, "As Kausalya is the contemplating on seeking Rishyasrunga's eldest queen, the son born to her will be

1 the legal heir to the throne, or else as per Sumitra gave birth to first and the promise made by Dasaratha to the after a few moments Satrughna. Then king of Kekaya; Kaikeyi's son will be Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata. The four crowned as the king. My son will not have assumed the forms of the four sons the right to the throne. Such being the of Dasaratha. case, what is the point in my begetting a son?" She was dejected, depressed and On the tenth day, the naming ceremony lost in such thoughts as she was combing was performed. Kausalya's son was named her hair. Meanwhile, a servant-maid came as Rama as he attracted and delighted one running to her and informed that King and all. Just as one sees one's reflection in Dasaratha had asked her to come at once. the mirror, Rama would visualize the She plaited her hair and was about to pick Atmic effulgence in everyone. He saw the up the cup. Just then, an eagle swooped effulgence in the form of a moon in the down and took away the cup in a trice. heart of everybody. Hence, He was called She was already feeling sad and this Ramachandra. The two sons of Sumitra incident increased her agony thousand were restless and crying non-stop right fold. She was afraid that her husband and from their birth. They neither would drink Sage Vasishta would certainly be annoyed milk nor would go to sleep. Seeing the with her. She shuddered at the thought of pathetic condition of her sons, Sumitra being cursed by Sage Rishyasrunga. She was grief-stricken. "As it is, I am crying ran to Kausalya and Kaikeyi and explained thinking of my bad luck. Now, the to them her predicament. "Sisters, an children born to me are also crying. How eagle took away the cup because of my unfortunate I am!" Thinking in this negligence. No doubt, it was a mistake, manner, she felt miserable. When there but it was not done intentionally." In was no one around, she approached Sage those days, even the stepsisters used to Vasishta and explained to him the sad live in amity like children of the same plight of her sons. She said, "Guruji, I mother. Kausalya consoled her. don't expect anything from my sons. It is Immediately, she brought a similar cup enough for me if they lead a happy and from inside and poured half of her share healthy life. They don't seem to be having of Payasam into it. Kaikeyi followed suit. any physical ailments. I am unable to Sumitra was happy that her stepsisters understand why they are restless and were accommodative and considerate crying incessantly right from their birth." towards her. All this happened in a natural Vasishta closed his eyes and went into way. But some authors have given a meditation to find out the reason for the different version of this. They described children's strange behavior. After some the Payasam distribution based on their time, he opened his eyes and said, own mathematical calculations. "Mother Sumitra, you are very fortunate. You are endowed with the noble virtue of The three queens went to the room Samadrishti (equality). As your name and partook of their share of Payasam. suggests, you are a good friend of all. You Nine months passed. On an auspicious don't need to be worried at all. With the day, Kausalya gave birth to a son. That permission of Kausalya, put Lakshmana in was the time when the five elements were the same cradle where Rama is. Likewise, in harmony with each other. Kausalya's seek Kaikeyi's permission and place joy knew no bounds. Before this good Satrughna by the side of Bharata in the news could be conveyed to Sumitra and same cradle. Then, they will stop crying Kaikeyi, they also developed labour pains. and behave normally."

2 Kausalya and Kaikeyi readily consented to the spark of Rama, was in His Company Sumitra's request. They said, "Sister, bring always. Likewise, Satrughna and Bharata Lakshmana and Satrughna at once. They were always together. are also like our children. Is it not a matter of joy for us to watch the four brothers Years rolled by and the four brothers had develop unity and grow together?" matured into young men. Dasaratha had Sumitra did as per the advice of Sage decided to perform their marriages. One Vasishta. No sooner did Lakshmana was day when he was thinking on these lines, a placed by the side of Rama in the cradle, messenger entered and informed him the than he stopped crying. The same was the arrival of Sage Viswamitra. Everything case with Satrughna too. He stopped happens according to time, situation and crying as soon as he was placed by the circumstances. God creates the necessary side of Bharata. Lakshmana and Satrughna circumstances to fulfill His Divine plan. were extremely happy in the company of Dasaratha personally went up to the Rama and Bharata respectively. They were entrance and welcomed the sage, saying, all smiles and started moving their hands "Swami, it is our great good fortune that and legs blissfully. Watching her sons you have come today. I am contemplating enjoying themselves thus, Sumitra felt on performing marriages of my sons. So, I greatly relieved. am extremely happy and indeed blessed to have you amidst us today. Please tell me, A few days had passed. One day Sumitra, what can I do for you. I will certainly finding sage Vasishta all alone, requested fulfill your desire." Viswamitra said that he him to explain the strange behavior of her had come to take Rama with him to sons. She wanted to know why protect his from demons. Dasaratha Lakshmana and Satrughna were crying felt as though an atom bomb had incessantly till they were placed by the side exploded in his heart. "I begot these of Rama and Bharata respectively. Sage children as a result of performing several Vasishta started explaining in this manner: rituals and sacrifices over a number of "Oh Sumitra! You are a noble soul. Your years. Moreover, Rama has never entered heart is pure and unsullied. You are totally a forest or seen a demon. He has no selfless. So, it is not difficult for you to hatred towards anybody. He is full of love understand the reason behind this. Do and forbearance. How can I send such a you remember, when your share of tender-hearted Rama to the forest to fight Payasam was taken away by an eagle, the demons, who are very cruel?" Such Kausalya and Kaikeyi came to your rescue were his feelings. He said to Viswamitra, by sharing their Payasam with you. As a "Oh venerable sage, my sons are very result, you begot two sons. Lakshmana is young. How can I send them to forest?" born from Kausalya's share of Payasam Viswamitra said, "Oh king! You promised and Satrughna is born from that of that you would fulfill my desire. Now, you Kaikeyi's. It means Lakshmana is an Amsa are going back on your word. Kings (aspect) of Rama and Satrughna is an belonging to Ikshvaku clan never failed to Amsa of Bharata. So, it is natural that keep up their promise so far. If you go Lakshmana is blissful in the company of against your word, you would have Rama and so too is Satrughna in the brought disrepute to your clan. So, decide company of Bharata." The Bhagavadgita as to whether you would put your clan to says, Mamaivamsho Jeevaloke Jeevabhuta disrepute or send your sons with me." Sanathanah (the eternal Atma in all beings Dasaratha thought for a while, but was is a part of My Being). Lakshmana, being unable to decide. He called Sage Vasishta

3 and sought his advice. Vasishta said, and night forgoing food and water in "Dasaratha, your sons are not ordinary order to protect the Yajna. So, I will teach mortals. They are born to you because of you two Mantras: Bala and Atibala. With Divine Will. They are born out of fire, the power of these Mantras, you can which means they are the embodiments of remain without food, water and sleep for power and wisdom. So, no danger can any number of days." ever befall on them. So, uphold your promise given to Sage Viswamitra." Knowing fully well that Rama was the Divine incarnation and had the power to Here there is an important point to be protect the Yajna, why did Viswamitra noted. Viswamitra had come to take only teach him these Mantras? These are only Rama with him. Rama was prepared to go external activities meant for the world. with him. He did ask Lakshmana to Rama and Lakshmana chanted these accompany him. Neither Viswamitra nor Mantras and consequently had no hunger, Dasaratha had asked him to follow Rama. thirst or sleep during their stay in the Lakshmana followed Rama of his own Siddhashrama. When the Yajna was in accord because he was an Amsa of Rama. progress, the demon Maricha tried to Just as shadow follows an object, disrupt the proceedings. Rama killed him Lakshmana accompanied Rama. Seeing with a single arrow and his body was this, Viswamitra thought to himself, thrown to a great distance by the impact. "Everything happens according to the Then came a thunderous noise. Rama Divine Will." Prior to his departure, he asked Viswamitra, "Swami, what is this said to Dasaratha, "Oh king! There is no noise? It sounds as though mountains are power in this world that is not in me. I am falling apart." Viswamitra said, "It has endowed with all mighty powers and all nothing to do with the mountains. It is the types of knowledge. But once I undertake voice of demonness Thataki. She makes Yajna Deeksha (vow of Yajna) and start everyone tremble with her voice. Be performing the ritual, I am not supposed prepared to face her. She is coming." to involve myself in any act of violence. Rama had a doubt whether it was proper This is the discipline prescribed for the for a to kill a woman. one performing a Yajna. Hence, I cannot Viswamitra said, "Rama, when it comes to kill the demons on my own. That is why I protecting a Yajna, you don't need to be am taking Rama with me." concerned whether it is a man or a woman who is disrupting it. Your main duty is to When they reached the banks of Sarayu ward off all demons. As it was the river, Viswamitra said, "Rama come here." command of the Guru, Rama implicitly He called only Rama and not Lakshmana. obeyed him and killed the ogress. But she Though he was not called, Lakshmana was not the one to be killed easily. A also went and sat by the side of Rama. fierce battle ensued. But we don't need to Viswamitra said, "My dear ones, I am go into its details. Once Thataki was taking you to Siddhashrama where Yajna killed, the surroundings of Siddhashrama is going to take place. You have come became peaceful and everyone rejoiced. here to protect the Yajna from demons. I The demigods showered flower petals. don't know how many days you have to The Yajna was completed successfully. stay in the forest. You are used to royal comforts and delicious food. But there is In the meantime, a messenger from the no one to prepare food for you in the city of Mithila arrived and handed over a Ashram. You may have to stay awake day letter to Viswamitra from King Janaka. It

4 was an invitation to Viswamitra to take ruin. Seeing the mighty Ravana falling part in a Yajna that Janaka was going to down in such a manner, all the kings were perform. Viswamitra at once set out on a surprised. They said to themselves, "If journey to Mithila. Being a Sanyasi, he had Ravana cannot lift it, nobody else can do no luggage to carry with him. He asked it." They were afraid even to come Rama and Lakshmana to follow him. But forward to try lifting the bow. At that Rama was reluctant to do so. He said, moment, Viswamitra gave a meaningful "Guruji, my father has sent Me to protect look to Rama. Rama understood its your Yajna. I am not interested in the implication and got up. He was only Yajna that King Janaka is going to fifteen years at that time. As he was perform." In order to arouse interest and walking majestically towards the bow, enthusiasm in them, Viswamitra said, people were attracted by His divine "The Yajna is not an ordinary one. In the splendor. It looked as though all powers palace of the king Janaka, there is Siva were following Him like a shadow. People Dhanus (bow of Siva), which ordinary were mesmerized by His divine form and mortals cannot lift. It is very difficult to were unmindful of what was going to even move it an inch. One day it so happen. Smilingly, Rama went near the happened that , the daughter of bow, adjusted his upper garment and put Janaka, lifted the bow. That day Janaka his left hand on the bow. And lo! It just decided that he would give his daughter stood up. It had to be bent to tie the Sita in marriage to someone who can lift string. As He was bending it, the bow the bow. This Yajna is arranged in this broke with a deafening sound. The connection." onlookers were stunned at the mighty power of Rama. Immediately, Sita was Viswamitra persuaded Rama and brought by her maids with a garland in her Lakshmana to accompany him to Mithila. hand. Viswamitra enquired, "Rama, are The entire city of Mithila had assembled. you ready for the marriage?" Rama said, Kings belonging to various countries had "Swami, my father sent me to arrived. Ravana was one among them. Siddhashram to safeguard your Yajna. I Ravana was very powerful and had a don't have his permission to come here. I fearsome personality. He was the first one will not accept this proposal without his to come forward to lift the bow. As he consent." Viswamitra whispered this into was proceeding towards the bow, kings the ear of Janaka. He also supported were surprised at his gait and personality. Rama's view as he was well versed with They thought, "If he is able to lift the Rajaneeti (code of conduct prescribed for a bow, King Janaka has to give his daughter king). Immediately, he sent his messengers in marriage to him. The very sight of him to King Dasaratha to bring him and his is terrifying. How can Janaka give his family with royal honors. Three days daughter to him? Anyway, let us see what passed by the time King Dasaratha and is going to happen." Ravana in the first his family arrived in Mithila during which instance tried to lift the bow with his left Rama and Lakshmana did not move out hand. But it did not move. He used all his of their room. strength and tried with both his hands. Yet it did not move. In the process, he Dasaratha with his family members, lost his balance and fell down. He could friends and relatives arrived in Mithila not bear the insult. One with ego is bound accompanied by thousands of soldiers and to face humiliation. He cannot receive citizens of Ayodhya. The four brothers respect and honor in society. Ego leads to were extremely happy seeing each other.

5 The holy wedding took place on the Once Saint Thyagaraja sang a song fourth day, about which I described in extolling the mighty power of Rama: "But detail many a time. Sita was born of for the power of Rama, could a mere mother earth and Urmila was Janaka's monkey cross the mighty ocean? Would own daughter. Sita was to wed Rama and , the goddess of wealth, Urmila was to marry Lakshmana. Janaka's become his consort? Would Lakshmana brother had two daughters Mandavi and worship him? Would the intelligent Sruthakirti. Their wedding was fixed with Bharata offer his salutations to him? But Bharata and Satrughna respectively. It for the mighty power of Rama, would all looked as though each one was made for this happen? Indeed, Rama's power is the other. beyond all description."

During the wedding, Sita had to garland The wedding took place in a glorious Rama. Sita being short in stature could not manner and all of them returned to do so as Rama was Ajanubahu (tall Ayodhya. As the saying goes, "The personality). Rama was expected to bend pleasure is an interval between two pains". His head before Sita so that she could On the way to Ayodhya, there was a garland Him. However, He would not do minor conflict with Parasurama. Rama so, lest people should say that Rama, one conquered him and reached Ayodhya. of valor, bowed His head before a woman. Woman in those days would not A few days had passed. One day at three look into the face of men. Hence, Sita was in the morning, Dasaratha had a dream. It looking down holding the garland in her was his belief that whatever one dreams in hand. the early hours of the day would come true. He had dreamt that he had become Lakshmana was the incarnation of very old and that his hands and legs were Adisesha, who carries the mother earth on trembling. He woke up with a disturbed his hood. Rama looked at Lakshmana as if state of mind having dreamt many bad to say, "Look, why don't you raise that things. He felt that he might not live long. part of earth where Sita is standing to Hence, he decided to coronate Rama enable her to garland Me." Then immediately. When the king decides to do Lakshmana indicated to Rama that it was something who can stop him? He thought not possible to raise any particular area. If that there was no time to make elaborate he tried to raise that part of earth where arrangements for the coronation. He sent Sita was standing, simultaneously Rama word for Sage Vasishta and obtained his would be raised and so also others. The consent. He called Rama and informed onlookers became anxious and were him about his decision. Rama treated wondering as to why Rama was not everybody with equal-mindedness. This bending his head to enable Sita garland was the social He practiced. He him. Lakshmana, being one of intelli- was of the view that all are equal and there gence, thought of a plan to solve the should not be any differences whatsoever. problem. All of a sudden, he fell at the All are one. God is one. Rama's aim was feet of Rama and would not get up for a to bring about such unity in diversity. long time. Rama bent down to pick up Lakshmana and seizing the opportunity, When Dasaratha informed Rama that he Sita garlanded Rama. was to be made the crown prince the following day, Rama remained silent for some time. Being an obedient son, He did

6 not want to say anything against His mighty power of Rama and His master father's wish. He thought for awhile and plan were highly mysterious and most said, "Father, Bharata and Satrughna are wonderful. There should be equality in not here. Should we not wait for their society. This is the main teaching of arrival?" But Dasaratha was firm in his Bharatiya culture. Loka Samastha Sukhino resolve. He said, "You don't need to be Bhavantu (May all the people of the world concerned about it. You have to obey my be happy!) Rama upheld the principles of command." Rama said that He was ancient culture. The coronation did not prepared to follow his command, but only take place at that time. sought a clarification in this regard. He said, "Four of us were born on the same People go through Ramayana. They have day, under the same star. We were born books on Ramayana as big as pillows. from the same Yajna Payasam. Our They learn the Slokas by rote, but what is Namakaranam (naming ceremony), the use? They don't understand the Aksharabhyasam (initiation into learning), essence. Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) and marriages were performed simultaneously. Mother Kausalya was highly virtuous. Then why only I am chosen to become Being the eldest queen, everyone would the crown prince? Let all the four of us be respect her and obey her command. coroneted simultaneously." Dasaratha was Kaikeyi was the youngest queen. Nobody indeed surprised at Rama's observations. could go against her wish. Dasaratha was a He quickly added that there cannot be puppet in her hands and he would dance four kings ruling over one kingdom. Then to her tune. But Sumitra was not given Rama said, "Divide the kingdom into four much importance. The noble qualities of parts and each of us will rule each part. Sumitra and Satrughna cannot be Let our coronations take place at the same described in words. time. Let there not be any differences." Dasaratha was stunned at Rama's Later it happened that the coronation of argument. He had no answer to give. He Rama did not take place and Rama had to sent him away and consulted Sage spend fourteen years in exile. Before going Vasishta who later tried to convince Rama to the forest, Rama went to mother and said, "For the past many generations, Kausalya to seek her blessings. She wept our kingdom remained undivided. If it has inconsolably. Not only she, everyone in to be divided now, it may lead to the Antahpura (inner chamber) was in problems in future." But Rama was not tears. When Lakshmana went to mother convinced. He said, "I am not asking you Sumitra and sought her blessings, she said, to divide the kingdom, but let each of us "My dear one, do not think that you are rule a part of the kingdom." At the same going to the forest. In fact, this Ayodhya time, Rama felt that Dasaratha was getting is like an Aranya (forest) for us without old. As the age advances, one's mental Sita and Rama. The forest where Sita and faculties will not be sound. As Dasaratha Rama live is verily Ayodhya for you. Rama was not in a position to understand the is your father and Sita, your mother. Let reality, Rama said "Let Bharata and nothing come in your way of serving Satrughna also come." It would take at them." Will any mother speak in such a least fifteen days for them to arrive in manner? "As per the boon granted to Ayodhya. In the meantime, one could Kaikeyi, only Rama is supposed to go to think leisurely and arrive at a proper the forest. You don't need to go with conclusion. This was Rama's plan. The him." Any mother would have argued in

7 such a manner and stopped him from your noble intentions in my heart." Urmila going. But Sumitra, being a noble mother, said, "Don't think of my noble intentions. did not think on those lines. She had all Think of the nobility of Sita and Rama the virtues that are expected of an ideal and obey their command. See to it that mother. Then Lakshmana went to his wife they are never put to any inconvenience." Urmila to inform her about his decision to You may search in all the worlds, but you go with Rama. Urmila was the daughter of cannot find a noble mother like Sumitra King Janaka. She was highly virtuous. Her and a virtuous wife like Urmila. spirit of sacrifice and generosity is unparalleled. Being unaware of the During the war between Rama and happenings, she was painting a picture of Ravana, Lakshmana fell unconscious one Rama's coronation. She wanted to send it day. Seeing his dear brother in such to her father Janaka. As she was deeply condition, Rama was highly depressed. He engrossed in her work and all of a sudden shed tears, saying, "If I search in this Lakshmana entered and called her in a world, I may be able to find a wife like raised voice, she was startled and at once Sita but not a brother like Lakshmana. stood up. As she got up in a hurry, she How can I live without him?" The doctors accidentally spilled over the paint on the present there said, "Lakshmana could be picture she was painting. She felt sad for revived with the help of a herb called having spoiled the picture. Then Sanjivini which is available on a particular Lakshmana said, "Rama's coronation is mountain." at once flew to the stalled because of Kaikeyi, and the picture mountain. As he could not identify the of coronation that you are painting is herb, he uprooted the entire mountain spoiled because of your husband and started his return journey. As he was Lakshmana. So, don't worry about it." He flying over Nandigrama with the informed her that he was accompanying mountain, Bharata mistook him for a Rama and Sita to the forest to serve them. demon and shot an arrow at him. She was happy with his decision. She did Hanuman fell down along with the not ask him to allow her to accompany mountain. People of Nandigrama and him. She said, "Dear husband, my Ayodhya came running and surrounded mother-in-law Sumitra gave birth to you him. Hanuman offered his obeisance to and your brother Satrughna to tread the everyone. He turned to Bharata and said, path of service. You are meant to serve "Your brother Lakshmana has fallen Rama and Satrughna to serve Bharata. So, unconscious in the battlefield. The discharge your duties. But at no point of doctors there wanted Sanjivini herb to be time should you think of me during your brought in order to revive Lakshmana. As stay for fourteen years in the forest. If you I could not locate the exact herb, I am think of me even for a moment, you will carrying the entire mountain with me." not be able to serve Sita and Rama On coming to know that Lakshmana had wholeheartedly. Think of their well-being fainted and Rama was grief-stricken, always and serve them diligently. Forget everyone assembled there started me altogether for the next fourteen years." shedding tears; the ladies in particular Will any wife speak in such a firm and were inconsolable. When Hanuman selfless manner? No. Her broad- looked around, he found everyone in tears mindedness and utter selflessness moved except one lady. She was none other than Lakshmana to tears. He praised her Sumitra, the mother of Lakshmana. saying, "Urmila, I never knew that you are "Rama can never be put to any harm. My so broad-minded. I will always treasure son, Lakshmana constantly chants His

8 Name. Every cell of his body is filled with Embodiments of love! the Divine Name of Rama. So, nothing There is no Amruta (Divine ambrosia) untoward can happen to him also." With greater than Rama's Name. Today people such conviction, she was composed. have forgotten Nama Chinthana (contemplating on the Divine Name). Bharata took Hanuman to Urmila and They repeat the names of cinemas, but do introduced him. She never stepped out of not repeat God's Name. That is why the her room. She remained in the same room country is facing hardships. The educated, where she was at the time of Lakshmana's intellects and scientists do not think of departure to the forest, for fourteen long God at all. Some people deem it below years, until his return. Such was her their dignity to apply Vibhuti on their determination. She asked Hanuman as to foreheads. They have it on their foreheads where he was coming from. Hanuman when they are at home and rub it off the narrated to her in detail whatever moment they step outside. This has happened right from the time Lakshmana become a fashion! Why should one be fainted in the battlefield. On listening to afraid of chanting God's Name? Let Hanuman's narration, Urmila laughed and people talk as they like. You don't need to said, "Hanuman, don't you know even be afraid. Spread the glory of Rama's this? The very breath of Lakshmana is Name in every nook and corner of the filled with the Divine Name of Rama. world. You can chant any Name of your How can any danger befall on such a choice - Rama, , Govinda, Siva, person?" etc. As people have forgotten the Divine Name, every home is in turmoil. There are The sense of devotion and surrender of conflicts even among brothers. As there is Urmila and Sumitra is not mentioned with no purity within, unsacred feelings have prominence anywhere in Ramayana. In crept in. People are running after money fact, they were the embodiments of and power. Can money and power give righteousness and love. Their ideals are you protection? You find so many in this shining like beacons in this world. world who have plenty of money and are Everyone should become a Su-mitra occupying positions of authority. Are they (good friend) and a Su-putra (ideal son). able to enjoy peace and happiness? No, The country today needs ideal men and no. Only the Divine Name can grant you women. Though thousands of years have peace and happiness. One who neglects passed, the glory of Ramayana has not God's Name is bound to be ruined. diminished a bit. It has remained ever new and ever fresh in the hearts of people. The letter 'Ma' is the life force of the Siva One who chants Rama's Name and has Panchakshari Mantra Namah Sivaya. If the vision of His Divine Form will not be 'Ma' is removed from this, it reads as Na born again. That is why Sage Valmiki has Sivaya, meaning inauspicious. Likewise, the extolled the greatness of Rama's power letter 'Ra' is the life-force of the and His Name. Ashtakshari Mantra Om Namo Narayanaya. The life-force of the Panchakshari Mantra Bhagavan sang the , Rama Kodanda 'Ma', and that of the Ashtakshari Mantra Rama … Then He continued the 'Ra' together have formed the Divine Discourse. Name RAMA.

9 Students! Devotees! relish the Divine Name may make fun of Chanting of the Divine Name alone can you. Somebody may tell you there is no protect you. Money and power are like God. What should be your reply? "He passing clouds. You should not clamor for may not exist for you but He exists for them. One may join politics and attain me. Who are you to deny the existence of some position of authority but how long my God?" No one has any right to deny can one remain in power? Any moment God. Never forget the Divine Name one may be dislodged from power. One wherever you are and under any should not get carried away by politics; circumstances. Sarvada Sarva Kaleshu instead one should take refuge in the Sarvatra Hari Chintanam (everywhere, at all Divine Name. He alone is truly blessed times, under all circumstances contem- and meritorious whose heart is filled with plate on God). the Divine Name. People who do not

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