Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden.

Newsletter.www.shree swaminarayan.org.uk ISSUE 55 Ramnavmi’14

WAY OF LIFE... Easter Shibir.

Topic’s based upon the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ - AHAAR, VIHAAR, AACHAR and Vichaar

Benefits Of YOGa.

”Nobody can hurt me without my permission.” Gandhi welcome Temple help less Fortunate in Holborn

hree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden continuously strives to help and support the wider community and this is shown by our profound history of successful and impactful charitable events, Ssome of which include: •A charity walk from Kenton to Willesden for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in 2013, which raised over £25,000

•A bike ride in support of Awareness for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research in 2012, which raised over £4,000.

•A sponsored silence which gathered over £8,000 for the Bhuj Earthquake in 2001

•And many more...

However, this doesn’t stop here... we will always continue to try and provide our voluntary seva whenever and wherever help is required.

“My disciples shall render lifelong services to their parents, guru and ailing persons according to their abilities. (Shikshapatri- Shlokh 139)”

As part of the Temple’s charitable arm, the youth of the Temple embarked on a project to hold a series of 3 soup kitchens, donating clothes and food to the less fortunate as part of a humanitarian project. This was carried out on the 3rd, 10th and 17th of February and each week over 35 volunteers, ranging from committee seniors, youth and the wider temple community, took part in various efforts such as cooking, packaging and distributing. The food was prepared at the temple kitchen before being transported to Holborn where a range of stalls were set up. With the help of donors such as Tesco, Bhavna Sweet Mart, Lee Baron Commercial Property Agents, Euroken, Kenford, Carphone Warehouse and Falguni Cakes; we distributed more than 1200 items of winter clothing, 900 hot food packages and 450 goodie bags containing - water, biscuits, soft drinks, cake, chocolate, fruit and sandwiches.

We would like to say thanks to all the volunteers that took part in this project as well as the organisation team, which consisted of a group of youth ranging from the age of 17-22. Lastly, a big thank you to Govindbhai from Amazing Tiles who provided his invaluable support, expertise and experience allowing us to successfully carry out this project.

It doesn’t stop here...

The temple also has many interesting charitable projects planned for the future so please keep a listen out for our next project and do not hesitate to join in and do your part in helping the wider community.

Want to see more?

http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/shree_swaminarayan_temple_willesden_helps_the_homeless_in_ holborn_1_3341738

http://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/article/NRG-UK-donation-homeless-4531518-PHO.html?seq=1 9 Types Of bhakti.

The first Prakraan of Satsangi Jeevan, Adhyaay 36 states the nine types of bhakti. Bhakti means devotion and the nine types of bhakti are ways to express love and devotion to Bhagwan.

4 5 he word Dhun refers generally to the tune in Indian classical music and may be based on a folk song or Treligious tune. We also refer to Dhun as the chanting of Bhagwan’s name. From the above types of bhakti, Dhun can fall into Kirtanam and Smaranam. By remembering Bhagwan constantly and singing His name, one can put Him above all materialistic things. Constant chanting keeps one’s mind clean and focused. Chanting Bhagwan’s name also keeps inner enemies such as lust, anger, greed, jealousy etc. in control. In Vachanamrut Loya 6,

“Shreeji Maharaj asked again, “While performing dhyaan upon Bhagwan, countless different waves of vicious thoughts arises in the mind, just as large waves arise in the ocean. When such thoughts do arise, how can they be suppressed?”

Shreeji Maharaj answered His own question: “When such vicious thoughts arise, a person should stop the dhyaan, and should clap and chant ‘Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan’ loudly, without shame. He should pray to Bhagwan, ‘O Lord! You are a friend of the humble! You are an ocean of mercy!’ Also, he should remember a great sadhu of Bhagwan, like Muktanand Swami, and pray to him too. As a result of this, all disturbing thoughts will be eradicated, and peace will prevail. Apart from this, there is no other method to eradicate such thoughts.” 9 Types of bhakti

Every year at Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden, we hold a twelve hour Dhun from 7am to 7pm. It is Shravanam. listening to katha, kirtans, leelas etc. held on the first Sunday in May each year. It is a great opportunity to do bhajan bhakti and chant the name of Bhagwan. This twelve hour Dhun has been happening since May 1975 and has been an annual event in Kirtanam. singing kirtans, prarthna and the praises of Bhagwan. our temple’s activities. Even coming for one hour will definitely leave you feeling more spiritually awake and stronger. Smaranam. meditating and remembering Bhagwan.

Don’t miss out, come join us only at SSTW! Archanam. serving Bhagwan by offering food, flowers etc.

Vandanam. prostrating in front of Bhagwan.

Daasyam. being in the service of Bhagwan and dedicating all actions to Him. SUNDAY 4th May Saankhyam. developing a friendship with Bhagwan. 7am to 7pm dhun Paadsevanam. serving Bhagwan’s Charnavind. Atmanivedanam. dedicating mind, body and soul to Bhagwan.

6 7 Ghanshyam Bal Kendra (BK)

Classes held every Saturday from 5-7pm for the children ages 4-7 in the Wedding Hall - Feel free to visit or come and enrol your child

8 9 Birth of Ghanshyam Ghanshyam It was Samvat 1837, the 9th day (Navmi) of bright half (Sud) in month of Chaitra. In the village of Bal Kendra Chhappaiya, the birds sang, the Brahmins recited Vedic mantras all day and at 10.10pm, a divine child was born at the home of Dharmadev & Bhaktimata. The Devtas showered flowers from the sky. There was peace and happiness everywhere.

All around the new newly born child there was a bright light and the child gave divine Darshan to His parents in form of Krishna, dressed in fine golden clothes, flute in hand and peacock feather adorning His head. For children attending BK the half an hour allocated to story time is a firm favourite. The very eager ones even compete to sit in the front row so that they can be as close He said, “According to the curse given by Durvasa Muni, I have taken birth as your son to decrease the burden of sin on earth.” Saying this, the Lord became a child again and started playing in His as possible to the narrator. Paranyu (cradle). Dharmadev presented cows, gold and food to the Brahmins and poor people.

Mythological, Hindu festival related and Ghanshyam Bal Charitra stories are The people of Chhappaiya gathered outside Dharmadev’s house to get a glimpse of the baby and narrated or sometimes acted out in a simple way to aid learning about our celebrated by drumming, singing and dancing. Here is the song you can learn and sing too: Sampraday, culture and convey good values and morals. Below is one of many stories told. Dharma Gher Ananda Bhayo……..Jay Bolo Ghanshyam Ki (x2) Chappaiya Meh Lalo Bhayo….…….Jay Bolo Ghanshyam Ki (x2) Bhakta Ke Bhagwan Bhayo ….……Jay Bolo Ghanshyam Ki (x2) Hati Ghoda Palki ………..……..……..Jay Bolo Ghanshyam Ki (x2)

10 11 EASTER SHIbir for the youth by the youth learning about our religion.

WAY OF LIFE.

This year’s Shibir is based upon the ‘Way of Life’.

Hosted by our profound Bhuj Santo’s on the subject which impacts our daily affairs of Ahaar, Vihaar, Aachar and Vichaar, with first hand advice and interactive activities which can be adapted to our day to day lives.

12 13 WAY OF LIFE. EASTER Shibir

We’ve all heard the old adage ‘you are what you eat’, We have planned off site activities, which will bring but have we ever stopped to think about the exact out your competitive streak. It all depends on truth behind this? Do we ever consider how it’s been you, your team and how far you would go for that prepared, who prepared it, what actually is in there winning title. Have you got what it takes to find the and what was being thought about when it was treasure, or to score to score that victorious goal or being prepared? We all have up to 100 trillion cells are you better suited to show off your culinary skills. in our bodies in which each cell needs a constant and efficient supply of nutrients in order to function So from Friday to Sunday the days will start off at optimally. With food being an important factor that 2pm with these activities followed by a break. After affects these cells as well every aspect of our being, recharging our batteries we will be ready for the from thinking capacity, sleeping habits, health, evening presentations by Bhuj Santo’s from 8pm mood, energy levels and food cravings. onwards.

Ahaar... What we eat; are we eating the right amount For the younger’s their epic adventure will beginning and right types of food? at 11am and they will then join in with the rest of the activities. After having a delicious dinner they will be Vihaar... How our food is processed, how can we ready to head home after evening Sabha at 7pm. make Satvik food (pure). On Monday we have an exciting trip in store but you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled. For further Aachar... Our attitude, our habits and our own information visit our website at SSTW.org.uk or our conduct. Facebook page at Willesden Temple.

Vichaar... What are we thinking? What thoughts are we supposed to have?

Ahaar, Vihaar, Aachar, Vichaar. What’s your way of life...?

14 15 The Retrospective Corner

“Why do your Gods have so many arms? Why are you a vegetarian? Why do you pray to a cow?”

Sounds a bit familiar right, lets read on...

16 17 WHY DO YOU HAVE SO MANY GODS? Let’s tackle this one together shall we...

As you may have experienced as Hindus living in the western world; at times it can be bit of a drag! On the odd occasion at school, work or even on the streets we are somehow bound to be quizzed by a Mr. Nosey Parker, whose sole mission is to poke holes in the very existence of our lives. Now quite frankly we don’t have the time and energy to argue with these characters, so we walk away or send them packing. Yet nevertheless they still succeed by planting a doubt in our heads, forcing us Today’s agenda My fellow readers, do you feel a little weight lifted of your shoulders? If so, we’ve just to question ourselves and the knowledge we tackled our very first niggling query! Jai Hind! Till next time… have for our faith. is on one of the So this got me thinking and then some more thinking until... Voila! Light-bulb moment! most common So now without further ado, I present to you The Retrospective Corner, the only place in questions we town where we can discuss and crush those niggling doubts and queries. get asked:

18 19 Benefits of Yoga

oga is a very ancient system that originated in India. Yoga comes from the YSanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning to join together, i.e. become one with God. Ultimately, Yoga is a form of meditation devised by Saints many thousands of years ago with the aim of finding God. Yogic traditions go back to The Bhagavad Gita, Vedic sages such as Yajnavalkya and Swaminarayan Bhagwan Himself, who learnt Yoga whilst on pilgrimage (Van Vichran). Yoga is becoming increasingly popular as more are realising that Yoga not only helps physically, but also emotionally and mentally. When stress, anxiety, panic and tension arises, the mind takes over, emotions rise, breathing goes out of control depleting energy levels, which impacts the physical body too. The body has many powers, cures and abilities of concentration. The key to Yoga is to enhance this hidden energy in the body as when you are in harmony, the journey through life is calmer, happier and more fulfilling.

20 21 All-round fitness. Improved immunity. You are truly healthy when you are not just physically Our system is a seamless blend of the body, mind and fit but also mentally and emotionally balanced. This spirit. An irregularity in the body affects the mind and is where yoga helps: postures, pranayama (breathing similarly unpleasantness or restlessness in the mind can techniques) and meditation are a holistic fitness package. manifest as an ailment in the body. Yoga poses massage organs and strengthen muscles; breathing techniques Weight loss. and meditation release stress and improve immunity. Yoga benefits here too. Sun Salutations and Kapal Bhati pranayama are some ways to help lose weight with Living with greater awareness. yoga. Moreover, with regular practice of yoga, we tend to The mind is constantly involved in activity – swinging become more sensitive to the kind of food our body asks from the past to the future – but never staying in the Increased energy. for and when. This can also help keep a check on weight. present. By simply being aware of this tendency of A few minutes of yoga everyday provides the secret to feeling fresh and the mind, we can actually save ourselves from getting energetic even after a long day. Meditation benefits you immensely, leaving Stress relief. stressed or worked up and relax the mind. Yoga and you refreshed and recharged in the middle of a hectic day. A few minutes of yoga during the day can be a great pranayama help create that awareness and bring the way to get rid of stress that accumulates daily - in both mind back to the present moment, where it can stay the body and mind. Yoga postures, pranayama and happy and focused. Better flexibility and posture. meditation are effective techniques to release stress. You only need to include yoga in your daily routine to benefit from a body that is strong, supple and flexible. Regular yoga practice stretches and tones the Inner peace. body muscles and also makes them strong. It also helps improve your body We all love to visit peaceful, serene spots, rich in natural posture when you stand, sit, sleep or walk. This would, in turn, help relieve you beauty. Little do we realise that peace can be found right of body pain due to incorrect posture. within us and we can take a mini-vacation to experience this any time of the day! Yoga is also one of the best ways to calm a disturbed mind. Better intuition. Yoga and meditation have the power to improve your intuitive ability so that you effortlessly realise what needs to be done, when and how, to yield positive results.

YOGA Classes Mondays: frmales & wednesday : males 8pm.

22 Small Fee applies. 23 Past-times of Swaminarayan Bhagwan – Mandvi

24 25 One day, Shreeji Maharaj walked to Mandvi with 150 of His saints. There were only a few devotees who lived in Mandvi but most people were sailors and fisherman. Before setting foot in the City of Mandvi, Shreeji Maharaj asked His saints a question, He said, “In this village, I do not know anyone who is able to offer us food or give us somewhere to stay, choose what you would rather do; Either not eat at all, or I’ll give you simple foods or I’ll give you rich foods.”

Brahmanand Swami said to Maharaj, “Wherever we go, the people throw stones at our saints, from which their bodies have become bruised, so it would actually be good, if You were to feed them with the best foods.” So He did.

Maharaj then decided to stop under a big tree near a lake for a while. There were many people passing by and Maharaj asked His saints to create a big pile of sand and have it covered with a cloth. He then sat on it and held an assembly.

The next day was Ekadashi and Maharaj went around the Beforehand, Shreeji Maharaj had explained to Brahmanand questions prepared and yet you are referring me to one of and even his Guru was not able to answer them. Khaiya Khatri village and brought fruits and nuts for His saints, He also Swami that he was to take Maharaj’s seat and that when your younger saints? Brahmanand Swami smiled and looked had been in search of these answers for a long time. He had visited some devotee’s homes and blessed them with His Khaiya Khatri comes and asked questions. Brahmanand at Maharaj, then replied to Khaiya Khatri, “At least try and ask asked many scholars, Tapasvis, Yogis, Munis and Sanyaasis, Darshan. Swami was to point at Maharaj and reply by saying, that, your questions to Him and if He cannot answer, then I shall but till today, he had not met anyone who could answer his “Even my younger saint is able to answer your simple happily answer them. At least give my young saint a chance questions. He returned to the same previous location by the lake and sat questions.” In this way, Maharaj planned to remove Khaiya to answer.” on the big pile of sand. Many people from this city came to This is how Khaiya Katri came to realise the greatness Khatris doubts. have His Darshan and they began to offer to feed the saints. So Khaiya Khatri began his complex questions. One of which of Swaminarayan Bhagwan in Mandvi. He fell at Shreeji Brahmanand Swami had wanted this and so his wish was Soon Khaiya Khatri arrived with his disciples, all happy and was, that, “In the human body, there are 3 main Nadis Maharajs feet and asked for His mercy and surrender. He fulfilled. excited. He went straight towards the assembly and asked (nerves) called Inda, Pangla and Shushumana. His question asked Brahmanand Swami, to come off the raised seat and let for the eldest saint. Then, according to Maharajs instructions, was that from them three, which Nadi holds the actual Jeev Bhagwan sit on His rightful place. In this great city of Mandvi, lived a scholar named Khaiya all the saints pointed at Brahmanand Swami, who looked (Soul)? He also wanted a description of that main Nadi. Khatri. He was very knowledgeable and had many disciples. like a Mahant, sitting on the highest throne. Khaiya Khatri He had heard of the greatness of Sahajanand Swami but had Maharaj looked around with a smile and answered, approached Swami and touched his feet as a sign of respect. not met Him in person, so he gathered all his students and “Shushumana Nadi is the main Nadi which holds the Jeev. He sat on a lower seat and told him that he wished to ask told them that Swaminarayan had arrived in Mandvi. He had It is known as the light of the Akshar Brahm that is linked to some questions. Brahmanand Swami replied and told him to many questions prepared to ask Swaminarayan when he this universe. It is also what gives the light to the sun and the ask his questions, but to go and ask one of his younger saints. met Him. He had thought in his mind, that if Swaminarayan moon. That light also comes into the universe and from there was able to answer his questions to his satisfaction, he shall Khaiya Khatri laughed when Brahmanand Swami pointed it enters the heart. become His devotee. Otherwise, he would get rid of Him and towards Maharaj. Brahmanand Swami asked, “Why are you In great detail, Maharaj answered Khaiya Khatris questions, order Him out of Mandvi. With these thoughts, he arrived at laughing?” Khaiya Khatri replied, “I have come here after he was amazed! He had asked his own Guru these questions the lake. hearing how great you are and have I have some difficult

26 27 A Christmas Journey

28 29 The youth of our temple has been organising Yatra to visit all of our temples under the aegis of Shree NarNarayan Dev Gadi for past many years. We hardly get a chance to visit all twelve temples. We may visit one or two temples when they celebrate major events but I am sure that most of our readers have not visited all twelve temples. This is basically the only chance one might get to have the Darshan of Bhagwan at all twelve temples. Some of the guys are taking continuous part in Yatras each year while every year we get some new faces as well. We were received very warmly at every temple we visited. We stayed overnight at Oldham and Cardiff where we held Thakerthali. We the visitors and local devotees celebrated Tahkerthali with much enjoyment.

This was my third Yatra. Though I had seen all twelve temples even prior to going on my first Yatra, the ambience of travelling with such a lovely bunch of devotees is something else. Though I know most of youngsters and elders who came to Yatra this year, but travelling together and spending a lot of time together gave me a chance to get to know them better. For an added benefit, many of the elders had joined us for Yatra this year. Many questions and concerns about the practice of Sampraday are raised, debated amicably and one’s knowledge is broadened by such interaction from many quarters. This Yatra of three days and two nights is really an eye opener for the new traveller. I urge every youngster of our temple to experience this Yatra at least once. I can assure you it is even better than the summer camp.

There was an added bonus in a form of visit to Murugan/Kartikeya temple at Skanda Valley in Wales. Though this venue was added about three years ago, this was my first opportunity to visit this temple. Describing the physical aspect of this site is beyond the scope, but the ambience of selfless service for their Ishtadev is something to held in high esteem and desired. I had an opportunity to see mountains capped with ice (not snow) caused by the frost. I had never seen or even imagined the mountains and valleys covered in ice without snow. This will be one of the experience of this year’s Yatra I will cherish with me forever. 12 TEMPLE JOURNEY.

30 31 Lord SHREE RaM Meets KING NISHAD.

“ A Ram Leela to celebrate Ramnavmi ”

32 33 A Ram Leela to celebrate Ramnavmi

After leaving Ayodhya for the forest, Lord Ram, Sitaji and Lax- When King Nishad heard of Lord Rams arrival to Shrungver- man came to a village called Shungverpur. Lord Ram saw pur, he became full of Joy! He called all his loved ones and King Nishad called his trusted guards and lovingly placed the Gangaji river and descended His chariot. He lovingly pre- brothers, prepared fruit gifts for The Lord. They packed the them around the Ashok Tree, whilst he himself tied his pre- formed many Dandvat Pranams. gifts in cloth baskets and went to greet them. pared bow and arrow and sat down to also stand guard be- side Laxman. Laxman, Sitaji and Sumantra (The minister whom accompa- He experienced great joy in his heart and when he met Lord nied them), also preformed Pranams. Lord Ram was happy Ram. King Nishad preformed Dandvat Pranams and gifted Seeing Lord Ram sleeping on the floor, King Nishad who was being with them all. “Gangaji is the root of all happiness and Him the gifts and gazed lovingly at Lord Ram. overcome with love, felt agitated, the hairs on his body stood the destroyer of all sorrow”, He said to the others. up on end and water flowed from his eyes. Filled with love, he Bhagwan was overcome by his love and sat him beside Him- spoke to Laxman, “King Dashrath’s palace is no doubt beau- Lord Ram, then told many stories of Gangaji to Laxman, Sitaji self. He asked the king how everything was. tiful, even Lord Indras palace is not as comparable, it is dec- and the minister, whilst watching the waters. He told them of orated with beautiful pearls and has 4 doors, it’s like Cupid the greatness of the river which was of the Gods. King Nishad, replied, “Oh Nath, we are all happy with the himself must have created the palace. King Dashrath’s palace grace of seeing Your feet. Today I am counted amongst the is so pure, it has many attributes, many luxuries, it is flower Everyone bathed and their tiredness from the journey was most fortunate of men, oh Dev, my land, wealth and home scented, there are beautiful beds and lamps made of pearls, relieved. Drinking the divine pure water, their minds became are all Yours, me and my family are just Your small servants.” it is complete in all ways in all 4 directions.” happy. Lord Ram said, “Just by remembering the Gangaji, the great tiredness experienced during the cycle of life and death He continued, “Please have mercy on us and grace our Sung- Kind Nishad continued, “There are many soft delicate ma- is destroyed”. Bhagwan does not tire, but this is His human hver city and increase my popularity so that others will praise terials to lay on and use as blankets, beautiful mattresses leela. my fortune.” filled with soft cotton, which are as soft, pure and beautiful as milk foam. Devi Sitaji and Lord Ram used to sleep there Lord Ram is the pure form of Satchitanand, the flag of the “Oh dear friend”, replied Lord Ram, “What you say is fine, but and were greatly adorned that they used to put Cupid and sun Dynast. Lord Shree Ram performs many human pas- My father has commanded Me something else. I must stay in his wife Rati to shame. The same Devi Sitaji and Lord Ram, times which are like a bridge that helps us cross the ocean the forest areas only, for 14 years and in the form of a saint, today, are sleeping on a bed of hay and leaves, they are tired of Sansaar. perform vows like saints and eat like them, so I cannot live and inappropriately dressed as Sanyaasis, and I can’t bear to in your village.” Hearing this, King Nishad became sorrowful. see them in this state.”

Seeing the beauty of Lord Ram, Sitaji and Laxman, the men He carried on speaking, “Their Mother, Father, family, the and women people of the kingdom, friends, servants, maids all used to in the city started to converse lovingly. One women said, “Oh take care of them like their own, but that Lord Ram, today, is friend, what must their Mother and Father be like? That they sleeping on the ground.” have sent these beautiful Princes into the forest? They sent such children into the forest?!” The one whose Father has attained greatness in the world, King Janak, whose father is a great friend of Lord Indra, who’s Someone else said, “The King did right, that’s why Brahma now a relative of King Dashrath, and whose husband is Lord has given us these eyes, so we got to have their Darshan.” Ram Himself, that Devi Sitaji is sleeping on the ground today. Are Lord Ram and Devi Sitaji fit for the forest? Are people King Nishad then decided heartily that the Ashok tree would speaking the truth when they say that fate is the greatest?” be the nicest place for them to stay under. He went on, “The sour minded Kaikaiy has done a great injus- He took Lord Ram to the tree and showed Him the location. tice, and she gave Lord Ram and Devi Sita sorrow, when she Lord Ram said, “This is beautiful in every way”. The people of was meant to give happiness. She has caused the sorrow of the kingdom bowed and returned to their own homes, and the whole world by acting like an axe towards the family tree the greatest of the Sun Dynasty, Lord Ram, prepared to sleep. of the Sun dynasty.” Like this, King Nishad was truly hurt by seeing Devi Sitaji sleeping on the ground. King Nishad lay a beautiful bed made of hay and soft leaves. He brought pure sweet soft fruits and water for them. Lord Laxman then spoke softly and sweetly with all his knowledge, Ram ate the fruit with Sitaji, Laxman and the minister and detachment and devotion, “Oh Brother, nobody has given then He lay down to rest. Laxman sat at His feet and started sorrow or happiness to anybody. Everyone is living according to press them. Assuming Lord Ram was now asleep, Laxman to their own Karmas and fate.” rose and told the minister in a quiet voice, that he too, should rest. He went a short distance away and prepared his bow “Union and separation, needed and unnecessary enjoy- and arrow and sat down to stand guard. ments, friends, enemies and sorrow, these are all delusions

34 35 and pretence. Birth, death, wealth, poorness, Karma and time, as long as these earthly troubles exist and until the earth, homes, wealth, towns, families, heavens, hells exist, till then, I can see, hear and think that the root of all this is ignorance and there is nothing there which can liberate ones soul.”

Laxman continued, “Just how a King becomes poor in his dreams, and a poor person dreams of becoming the King of the heavens, but when they awake, they don’t lose or gain anything, that’s how we should see this worldly illusion within our hearts.”

“We shouldn’t think this and become angry and we shouldn’t blame anyone un- necessarily, everyone is asleep in the illusion of attachment and they dream many dreams.”

Laxman went on to say, “Great Saints are awake in this earthly dream, they are sep- arated from all this illusion. We should only consider a soul, who lives within this world, as awake, when he attains Vairagya (detachment) from all worldly ties.”

“Those who run from the attachments of the earth can fall in love with Lord Ram’s divine feet.” He continues “Oh friend, the greatest attainment is loving Lord Ram with all your mind, speech and deeds. Lord Shree Ram is the highest form of Brah- ma, He cannot be recognised by the mind, His eternalness cannot be seen clearly with ordinary vision, He is incomparable, free from all disorder and is indiscrimi- nate, and the Vedas constantly praise Him.”

He finished by saying, “That Shree Ram, for the wellbeing of devotees, the earth, Brahmins, cows and demi-gods, has arrived in the human form and is performing such pastimes. Oh friend, understand this, leave your attachment and become en- grossed in Lord Ram and Devi Sitaji.”

Whilst these talks were going on, describing the greatness of Lord Shree Ram, morn- ing arrived. Lord Shree Ram, the One who gives happiness to the world, awoke. They all bathed and then Lord Ram requested the sap of the Banyan tree with which He, and Laxman wound tie their hair up on their heads. Seeing them doing this, which is what is usually only practiced by Sanyaasis, Sumant the Minister had tears in his eyes.

They continued their travels into the forest.

Translated from: Tulsikrut Ramayan.