Ramanavami, 27 March 2007

Remember the Name of Forever

Sri

Rama Navami Prasanthi Nilayam 27 March 2007

Thousands of years have passed since the ad- You should follow . Which dharma vent of the Treta Yuga. Yet, even now, every- should you follow? Do not follow the dharma one, right from children to elderly people, re- associated with your mind. Follow the princi- member the name of Rama. The glory of ple of dharma that comes from your heart. Rama's name is such that it has not dimin- ished even a bit with the passage of time. This became the consort of Rama, who was truth should be recognised by all. Rama is the the personification of dharma. Wherefrom did name given to a form, but the name Rama is Sita take birth? Sita was born out of the womb not limited to a form. Atma is Rama, and its of the earth. When King Janaka was plough- true name is Atmarama. Therefore, wherever ing a field in the process of the performance and whenever you remember the name Rama, of a yajna, he found a box in it. When the box Rama is there with you, in you, around you. was opened, a small baby was found in it. Considering this as the boon of God, he took Embodiments of Love! the baby home and brought it up with great Rama is one, whether you identify it with the care and affection. This baby was given the Atma or with the form installed in your heart. name Sita. Since she was the daughter of the Every year comes the festival of Sri Rama King of Videha, she was also called Vaidehi. Navami. But we have not so far understood its This name had great significance, since it true significance. You identify Rama with a means one who transcended the illusion form. But Rama is not limited to any particu- caused by body attachment. lar form. It is the name that is latent in your Once, Sita was playing a game of ball with heart. Many changes and variations keep oc- her companions in her house. There was a big curring in the world, but the name of Rama is box in Janaka's house, which contained a immutable, is eternal, unsullied, and everlast- huge bow. As her playmates were playing ing. with the ball, the ball went under the box. It Rama was not an ordinary individual. He was was not possible for anyone to move this box. verily God, who incarnated on earth for the Sita went there and put it aside with her left welfare of mankind. People call God by many hand. Seeing that act of Sita, King Janaka de- names like Rama, Krishna, Easwara, and Ma- cided that very day that Sita's power should hadeva. They are all the names of one God. be made known to the world. Thereafter he You should recognise the glory of this name. organised a yajna and made a declaration: Sage Vasishtha said, “Ramo Vigrahavan “Whoever strings the bow of Lord Siva, I will dharma (Rama is the personification of dhar- give my daughter Sita in marriage to him.” ma (righteousness)).” Dharma itself incar- Kings of many countries came there. All of nated in the form of Rama. them thought it was a great good fortune to

1 Ramanavami, 27 March 2007 marry Sita and to become the son-in-law of The women of the kingdom came to participate King Janaka. They came one after the other in the wedding and joyfully sang the song: and tried to lift the bow, but all of them failed Come let us go and see the marriage of Rama in their attempt. and Sita, The sight shall confer great merit. In that assembly, Rama and were Blessed are those who see this scene. also present, accompanied by Sage Viswami- Oh come one and all, watch with joy the sacred tra. As per the direction of the sage, Rama marriage. went forward. Rama walked with great humil- (Telugu Song) ity to the delight of one and all. His speech, In this manner when the women came from His actions, and His demeanour was full of one direction, men came from another direc- sweetness. He went near the bow, lifted it tion singing joyfully, “Come, let us go and with His left hand and bent it. It broke with a see the marriage.” Dasaratha, along with his thundering sound. Everybody expressed their queens, his sons Bharata and Satrughna, and happiness with a loud applause. his ministers arrived in Mithila with great en- People thought it would be very difficult to thusiasm. It appeared as though the entire lift the bow; but what is difficult for Rama? Ayodhya had come to Mithila. King Janaka His mere sankalpa (will) could do any stu- extended a royal welcome to them with great pendous task. Viswamitra went to Rama and honour. said, "Rama! Today You have demonstrated The name of the second daughter of King Your divine power. Certainly it is not a hu- Janaka was Urmila. His younger brother had man power. It is indeed divine." two daughters, namely Mandavi and Sru- Everyone praised Rama and started garland- takeerthi. It was decided to give Urmila to ing Him. Then King Janaka brought his Lakshmana, Mandavi to Bharata, and Sru- daughter Sita. As she came, Rama did not takeerthi to Satrughna in marriage. Everyone even look in the direction from where she was was happy that all four pairs were going to be coming. Why? He did not want to look at her married at the same time. without the command of His parents. When everyone was seated in their respective King Janaka conveyed the good news to King places, the marriage ceremony started. Sita, Dasaratha at Ayodhya. He requested all of Urmila, Mandavi, and Srutakeerthi stood in them to come after deciding the muhurtham front of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Sa- (auspicious time) of the marriage. He said, trughna respectively. First Sita put the garland "Your son has achieved success in the around Rama’s neck. Then, the other three competition organised by me. Therefore, all brides garlanded their respective bridegrooms. of you are requested to come prepared to All the people joyfully hailed the occasion. celebrate the marriage of Sita with Rama." It is not possible to describe the leelas (sports, Welcome to all for Rama's wedding; plays) and glories of Rama. Together we shall witness the joyous scene. After the marriage function, all left for Ayod- Many have gathered already, decked up in all hya. On the way they heard a deafening their finery. With necklaces the ladies are adorned of jewels sound. When they looked around to find pure and gleaming. where the sound had come from, they were Rama shall tie the knot today to beauteous Sita. confronted with Parasurama in his fierce Oh what a fine match they make. form. All of them were perturbed to think, (Telugu Song) “What is this great hurdle after the glorious celebration of the marriages?” Good and bad

2 Ramanavami, 27 March 2007 always follow each other. After experiencing All were waiting in the royal court to extend great joy in Mithila, they were confronted welcome to them. Meanwhile, Rama went to with a great difficulty on their way to Ayod- mother Kausalya and said, “Oh mother! I am hya. Dasaratha and others became fear- going to forest. Kindly permit Me.” stricken. Parasurama came forward and asked, Kausalya asked, “Why my dear one! Why do “Who broke the bow?” you want to go the forest now, since this is the “I did it,” said Rama. time of Your coronation?” “If that is so, let us see if you can break my Rama said, “Mother! It is the command of My bow.” Saying so, he gave his bow into the father that I should stay in exile in the forest hands of Rama. Rama broke even that bow for fourteen years; I have to uphold the prom- with his left hand. Seeing that, Parasurama ise made by My father.” He saluted His offered his salutations to Lord Rama and went mother and went to meet Sumitra. away. Experiencing the joy of victory, all of Sumitra was the second wife of Dasaratha. them returned to Ayodhya and participated in Prior to his marriage with Sumitra, Dasaratha the festivities held in Ayodhya with great joy sought the consent of Kausalya. Kausalya re- and enthusiasm. The people celebrated func- plied, “Our Kingdom needs an heir, doesn't it? tions with great joy to propagate the power of Hence, you may marry a woman of your Rama and the devotion of Sita to the world. choice. I will also participate in the marriage.” Manthara became jealous to see all those fes- Dasaratha was very happy and pleasantly sur- tivities. You can find people like Manthara prised. Such women are also there in the everywhere. Manthara became very angry world who go by the wishes of their hus- when King Dasaratha decided to crown Rama bands! instead of the son of Kaikeyi; she started poi- Sumitra was one of great virtues. True to her soning the mind of Kaikeyi by fabricating name, Su-mitra (good friend), she was the many false stories against Rama. friend of all. She went to Kausalya and spoke Hearing this evil talk of Manthara, the mind words of great encouragement. “Dear elder of Kaikeyi changed. Though a queen, she was sister! Why should you worry? What do you influenced by the words of her servant and think of Rama? He is Lord Narayana Himself. became responsible for the exile of Rama. What does it matter to Him whether He is in Afterward, she repented, realising it was the Ayodhya, or in a forest? Wherever He is, He conspiracy of Manthara. In reality, Kaikeyi is always with us. For Rama, Ayodhya and loved Rama very much. It was Kaikeyi who Aranya (forest) are one and the same.” taught many things to Rama. Rama also loved Kausalya was somewhat comforted to hear Kaikeyi more than his mother Kausalya. the words of Sumitra. Her mind also became Manthara pleaded with Kaikeyi, “Mother! I peaceful. am your servant. From your very birth, I Sumitra added, “Dear elder sister, two sons nursed you and brought you up. Kindly fulfil were born to me, while both you and Kaikeyi a desire of mine. King Dasartha has decided gave birth to one son each. Do you know to crown Rama. But as per the promise given why? The reason is that both my sons will to you earlier, he should crown Bharata. have the opportunity to serve their elders Rama should be sent to exile for fourteen brothers; Lakshmana will serve Rama; and years.” Satrughna, Bharata. Therefore, pay attention Both Sita and Rama were ready for the coro- to my resolve. Lakshmana will go to forest nation wearing yellow coloured silk clothes. with Rama and will protect Rama as the eye-

3 Ramanavami, 27 March 2007 lids protect the eyes. Therefore, do not have Sita replied, “Where is the scope for any fear any fear.” of animals when Rama, a lion in the human form, is there with me? Rama is Lord Nara- Before proceeding to the forest, Lakshmana yana Himself. Therefore, I have nothing to went to meet his wife Urmila. So far she had fear.” not come to know that Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita were going to the forest. Sitting in her In this manner, Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana room, she was absorbed in painting the scene put at rest the fears of everyone and pro- of the coronation of Rama and Sita. La- ceeded to the forest. In the forest, Lakshmana kshmana went there and called, “Urmila,” to protected Rama and Sita with great care and draw her attention. engaged himself in their service. “Yes, Swami,” she said, getting up suddenly After killing Ravana, when Rama returned to from her seat. As she got up, by mistake the Ayodhya along with Sita, the people of paint got spilled on the painted picture. Dis- Ayodhya welcomed them enthusiastically tressed at this happening, she exclaimed, “Oh! hailing their return with great festivity, “Rama A beautifully painted picture is spoiled.” has come. Mother Sita has come. Ayodhya is shining in the effulgence of their glory. This Lakshmana said, “Urmila! Here, you are wor- is a great day for Ayodhya.” There were many rying that the picture is spoiled. There, Kai- great celebrations on their return to Ayodhya, keyi has spoiled the coronation of Sri Rama, and the people were overjoyed to see Rama which could bring about immense good to and Sita, whom they revered as Lord Nara- others.” Lakshmana informed her that he was yana and Lakshmi. going to forest with Rama. Sita counseled Rama, “Transform this king- Frightened at the news of Rama going to the dom into a kingdom of joy where everybody forest, she asked Lakshmana, “What do you can lead their life happily.” mean by saying that Rama is going to the for- est? A few moments from now He is going to Even today, people in every village, every be crowned. Is it not so?” house, and every hut of Bharat () wor- ship Rama. It is a common practice among the Lakshmana apprised her of all that had hap- people of Bharat to name their children Rama pened. Since she was endowed with a great and Sita. There is no change in the name of spirit of sacrifice, she was not at all perturbed Rama and Sita, even after the passage of by the thought of separation from her hus- thousands of years. The glory of these names band. Overjoyed at the thought of her hus- is eternal and immutable. There have been band getting the opportunity to serve Rama wars in many countries, but not in Bharat. and Sita, she said to Lakshmana, “Sanctify People may fight with each other due to their your time by serving Rama and Sita. Very personal differences, but no war was fought in few have such a great fortune. Go happily.” this country. Not only that, there will never be Saying this, she bade farewell to Lakshmana. any war in Bharat. It is Rama Rajya. It is the Cautioning her daughter about the dangers of land of peace. It is the land of love. the forest, Janaka asked Sita, “Sita! You are This land of Bharat has given birth to many going to the forest with Rama. Many fierce noble women, like, animals roam about in the forest and frighten- Savitri, who brought her dead husband back to ing sounds are also heard there. Can you bear life; all this without getting frightened?” Chandramati, who extinguished wild fire with the power of truth;

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Sita, who proved her chastity by coming out of Rama is immanent in everyone; Easwara is blazing fire unscathed; and present in all; Rama is within you. In fact, you Damayanti, who reduced an evil-minded yourself are Rama. Establish this truth in your hunter to ashes with the power of her chas- heart firmly and spend your time profitably. tity. Then your life will be filled with everlasting This land of piety and nobility attained plenty bliss. Constantly recite the name of Rama. and prosperity and Became the teacher of all nations of the world Aeons have passed, yet the name of Rama has because of such women of chastity. not been forgotten. Rama is not separate from (Telugu Poem) you. You are not separate from Rama. You Such great women took birth in the land of may call a person by their name, but it is Bharat. Therefore, every day in Bharat is a Rama who is present in them. You may call festival and an occasion for celebration. You them Sai Rama, Sita Rama, or Ayodhya Rama know that when a man's wife dies, he imme- or any other name, but do remember Rama diately makes efforts to marry again. But the forever. women of Bharat are not like that. Bharat is befittingly called the teacher of the world. In this sacred land, Lord Narayana incarnated and redeemed the life of the people by show- ing them His divine play and divine glory. Every individual is the image of the Atma. The same truth was propounded by Krishna: Mamaivamsho Jivaloke Jivabhuta Sanathana (the eternal Atma in all beings is a part of My Being). All of you are the embodiments of the Atma. You may be having different names, but the Atmarama in all of you is the same. Therefore, do not think Rama is somewhere else. Your heart itself is the temple of Rama. Therefore, constantly contemplate on Rama who is immanent in your heart. Rama is there with you, in you, around you not only in your waking state, but also in the dream and deep sleep state. He is eternally with you. Rama is not limited to a particular form. He assumes innumerable forms. Though the forms are many, Divinity in them is one. Therefore, whomsoever you see, offer your salutations to them, considering them as the form of Rama. Now, Swami is being extolled as Sai Rama and Sai Krishna because He embodies the same principles of dharma (righteousness), prema (love), and santhi (peace) that Lord Rama and Lord Krishna personified.

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