The Message of Ramayana (Divine Discourse on the occasion of Tamil New Year celebration – April 14, 2002) Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

" If money is lost, one need not worry about it, for one can earn it again. If a friend is lost, one can have another. If wife is lost, one can marry again. If one loses one's piece of land, one can purchase another. All these can be regained; but if body is lost, one cannot get it back".

Embodiments of Love! is Dhareshana. One may have wife and Time is infinite and you are undergoing children, wealth and property and enjoy varied experiences. These experiences are family life for some time. But such momentary. At times you may lose happiness is not true and eternal. It is money, but you don't need to be worried foolish to think that one can remain about it for you can earn it again. You happy forever in family life. The third is come across many friends, but none of Putreshana. Man wants to have a son them is permanent. You lose some and thinking that he would bestow happiness gain some. At some stage in life, people on him. There is nothing wrong in get married and enter Grihasthashrama aspiring to have a son, but that happiness (householdership). But neither the will also be temporary. King Dhritarashtra husband nor the wife is permanent. If the had many sons, but did he enjoy happi- wife passes away, man can marry again to ness through his sons? No. He in fact, had carry on with his life. Similarly, if you lose to undergo a lot of suffering and was put your piece of land, you can buy another. to disrepute because of his sons. "King But once the body is lost, it is lost forever. Dhritarashtra had a number of sons, but So, while you are alive in this body, you ultimately what was his fate? Sage Suka was not should experience happiness at worldly married and had no sons, but did he suffer on and spiritual levels. Man acquires wealth account of this?" (Telugu Poem) It is a and property, experiences pleasure and mistake to think that the one with sons pain through this body. What is the cause will enjoy happiness and the one without a for all this? Dhaneshana, Dhareshana and son will suffer. It is but an illusion to Putreshana (desire for wealth, wife and think that wealth, wife and children will progeny). This Ishanatraya (triple desire) is give happiness. In fact, Dhaneshana, responsible for man's happiness and Dhareshana and Putreshana are binding man misery. and subjecting him to suffering. What is the use of having many sons who are Kings in the past acquired wealth and wicked? It is enough if you have at least property. They could not retain them one son who is noble and ideal. forever. Wealth is not permanent. It can never redeem man. Wealth can never Take the Ramayana for instance. confer permanent happiness. Spiritual According to the Telugu calendar, this is wealth is the true wealth. Man is not able the month of Chaitra. This is the month to enjoy true happiness due to his greed that witnessed the advent of Lord Rama. for money. Yet man craves for money. He was born on the Chaitra Suddha No doubt, money is necessary, but it Navami day. This month of Chaitra is should be under certain limits. The second most wonderful. The same can be said of

1 the stories of the Lord. "The stories of the the forest to look after His needs. He will Lord are most wonderful and sacred in all the make sure that Rama is put to no three worlds. They are like sickles that cut the inconvenience under any circumstances. creepers of worldly bondage." (Telugu Poem) Just as an eyelid protects the eye, Among the three wives of Dasaratha, not Lakshmana will constantly engage himself much has been said about the second wife in the service of Rama. You don't need to Sumitra anywhere in history. Kausalya be worried about Rama's safety and attained good reputation because of her security." She willingly sent her son to the son Rama. Her name figures first in the forest along with Rama. Will any mother Suprabhatam, which begins with the act in such a courageous and selfless words - "Kausalya Supraja Rama" (Oh! manner? As per the boons granted by The noble son of mother Kausalya) Dasaratha to Kaikeyi, only Rama was Kaikeyi desired that her son Bharata supposed to go in exile. It was not should be made the crown prince, but obligatory for Lakshmana to accompany Sumitra had absolutely no desire whatso- Him. Sumitra could have argued in this ever. Sumitra was the epitome of all manner and prevented Lakshmana from virtues. She was Mitha Bhashi and Hitha going to the forest. But Sumitra did not Bhashi (one who talks less and in a raise any objection whatsoever. pleasing manner). Her behavior was in “Lakshmana is born only to serve Lord consonance with her name Su-mitra (good Rama. He is an instrument in Rama's friend). She had two sons, Lakshmana and hands. So, Rama is taking His instrument Satrughna. There was no way that either with Him. Who am I to send Lakshmana of them could become the crown prince. with Him and who is Lakshmana to Yet Sumitra was not worried. She decide about his going with Rama? Rama demonstrated the ideal of service to the has every right to take Lakshmana with rest of the world. "When Lord Rama Him." This was her feeling. She blessed becomes the king, my first son her son Lakshmana and said, "My dear, Lakshmana should dedicate himself to His take proper care of Sita and Rama." service." This was her desire. Likewise, she wanted her second son Satrughna to When Bharata was proceeding to his be in service of Bharata. The servant is uncle's kingdom of Kekaya, Satrughna had always by the side of the master. That is no information whether to stay back or why Lakshmana followed Lord Rama and follow. Yet, Satrughna got ready to Satrughna was always in the company of accompany Bharata as he knew it was his Bharata. She understood the sacredness of duty to serve him. In the history of service and exhorted her sons to follow Bharat, there are many noble mothers like the same path. When you carefully go Sumitra who encouraged their sons to through the sacred story of Lord Rama, take to the path of service. you will be able to understand and appreciate the noble and ideal feelings of For Sita, Rama was her life. She could not mother Sumitra. bear separation from Him even for a minute. So, she begged to be allowed to When Lord Rama was leaving for the accompany Rama to the forest. As in the forest, mother Kausalya was inconsolable. case of Sumitra, the name of Urmila, It was only Sumitra who did not shed a Lakshmana's wife, does not find a place of tear. She tried to pacify Kausalya and instil prominence in the Ramayana. Both courage in her saying, "Dear sister, my son Sumitra and Urmila were highly sacred. Lakshmana would accompany Rama to They lead a life of sacrifice. She was a very

2 good painter. She used to spend most of wanted Lakshmana to give her a promise. her time in painting. She was not aware She said, "You are going to live in the that Sita, Rama and Lakshmana were forest without me for fourteen years. It is going on exile. At that time, she was possible that you would think of me and painting a beautiful picture with the paint mention my name at some time or the pot by her side. Lakshmana went to her other. So, I want you to promise that you and called her by her name in a raised would not think of me or mention my voice. She was afraid and at once stood name at any point of time. Contemplate up, in the process the paint accidentally constantly on the Divine Names of Sita spilled over the picture she was painting. and Rama and serve them with all She felt sad that the picture was spoiled. sincerity and devotion. If I accompany Lakshmana asked her as to what she was you to the forest, you may not be able to painting. Urmila replied, "I am painting devote your entire time to their service. I the picture of Sita Rama's coronation as it will stay back so as not to become an is going to take place. I want to send this impediment in your way." Hearing the picture to my father Janaka. The whole words of Urmila, Lakshmana was world will enjoy seeing this beautiful surprised and elated. "Can one find such a picture." Lakshmana was dejected and noble and devoted wife anywhere else", he told her about the events that took place. exclaimed to himself. He took leave of her He said, "The coronation of Sita Rama is and left the place immediately. cancelled because of Kaikeyi and the picture you are painting is spoiled because In this land of Bharat, there are many of me." He told that he was accompa- noble mothers like Sumitra and virtuous nying Rama to the forest. Will any lady wives like Urmila. Since ancient times, keep quiet when she comes to know that Bharat has attained great reputation her husband is going to the forest for 14 because of such noble women. In the years? She would ask many questions - northern side of Bharat, we have the "Why should you follow him? You are Himalayan mountains as the boundary. under no obligation to go to forest. Only This land is sanctified by the perennial Rama is ordered to go. So, you need not rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. go with him." Any ordinary lady would These three symbolize the triad of Bhakti, have argued in this manner. But Urmila Jnana and Vairagya (devotion, wisdom and did not raise any objection. In fact, she renunciation). Not merely this, the great was very happy that her husband got an epics of this land, the Ramayana, the opportunity to serve Sita and Rama. She Bhagavata and the Mahabharata shine as said, "You are very lucky to have got this beacons illumining the path of man. They great opportunity. Please follow them teach how man should mould his life into without wasting a minute." Lakshmana an ideal one. This land is the birthplace of told her, "You will not be able to see Sita sacred scriptures like the Bhagavadgita and Rama for the next 14 years. So, go to which gave the message of unity to the residence of Sita at once and take her mankind. This land has given birth to blessings." But Urmila did not move from noble souls like Buddha who propagated there. On the other hand, she hurried him the message of non-violence. He taught to go with Sita and Rama, saying, "I don't Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaha (non-violence is want to come in the way of your going the highest Dharma). The syllable 'Bha' with Sita and Rama. Please do not waste stands for light, radiance and effulgence. even a minute. Go with them at once and So, Bharatiyas are those who aspire for be in their service." Before going, she light and divine effulgence. Hence, you

3 should live up to your reputation as women as mother. Urmila replied, "I am Bharatiyas by making your lives sacred not at all worried about this for my and attain divinity. When you make an husband is with Lord Rama Himself. In enquiry into the sacred history of Bharat, fact, every cell of his body is filled with you will know that since ancient times this the Divine Name of Rama. Hence, I am country has propagated the sacred sure that nothing untoward can happen to message of divinity and conferred peace him." Then Hanuman told her, "Mother, and security on the other nations. none can say for sure that your husband will be revived. It is a very difficult There are many incidents which speak of situation. Rama loves Lakshmana most the nobility of Sumitra and Urmila that are dearly. He considers him as His very life. not mentioned in the epic Ramayana. Hence, Rama is grief-stricken." Hearing When Lakshmana fainted in the battle- this Urmila laughed and said, "Hanuman, field, in order to revive him, Hanuman no one in this world can understand the had to bring the Sanjivani herbs from a Divinity of Rama and the nature of my mountain. As he was unable to locate the husband. Rama is verily the Paramatma. required herbs, he lifted the entire There is no question of his worrying at mountain and was on his way back to the all. All this is His Divine play. Even my battlefield. He had to fly over the husband Lakshmana has no worries at all. Nandigrama en route. Bharata mistook Perhaps he might have been hurt a little him for a demon and shot an arrow at by the arrows shot at him by Ravana and him. Hanuman fell down along with the his sons. As every cell of his body is filled mountain. He offered his salutations to with the Divine Name of Rama, there is Bharata and explained to him the situation absolutely no danger to his life. In fact, he in the battlefield, and the purpose of his has not fainted; he is enjoying a good and carrying the Sanjivani mountain. Bharata peaceful sleep." None can understand the was happy to note that Lakshmana would bond of sacred love that existed between be revived. Immediately, he sent word for Rama and Lakshmana. When Lakshmana his mothers and all his subjects. Urmila fainted in the battlefield, Rama lamented, also came over there. Everyone except saying, "If I were to search in the world, I Sumitra felt sad that Lakshmana had may get another wife like Sita, but not a fainted in the battlefield. Even Urmila was brother like Lakshmana". not perturbed. She bent her head and listened to the narration of Hanuman. On In the Ramayana, not much has been said hearing all this, mother Kausalya broke about the greatness of Lakshmana and down. Then Sumitra consoled her saying, Satrughna. As this world is physical in "Sister, why do you worry? No danger can nature, people give importance only to ever befall on Rama. Lakshmana will take physical aspects. They talk only about Sita good care of him. Both my sons are born and Rama, but do not bother to note the to render service to Rama. In case sacrifices made by Lakshmana, Satrughna Lakshmana dies in the battlefield, I will and their wives. send my other son Satrughna to help Rama in the battle." Will any mother be Urmila told Hanuman to proceed without prepared for such a sacrifice? Bharata said further delay as Rama and others would to Urmila, "Mother, you may be be waiting for his return. She said, "I am grief-stricken that your husband the daughter of the King Janaka, the Lakshmana has fainted in the battlefield." daughter-in-law of the King Dasaratha In those days people used to address and the wife of Lakshmana. As these three

4 are men of truth and righteousness, no should treat every second as the beginning danger can ever befall on my husband." of a New Year. Many people are worried Her resolve was such that she remained in as to what changes would the New Year the same place where she was when her bring in the social, political and economic husband Lakshmana left for the forest. fields. But no changes will take place. Any She had told Lakshmana that she would change if it were to take place will not wait remain in the same place till his return for the arrival of the New Year. In fact, from the forest. She spent all her time in many changes are taking place from painting. Even Sumitra was worried a bit, moment to moment. You may wonder as but Urmila was unperturbed. The nature to what are the big changes that would of Urmila was pure, unsullied and totally take place in this New Year. Whatever selfless. But to this day, Bharatiyas have happened in the previous year would take not known the nobility of Sumitra and place this year also. One need not be Urmila. Mother Sumitra had no ambition concerned about these things. You should that her sons should occupy positions of be concerned that there is no transforma- authority. She wanted them to follow the tion in your heart though years are rolling path of service. by. You have to get rid of evil tendencies in your thoughts, words and deeds. You It is not enough if you think of Rama and should celebrate the arrival of New Year Sita. You should also remember the great with noble and divine feelings. You ideals demonstrated by Lakshmana and should experience bliss by visualizing the Urmila. The four brothers ? Rama, non-apparent Atmic Principle in this Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna are apparent world. like the four Vedas. Once Sage Vasishta said that the four Vedas assumed the Embodiments of Love! forms of these four brothers and played in No individual or wealth can confer eternal the house of King Dasaratha. bliss on you. Bliss originates from your heart. So, turn your vision inward. What you have to realize or understand Antarbahischa Tatsarvam Vyapya Narayana today is that the Lord can never be put to Sthita (That all-pervasive God is present any danger. He enacts a divine drama in within and without). When you develop order to set an ideal to the world. Only inner vision, you will automatically those whose heart is pure can understand experience the eternal bliss. Man is His ways. Urmila alone could understand Ananda Pipasi (one who aspires to attain the sacred heart of Lakshmana. Only bliss). He need not go in search of bliss. It mother Sumitra knew the greatness of her is in him and with him. Happiness is not sons Lakshmana and Satrughna. It is but related to the body. "This body is a storehouse natural that the mother understands the of dirt, and prone to diseases; it cannot cross the nature of her sons. This sacred land of ocean of Samsara. O mind, do not be under the Bharat has given to the world the most delusion that body is permanent. Instead take precious gems in the form of ideal refuge at the Divine Lotus Feet." (Telugu mothers and ideal wives. Many more Poem) How can such a body give you the wonderful and mysterious events took eternal happiness? Only the Lotus Feet of place, but they are not revealed in the the Lord can grant you true happiness. Ramayana. There is no devotion and sense of surrender among the Bharatiyas today. Today you are celebrating the commence- People are deluded by the worldly, ment of the New Year. But, in fact you physical and ephemeral things. Are they

5 able to derive any happiness out of these? and Urmila in marriage to Rama, Nothing whatsoever. It is all a mere Lakshmana respectively. Sita was the puppet show. "All that you witness in this embodiment of Shakti (energy). What type world is nothing but a puppet show. One of Shakti was it? Sita being the daughter of is a king and one is a pauper. Is this not all mother earth, was full of magnetic power. what you witness? Can anybody deny this? Rama, being Divine, was the very This is the trend that prevails in the personification of magnetic power. world." The darkness of ignorance is the Hence, Sita was married to Rama. Urmila root cause for the delusion. How can you was wedded to Lakshmana. Who was understand the Sathwic (pious) principle Lakshmana? He was Adhisesha himself, when you are immersed in Thamo Guna who bears the weight of mother earth. (ignorance)? Urmila was one of noble qualities. She was such a great painter that she could Embodiments of Love! draw anything in no time. Today people To be born in Bharat is in itself your good remember the names of Kaikeyi and fortune. To live here is a greater fortune. Manthara but not the name of Urmila You should take pride in the fact that you who demonstrated sacred ideals. She are the children of Bharat. If someone remained in the same room where she was were to ask you your qualification, you when he left for the forest, for fourteen should proudly say, you are a Bharatiya. long years, till he returned. She never had This is in itself a great qualification. There any worldly desires. I may reveal certain is a sacred inner meaning in this word things, but not all can understand them. Bharatiya. But you are not making efforts Sita wore a yellow color Sari for to understand this. coronation. She spent all the fourteen years in the forest wearing the same Sari. Oh! the children of Bharat! Lead your The same was the case with Urmila. She lives in an exemplary manner and radiate wore the same Sari till Lakshmana peace and happiness to the rest of the returned. Being the daughters of King world. Since ancient times, many Janaka, they had no body attachment. Bharatiyas made their lives ideal to the That is why they were known as Vaidehis. rest of the world, experienced happiness King Janaka was known as Videha, one and shared it with others. Why are you without body attachment. When you forgetting such ideals? enquire deeply, you will know that there are many hidden secrets in the Ramayana. Embodiments of Love! But the Bharatiyas themselves are not You should never forget the sacred making any effort to understand them. history of Bharat. Don't brush it aside Once a person, after listening to many saying it is rather old. It is not easy to discourses on the Ramayana, was asked to understand the subtle principles contained tell the name of Rama's consort. He in our history. You might have gone replied, "Mrs. Rama", as he did not through the Ramayana many times, but remember her name. Such is the sorry have you understood the nobility of state of affairs. Bharatiyas are leading a life Sumitra and sacredness of Urmila? No. of ignorance. They are ignoring our Urmila was Janaka's own daughter and ancient culture and are being carried away Sita was found when he was ploughing the by modernism. field. So, Sita can be called his foster daughter, whereas Urmila was his own We have only one friend, and He is God. daughter. So, he had decided to give Sita There is only one sacred text and that is

6 the ancient history of India. You have to you have learnt many new things. Sanctify study this sacred text, and do not spoil your lives by putting into practice your mind by reading meaningless novels. whatever you have learnt. He who has purified his heart alone can inculcate sacred feelings. Bhagavan sang the Bhajan, "Hari Bhajan Bina" and continued His Discourse. Embodiments of Love! From this New Year Day onwards, Embodiments of Love! contemplate on the sacred ideals Yesterday happened to be the Telugu demonstrated by the men and women of New Year Day Ugadi. Today we are the Ramayana and follow in their celebrating Tamil New Year Day and also footsteps. You should attain happiness the Malayalam New Year Day, Vishu. and share it with others. Uphold the good Names are different but the inner reputation of Bharat. Develop the feeling significance is one and the same. of nationality. Never forget your Celebration of a festival does not merely motherland. If someone were to ask you mean getting up early in the morning, as to who you are, you need not say, I am having a sacred bath, wearing new clothes, Ramayya, Krishnayya, etc. You should partaking of sweet dishes, etc. When you proudly proclaim that you are a Bharatiya. understand their inner significance, you Ramayya, Krishnayya are Pettinna Perlu would have celebrated the festivals in their (names given to the body), whereas true sense. Bharatiya is your Puttina Peru (the name you have acquired by birth). Who is a "That is the place which has the Chitravathi river Bharatiya? 'Bha-rathi'. 'Bha' means as the boundary meandering in a captivating effulgence, light and divinity. Hence, manner. That is the place around which there are Bharatiya is one who has intense love for beautiful mango groves symbolising auspiciousness. God. Bharat is the center of peace and Standing on guard on four sides are the deities security. That which is not present in Parvati and Parameswara protecting the place. Bharat is not present anywhere else in the Nearby is a lake built by Chikkavadiyar and a world. No other country has attained such town which speaks of the glory of Bukkarayalu. noble reputation as Bharat. The glory of There stands Puttapuram (Puttaparthi) in its this country has to be upheld. Follow the divine majesty, spreading its grandeur and glory teachings of the Ramayana and make your all over the world. "(Telugu Poem) lives sacred. This sacred epic has a great message to convey. Many histories could What is the meaning of the name not stand the test of time, but the Puttaparthi? Parthi means effulgence. So, Ramayana, though thousands of years Puttaparthi is the place of effulgence. It is have passed, continues to remain ever the beacon light. Earlier it was called fresh in the minds of people. The name Puttavardhini. Putta means anthill. There Rama was given by Sage Vasishta. When used to be anthills and snakes all around. you utter the word 'Ram', you first open The Ramayana also has emerged out of the mouth with the sound 'Ra'. All your anthills in the sense that its composer wicked qualities go out when your mouth Sage Valmiki was born in an anthill. He is open. When you utter 'M' by closing was completely covered by anthills and the mouth, the entry is barred against snakes were moving in and out of them. wicked qualities that have gone out. This In your heart which can be compared to a is the inner meaning of chanting the anthill, there are many snakes of wicked Name of Rama. On this New Year Day, qualities. When you do Namasmarana

7 (singing of the Divine Name), all the you have to question my faith?" When 'snakes' will come out. Namasmarana is like you do Namasmarana with such courage Nadaswaram which attracts snakes and and conviction, you are bound to meet brings them out of anthills. This with success in all your endeavors. Do not Nadaswaram is your Jeevanaswaram and be afraid of anyone. Sing the glory of God Pranaswaram (life and breath). One has to wholeheartedly without any inhibition. repeat God's Name in order to get rid of Only then you can experience the Divine evil qualities. Today there are many who bliss. Begin this sacred Namasmarana right do not attach any importance to from this moment on this New Year Day. Namasmarana. It is a great mistake. "In this You do not need to have musical age of Kali chanting of the Divine Name can instruments for this. It is enough if it only redeem your lives. There is no other refuge." originates from the core of your heart. (Sanskrit Sloka) Singing the glory of the Take care that your mind is not polluted Lord is highly sacred. Today the country is with evil thoughts. Your mind is like a facing a lot of problems as people are not Veena. Any evil thought will produce doing Namasmarana. Let each and every Apaswaras (discordant notes). So, fill your street reverberate with His Divine glory. mind with noble thoughts and sing His Let each and every cell of your body be glory. Only then will you become the filled with His Divine Name. Nothing else recipient of Divine grace and energy. can give you the bliss, courage and Once the Gopikas prayed to Krishna thus: strength that you derive from "Oh Krishna, please sing for us with all the Namasmarana. Let anybody make fun of sweetness and melody. Talk to us and fill our you. Do not bother about it. People may hearts with joy. Take the essence of the Vedas, say, "He is an I.A.S. officer. How is it that transform it into Divine melody, fill it in your he is also doing Namasmarana?" Whoever divine flute and let it flow out in the form of a has a heart has the right to do melodious song Oh Krishna, please sing for us" Namasmarana. Heart is the same in Listening to the sweet song of Krishna, everyone. What is wrong if an I.A.S. they forgot themselves in ecstasy. They officer does Namasmarana? Be he young or forgot all the troubles they had old, rich or poor everybody has to do undergone. Such is the sweetness of Namasmarana. Only fools make fun of divine music. people doing Namasmarana. If someone were to ask you, "What, you too have Today Keralites are celebrating Vishu and become a devotee! You are also doing Tamilians are celebrating their New Year Namasmarana!" You should say, "Yes, I am day. On this auspicious occasion, I bless a devotee of the Lord. I am not such a you all to enjoy peace, happiness and 'big' person as not to repeat God's Name. prosperity. May you sanctify your lives by Not only me, you, your father, your leading an ideal life and giving happiness grandfather, your great grandfather will to all. May you lead a blissful life. You have to repeat God's Name. What is the don't need to search for bliss outside. It is use of being born as a human being if you within you. From this day onwards do not think of God?" The other man develop your devotion and sense of may say that he does not believe in God. surrender. Be fearless and sing the glory "If you do not have faith, that is your fate. of the Lord wherever you are. Only then, But I have faith and I will do you would have led a true human life. Namasmarana. God may not exist for you. Having been born in this sacred land, lead But He exists for me. Who are you to your lives in a befitting manner. Very deny the existence of God? What right do soon all the countries of the world will

8 have to follow Bharat. Bharat should be blessed with plenty and prosperity and become the leader of the entire world in people will lead a happy life once they the field of spirituality. This is what I start thinking of God. We repeat the desire. Santhi Mantra thrice in our daily prayers. What does this mean? We should attain Our ancients worshiped Nature. It is peace at three levels, i.e., physical, mental Nature that gives us food, raiment and and spiritual. There is no peace in the shelter.Not merely that, it also gives us external world; we find only pieces. Peace precious metals like gold and silver. So, is in fact, within you. Make efforts to what is wrong in worshiping Nature? All manifest your inner peace. the modes of worship that our ancients practiced were highly sacred. Bhumatha Embodiments of Love! (Mother Earth), Gomatha (cow), Vedamatha Spend the whole night in chanting the (the Vedas) and the Dehamatha (physical holy Name and spread this spiritual energy mother) are to be revered. As people have to the world at large. Who is Eswara? He stopped worshiping God, we find chaos is all-pervasive. Just as the wind blows all over the world. People are plunged in freely everywhere, so also do we find the sorrow as they have lost faith in the Self. principle of Eswara pervasive. Share your What is the use of life without love with all and propagate the Divine self-confidence? Worship of God alone Name to the entire world. can safeguard the nation. The country will

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