Valmiki Ramayana - May 6

May 6 - Sargas 31 and 32 of Balakanda.

These two sargas describe Vishwamitra's departure from Siddhashrama to go and attend the great yajna being conducted by Videha king Janaka of Mithila. En route Rama and Lakshmana are told an interesting story about the daughters of a king Kushanabha.

***

इमौ स्वो मुनिशार्दूल किङ्करौ समुपस्थितौ।

आज्ञापय यथेष्टं वै शासनं करवाव किम्     ॥

एवमुक्तास्ततस्ताभ्यां सर्व एव महर्षयः      ।

विश्वामित्रं पुरस्कृत्य रामं वचनमब्रुवन्        ॥

The next day, well rested after the yajna and having completed their morning prayers and obeisances to the sage, the brothers addressed sage Vishwamitra in extremely respectful words: "Oh great sage! here we are, your two attendants. Kindly instruct us what orders of yours shall we two carry out next." 

Thus addressed, the sages there, after getting permission from sage Vishwamitra, informed Rama as follows. 

मैथिलस्य नरश्रेष्ठ जनकस्य भविष्यति     । 

यज्ञः परमधर्मिष्ठस्तत्र यास्यामहे वयम्      ॥

त्वं चैव नरशार्दूल सहास्माभिर्गमिष्यसि    । 

अद्भुतं च धनूरत्नं तत्रैकं द्रष्टुमर्हसि          ॥

धनुषस्तस्य वीर्यं हि जिज्ञासन्तो महीक्षितः। 

न शेकुरारोपयितुं राजपुत्रा महाबलाः       ॥

आयागभूतं नृपतेस्तस्य वेश्मनि राघव     । 

अर्चितं विविधैर्गन्धैर्धूपैश्चागरुगन्धभिः      ॥

"Oh noble prince, We are going to attend a great sacred yajna to be conducted by the king of Mithila, Janaka soon. 

You too shall travel with us, Oh tiger among men. You should see a magnificent gem of a bow there.

Kings of all regions are still trying to understand the power and majesty of that sacred bow. For none of them has been able to lift and string it thus far. 

This bow was bestowed by the gods on the king of Mithila as a boon in a great yajna. This is housed in his palace and will be worshipped in this yajna also. It will be anointed with fragrances and incense and perfumes. "

एवमुक्त्वा मुनिवरः प्रस्थानमकरोत्तदा। 

सर्षिसङ्घः सकाकुत्स्थः आमन्त्र्य वनदेवताः ॥

तं प्रयान्तं मुनिवरमन्वयादनुसारिणाम् । 

शकटीशतमात्रं च प्रयाणे ब्रह्मवादिनाम् ॥

मृगपक्षिगणाश्चैव सिद्धाश्रमनिवासिनः ।

अनुजग्मुर्महात्मानं विश्वामित्रं महामुनिम् ॥

Having said this, the sage Vishwamitra then started from that place along with rishis and Sri Rama and Lakshmana, invoking the blessings of the gods of the forest. 

The sages and others who accompanied him, along with their paraphernalia for yajna and other materials, travelled in a caravan of a hundred carts. 

Even the animals and birds resident in Siddhashrama joined the retinue of that great sage Vishwamitra. That was his pull. 

Vishwamitra bade a tender farewell to Siddhashrama and sent the animals and birds back to stay on there. 

***

After journeying through the day, the caravan rested on the banks of a river. Sri Rama requested sage Vishwamitra to tell them the story of that charming country. The sage was glad to do so. 

By the way we read every so often how the sage and the brothers performed their sandhya prayers and agnihotra (fire oblation). This was mandatory for every Hindu in the past. And let us not forget sage Vishwamitra was the ORIGINATOR of the most sacred mantra in Hinduism - the Gayatri, which was revealed to him given his exalted status as a Brahmarshi. 

***

Now the story:

There was a most worthy king by name Kusha, son of Brahma. He begot four worthy sons, from the princess Vaidharbhi, who were named Kushamba, Kushanabha, Adhurtarajasa and Vasu. 

On their father's directive, the princes created four charming kingdoms. Right now, where the sage and his retinue were encamped, was Magadha, on the banks of Sumagadhi river. The country was also known as Girivraja, surrounded as it was by a garland of five wonderful mountains. It had been established by the prince Vasu and was also known as Vasumati. 

The second prince Kushanabha had established his kingdom Mahodaya. He was a great rajarshi (a king with qualities of a sage as well). He had a hundred daughters from an Apsara queen. The princesses were of extraordinary beauty and grace. 

Once they had all gone on a picnic and were sporting in a garden. They wore splendid ornaments and were singing and dancing and making merry. 

***

ताः सर्वगुणसंपन्ना रूपयौवनसंयुताः      । 

दृष्ट्वा सर्वात्मको वायुरिदं वचनमब्रवीत्  ॥

अहं वः कामये सर्वा भार्या मम भविष्यथ। 

मानुषस्त्यज्यतां भावो दीर्घमायुरवाप्स्यथ  ॥

 

Just then, Vayu, the wind god, who is everywhere and in everyone, saw these extremely virtuous and youthful beautiful princesses. He addressed them thus: oh charming beauties, I have fallen in love with you all princesses. Please marry me and become my wives. You shall be rid of the limitations of the human body and enjoy great longevity. 

***

Vayu also added that humans were constantly losing their youth and beauty. The princesses would get eternal youth and beauty and deathlessness by marrying him. 

The princesses were not amused by his demand. They replied

***

अन्तश्चरसि भूतानां सर्वेषां त्वं सुरोत्तम । 

प्रभावाज्ञाश्च ते सर्वाः किमस्मानवमन्यसे ॥

कुशनाभसुताः सर्वाः समर्थास्त्वां सुरोत्तम। 

स्थानाच्च्यावयितुं देवं रक्षामस्तु तपो वयम्  ॥

मा भूत्स कालो दुर्मेधः पितरं सत्यवादिनम्। 

अवमन्य स्वधर्मेण स्वयंवरमुपास्महे        ॥

पिता हि प्रभुरस्माकं दैवतं परमं च नः। 

यस्य नो दास्यति पिता स नो भर्ता भविष्यति ॥

Oh wind god! You travel everywhere and reside in everyone. Everyone knows your power. But why do you insult us? 

Know oh wind God, that we are all the daughters of the king Kushanabha. By the power of our tapas, we are capable of protecting ourselves from you and even displacing you from your godly position. 

Let there not come such an evil time when we will insult our righteous father and choose at our whim our spouse through swayamvara. 

Our father is our Lord and God also. Whomsoever he chooses to give us in marriage shall be our husband. 

***

With his suit being thus rejected, Vayu, the wind god, flew into a terrible rage. He entered into the hundred princesses and reduced them to deformed pygmies. They were greatly dismayed by this and full of shame and shedding tears, they went and presented themselves in front of their father, king Kushanabha. 

The king was simply alarmed and asked, "which godly righteous power have you all offended to be reduced to this pitiable state, my dears!? I am waiting to hear from you what terrible thing transpired." 

*Note: In our ancient medical sciences, all neurological disorders, which cause musculoskeletal and nervous deformities and diseases, stem from an imbalance of Vayu, one of the triad Pitta Kapha Vayu. These three have to maintain the balance and preserve the various body systems for our health.

***

॥  श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 5

May 5 - Sargas 29 and 30 of Balakanda.

Sage Vishwamitra explains the past associations of this place called Siddhashrama. Later the yajna resumes and Sri Rama deals with Mareecha and Subahu when they come to spoil the yajna. 

***

तपश्चरणयोगार्थमुवास सुमहातपाः  । 

एष पूर्वाश्रमो राम वामनस्य महात्मनः  ॥

अदित्या सहितो राम दीप्यमान इवौजसा। 

देवीसहायो भगवान्दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रकम्   ॥

O Rama, this place was sanctified by Vishnu Himself as He dwelt here doing great tapas for long. This led to his incarnation as Vamana also. 

After Vishnu, it was the turn of sage Kashyapa who performed a great penance here with his wife Aditi for a thousand years. 

***

Pleased with his tapas, Lord Vishnu manifested Himself and blessed Kashyapa and asked him to ask for boons. The sage asked thus:

***

पुत्रत्वं गच्छ भगवन्नदित्या मम चानघ  । 

भ्राता भव यवीयास्त्वं शक्रस्यासुरसूदन  ॥

Oh Lord, please grant us this boon - - be born as the son of Aditi and mine, as the younger brother of Indra, o vanquisher of asuras! 

***

There was a divine plan behind this. The son of Virochana, the asura named Bali, had conquered the three worlds and subjugated all the devas including Indra. His arrogant reign had to be ended. 

***

वामनं रूपमास्थाय वैरोचनिमुपागमत्  । 

त्रीन् क्रमानथ भिक्षित्वा प्रतिगृह्य च मेदिनीम् ॥

आक्रम्य लोकान् लोकात्मा सर्वलोकहिते रतः। 

महेन्द्राय पुनः प्रादान्नियम्य बलिमोजसा        ॥

Lord Vishnu took birth as the son of Aditi and Kashyapa, in the form of a dwarf. He approached king Bali busy in his yajna, while the king had proclaimed a vow to fulfil any request for any gift by a Brahmin during the sacrifice. The dwarf Vamana disarmingly asked for the gift of land he could span in three steps. Bali was amused and granted the gift. At once Vamana asuumed his universal form as Vishnu= Trivikrama and measured heaven and earth with just two steps. Where to place His third step? He placed it on Bali's head, effectively ending his supremacy. Bali was shifted to the nether world as it's ruler.) Thus Vamana reclaimed the earth from Bali for universal good. He returned the kingship to Indra after taming Bali 

by His brilliance. 

***

अत्र ते पुरुषव्याघ्र हन्तव्या दुष्टचारिणः। 

अथ गच्छामहे राम सिद्धाश्रममनुत्तमम् ॥

Oh Rama, this place is thus blessed by the deeds of Vishnu and called Siddhashrama. I am now staying there and performing the yajna. 

Let us go there now, to accomplish your mission of destroying those demons who are disturbing the yajna. 

***

Sri Rama and Lakshmana are received with due celebrations by the rishis who welcome the sage very happily in Siddhashrama. 

The brothers urge the sage Vishwamitra to resume his yajna without any delay as they are ready and eager to complete their mission. 

Next morning, after the morning rituals, the sage assumes yajna diksha. He will be busy for the next six days and nights. He will be observing silence. The rishis tell the brothers that any time those demons may come to attack. 

***

उपासांचक्रतुर्वीरौ यत्तौ परमधन्विनौ ।

ररक्षतुर्मुनिवरं विश्वामित्रमरिन्दमौ ॥

As the yajna progressed, the two brothers Rama and Lakshmana, brave warriors and supreme archers, patrolled around the sacred yajna fire and protected sage Vishwamitra with great vigilance. 

***

अध काले गते तस्मिन् षष्ठेऽहनि समागते। 

सौमित्रिमब्रवीद्रामो यत्तो भव समाहितः   ॥

 The sixth day arrived. Sri Rama told Lakshmana to be ready and equipped for action! 

 मन्त्रवच्च यथान्यायं यज्ञोऽसौ संप्रवर्तते। 

आकाशे च महान् शब्दः प्रादुरासीद्भयानकः  ॥

As the yajna duly progressed with incantations, there was a terrifyingly loud blast of sound in the sky. 

 

मारीचश्च सुबाहुश्च तयोरनुचरास्तथा ।

आगम्य भीमसंकाशा रुधिरौघानवासृजन्  ॥

The demons Mareecha and Subahu along with their troops came in their terrifying huge forms and rained down blood on the yajna fire. 

Rama told Lakshmana, watch as I dispel these rakshaasas with Manavastra (one of the astras that had been given to him recently by sage Vishwamitra). 

मानवं परमोदारमस्त्रं परमभास्वरम्। 

चिक्षेप परमक्रुद्धो मारीचोरसि राघवः  ॥

Rama shot the extremely resplendent and infallible Manavastra at the form of Mareecha. 

स तेन परमास्त्रेण मानवेन समाहितः। 

संपूर्णं योजनशतं क्षिप्तं सागरसंप्लवे ॥

पश्य लक्ष्मण शीतेषुं मानवं धर्मसंहितम् ।

मोहयित्वा नयत्येनं न च प्राणैर्व्ययुज्यत   ॥

  

After Rama discharged the Manavastra missile, it hit Mareecha and carried him off a hundred yojanas and cast him deep into the ocean. 

Rama told Lakshmana, did you see the way this extremely sharp Manavastra, infallible because of its righteous power, incapacitated Mareecha, made him unconscious, and carried him off but spared his life?  (In fact in the beginning itself Rama has told Lakshmana that he will drive away the demons but will perhaps not kill them.)

Thereafter Rama shoots Agneya weapon. It kills Subahu. He then deploys Vayuvya. That annihilates the rest of rakshasas. 

ऋषिभिः पूजितस्तत्र यथेन्द्रो विजयी पुरा । 

अथ यज्ञे समाप्ते तु विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः   ॥

निरीतिका दिशो दृष्ट्वा काकुत्स्थमिदमब्रवीत्। 

कृतार्थोऽस्मि महाबाहो कृतं गुरुवचस्त्वया   ॥

Sri Rama was then fecilitated by the rishis there, much like Indra had been in the past by the gods after his victory. Then, on proper conclusion of the yajna, sage Vishwamitra broke his vow of silence and said to Sri Rama, descendant of the Kakutstha dynasty, after looking in all directions that were now free from calamitous attacks, " I have fulfilled my vow of yajna and Rama, you have carried out the instruction of your guru well." He added, "you have upheld the name of Siddhashrama and great fame shall accrue to you, prince!" 

***

॥  श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 4

May 4 - Sargas 27 and 28 of Balakanda.

These two sargas detail the wide array of infallible divine weapons that sage Vishwamitra gives Sri Rama, out of great love for him and keeping in mind his worthiness, prowess as well as future mission. 

***

परितुष्टोऽस्मि भद्रं ते राजपुत्र महायशः। 

प्रीत्या परमया युक्तो  ददाम्यस्त्राणि सर्वशः ॥

देवासुरगणान् वापि सगन्धर्वोरगानपि। 

यैरमित्रान् प्रसह्याजौ वशीकृत्य जयिष्यसि ॥

Oh prince Sri Rama, owing to my immense delight and love for you, I shall now give you a whole array of divine weapons. 

You shall capture, overcome and defeat enemies of every sort - gods, demons, nether-world inhabitants and celestials with them. 

***

The details given are impressive enough to convince us what is special about these weapons. Just a sample:

***

ददामि ते महाबाहो ब्राह्ममस्त्रमनुत्तमम्   । 

गदे द्वे चैव काकुत्स्थ मोदकी शिखरी उभे  ॥

ददामि चास्त्रं पैनाकमस्त्रं नारायणं तथा  । 

आग्नेयास्त्रं दयितं शिखरं नाम नामतः     ॥

Oh mighty-armed Rama, I give you the Brahmastra (roughly as powerful as the biggest nuclear weapon of today). I give you two maces Nandaki and Shikhari (used by Vishnu). 

I give you the Pinaka weapon (Shiva's Main weapon) and Narayana-astra (a neutron bomb type of weapon we come across in Mahabharata also) and the weapon of fire-god. 

***

Remember these weapons were created as beings of unconquerable might as Brahma's grandchildren and were in the sage's possession.

We nowadays admire the stories of the Avengers and such - superheroes of invincibility. These divine weapons are in that mould. To think that sage Valmiki wrote about them 5000 years ago!

As I see it, basically weapons are at different levels. The basic level is passive weapons like swords and maces. They are wielded by strength of limbs. Then come missiles like arrows and javelins which are projectiles designed to travel predictably and hit a distant target. Then come guided missiles that find their way to a target in a curved path. Then come weapons that calculate their target, path and degree of damage that needs to be done and come back after attack. Like drones. Then there are manned weapons. Finally weapons with a superhuman capability that think, act, fight, and accomplish missions like superheroes. These weapons that sage Vishwamitra granted Sri Rama were in that category. Each with a special set of capabilities and degree of power.

Now after receiving these weapons, Sri Rama expresses his utmost gratitude. The weapon-gods come and bow down to him for further orders. He tells them politely that they shall remain in abeyance until invoked by him at any time of need. They withdraw respectfully assuring him of their readiness always.

Now comes an interesting request from Sri Rama. He says,

***

गृहीतोऽस्मि भगवन् दुराधर्षः सुरासुरैः।

अस्त्राणां त्वहमिच्छामि संहारं मुनिपुङ्गव  ॥

Oh Lord (sage Vishwamitra), after receiving these divine weapons by your grace I am unconquerable by gods and demons indeed. However, oh noble sage, I would now like to receive from you the weapons to nullify these ones!

***

Vishwamitra gladly teaches him and gives him the counter-weapons. 

There is a long list of them too.

Finally Sri Rama commands these counter-weapons also to remain in a suspended state until invoked by him. They dutifully withdraw.

Finally we sense that the three have reached their destination, sage Vishwamitra's hermitage where the yajna was in progress until hindrances from Mareecha and Subahu. Sri Rama notices a marked increase in the beauty and charm of the surroundings and enquires orlf the sage what is this lovely region with such resplendence of nature.

***

अनया त्ववगच्छामि देशस्य सुखवत्तया।

सर्वं मे शंस भगवन् कस्याश्रमपदं त्विदम् ॥

भगवंस्तस्य को देशः सा यत्र तव याज्ञिकी।

रक्षितव्या क्रिया ब्रह्मन् मया वध्याश्च राक्षसाः ॥

Respected sir, I realise from the happy nature of this region that we have come out of that terrible forest. Please tell me all about whose Ashrama lies here.

By the way sir, where is your Ashrama where the yajna is under way? Where I have to protect the sacred rites and destroy those demons who have caused hindrance?

***

॥  श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 3

May 3 - Sargas 25 and 26 of Balakanda.

Now we hear the history of Tataka and how Sri Rama brought about her end.

When he hears that Tataka has the strength of a thousand elephants, Sri Rama is surprised because yakshas are considered to be rather weak in their physical strength. Then Sage Vishwamitra explains to him:

ददौ नागसहस्रस्य बलं चास्याः पितामहः ।

न त्वेव पुत्रं यक्षाय ददौ ब्रह्मा महायशाः   ॥

A yaksha by name Suketu did tapas to beget a son. A pleased Brahma gave him a daughter by name Tataka instead  but endowed her with the strength of a thousand elephants. To start with she was beautiful and good. 

***

The girl grew up and married a rakshasa by name Sunda. She begot a very powerful son by name Mareecha. Once, Sunda provoked Sage Agastya who destroyed him by his tapas power. This brought about a violent attack by Tataka and her son Mareecha who wanted to destroy sage Agastya.

***

 राक्षसत्वं भजस्वेति मारीचं व्याजहार सः।अगस्त्यः परमक्रुद्धस्ताटकामपि शप्तवान्  ॥

Sage Agastya cursed Mareecha and his mother Tataka to turn into ugly demons.

***

 Ever since, this hideous rakshasi is tormenting everyone and has destroyed the peace and prosperity of this region.

***

न ह्येनां शापसंस्पृष्टां कश्चिदुत्सहते पुमान्।

निहन्तुं त्रिषु लोकेषु त्वामृते रघुनन्दन     ॥

न हि ते स्त्रीवधकृते घृणा कार्या नरोत्तम  ।

चातुर्वर्ण्यहितार्थाय कर्तव्यं राजसूनुना     ॥

Oh scion of Raghus, no man in the three worlds dares to try to kill this demoness endowed with her wickedness after Agastya'a curse, except you.

Please do not hesitate that she is a woman because it is a king's duty to ensure the welfare of all four castes by eliminating evil. 

***

Sage Vishwamitra then quotes precedents of how Indra had once killed the daughter of a demon Virochana and how even Vishnu had killed the wife of Bhrigu when she tried to rid the world of Indra. He says there are other instances too of evil women being killed by kings for the sake of good. 

Sri Rama understands the situation and replies:

***

अनुशिष्टोऽस्म्ययोध्यायां गुरुमध्ये महात्मना । 

पित्रा दशरथेनाहं नावज्ञेयं हि तद्वचः  ॥

Revered Sage, I have been instructed by my noble father king Dasharatha in the Ayodhya assembly in the presence of my guru Vasishtha that I shall adhere to your directives and do as you tell me. Therefore I shall undertake this task of killing Tataka. 

***

Sri Rama then readies and twangs his bow. That sends a shock wave through the forest. Tataka is provoked to come and attack them. She showers the two brothers with stones and attempts to devour them. Sri Rama in the beginning announces that he will incapacitate the rakshasi by removing her limbs but will spare the woman's life. 

***

ततो मायां समास्थाय शिलावर्षेण राघवौ। 

अवाकिरत् सुमहता ततश्चुक्रोध राघवः    ॥

दृष्ट्वा गाधिसुतः श्रीमानिदं वचनमब्रवीत्। 

अलं ते घृणया राम पापैषा दुष्टचारिणी    । 

यज्ञविघ्नकरी यक्षी पुरा वर्धेत मायया। 

वध्यतां तावदेवैषा पुरा संध्या प्रवर्तते      ॥

After Rama removes her limbs and Lakshmana disfigures her ears and nose, Tataka resorts to illusion and starts engulfing them with a rain of stones. This makes Sri Rama very angry.

Sage Vishwamitra says, a little impatiently, "Enough, Rama of your tarrying tactics. This rakshasi is immensely evil and goes about disturbing our yajnas. She is becoming more powerful with night-fall (a quality of demons). She has to be finished off at once.

शरेणोरसि विव्याध सा पपात ममार च ।

तां हतां भीमसंकाशां दृष्ट्वा सुरपतिस्तदा॥

तपोबलभृतो ब्रह्मन् राघवाय निवेदय   । 

प्रातभूतश्च ते ब्रह्मंस्तवानुगमने धृतः     ॥

The next moment, Tataka was felled by a mighty arrow well directed from Sri Rama's bow and fell down dead. Seeing that giant demoness killed, Indra and other gods were greatly pleased and showered blessings. They requested sage Vishwamitra to reward Sri Rama for his feat by gifting those divine weapons (Brahma's hundred grandchildren created to destroy rakshasas) which had come into the sage's possession before by the merit of his tapas. (note: How these weapons had been bestowed on Vishwamitra was mentioned in the royal court itself by Sage Vasishtha.)

**f

Sage Vishwamitra hugs and blesses Sri Rama. He says they will rest there that night and then proceed to his Ashrama. The region, after it is relieved of Tataka,starts regaining its splendour. The princes rest for the night in the company of the sage.

***

॥   श्रीरामजयम्   ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 2

May 2 - Sargas 23 and 24 of Balakanda.

The next morning, sage Vishwamitra wakes up Sri Rama and Lakshmana with this famous shloka that a billion people have heard and enjoyed as the first verse of the legendary MSS' recitation of Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam:

***

कौसल्यासुप्रजा राम पूर्वा संध्या प्रवर्तते ।

उत्तिष्ठ नरशार्दूल कर्तव्यं दैवमाह्निकम्    ॥

O Rama,  Blessed is mother Kaushalya having begotten you as her son. It is the sacred moment of dawn. Time for you to wake up and perform your duties, o tiger among men! 

***

After the princes get ready and proceed further with the sage, they come to a region of hermitages. Sri Rama enquires about the place with its auspicious vibes. Sage Vishwamitra says this is the place where Shiva was meditating when Manmatha or Kama came to disturb his Tapas. An enraged Shiva opened his third eye and reduced Kama to ashes. Since then Kama lives only in the minds of men as desire and lust. 

Given this history it is a sacred place for rishis to meditate. 

***

 तस्य गात्रं हतं तत्र निर्दग्धस्य महात्मना  । 

अशरीरः कृतः कामः क्रोधाद्देवेश्वरेण ह    ॥

तस्यायमाश्रमः पुण्यस्तस्येमे मुनयः पुरा   । 

शिष्या धर्मपरा नित्यं तेषां पापं न विद्यते   ॥

His body was reduced to ashes and he thus died (to be later resurrected in the minds of men) and thus Kama or God of love became body-less due to the rage of Lord Shiva. 

This hermitage associated with that episode is sacred and generations of rishis meditate here always and become sinless. 

***

After resting there and receiving the hospitality of the sages, sage Vishwamitra and the princes take a boat and cross the river. In the middle, buffetted by waves producing  a huge sound, Sri Rama asks the sage what causes this sound. The sage replies smilingly, 

***

कैलासपर्वते राम मनसा निर्मितं सरः  । 

ब्रह्मणा नरशार्दूल तेनेदं मानसः सरः  ॥

तस्यामतुलः शब्दो  जाह्नवीं अभिवर्तते। 

वारिसंक्षोभजो राम प्रणामं नियतः कुरु  ॥

O Rama, in Kailasa of the Himalayas,  a sacred lake was created by Lord Brahma from his mind. The river flowing from that Manas Sarovar and reaching the ocean is the sacred river Ganga. The river Sarayu that flows around Ayodhya is meeting and mixing with Ganga here, causing this tumultuous sound. Offer your due respects to these sacred rivers at this spot. 

***

Later, alighting from the boat and proceeding further, the sage and princes enter a forbidding wild forest. Rama describes how the forest seems full of wild animals and a variety of trees. Valmiki Ramayana has been studied in detail by scholars just for the geographical descriptions and the varieties of animal and plant life described by the sage. Not only is the detail matching what we know as India's geography but it helps map Rama's journeys very well too. 

Sage Vishwamitra tells a most amazing story about this forbidding forest:

***

पुरा वृत्त्रवधे राम मलेन समभिप्लुतम्  । 

क्षुधा चैव सहस्राक्षं ब्रह्महत्या समाविशत् ॥

निर्मलो निष्करूषश्च शुचिरिन्द्रो यथाभवत्। 

ददौ देशस्य सुप्रीतो वरं प्रभुरनुत्तमम्       ॥

Long ago, god Indra incurred sin by killing Vrittra (who was a Brahmin asura). Indra had to be cleansed of that sin and rishis full of tapas powers cleansed him and restored him here. Highly pleased, Indra blessed this land to become prosperous in all ways. This place ((known as Malada-Karusha) was inhabited by happy people for long. 

***

कस्यचित्त्वथ कालस्य यक्षी वै कामरूपिणी। 

बलं नागसहस्रस्य धारयन्ती तदा ह्यभूत्  ॥

ताटका नाम भद्रं ते भार्या सुन्दस्य धीमतः। 

मारीचो राक्षसः पुत्रो यस्याः शक्रपराक्रमः  ॥

स्वबाहुबलमाश्रित्य जहीमां  दुष्टचारिणीम् ।

मन्नियोगादिमं देशं कुरु निष्कण्टकं पुनः   ॥

By and by this habitation went into ruin by the arrival of a Yakshini demoness who could take any form at will and was the wife of a rakshasa called Sunda. She has the might of a thousand elephants and is extremely wicked. Mareecha is this demoness Tataka's son and is as powerful as Indra himself. 

Rama, you should exercise the power of your limbs and your military prowess and rid this land of this evil demoness Tataka. 

***

॥   श्रीरामजयम्   ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 1

May 1 - Sargas 21 and 22 of Balakanda.

Today's reading covers two important story elements. Sage Vasishtha explains to Dasharatha the immense stature and knowedge of divine weapons that sage Vishwamitra is endowed with, and how he is totally invincible. Also that Rama under his protection cannot be harmed in the slightest. In fact Vishwamitra could have dealt with those rakshasas in a jiffy himself but he has come to confer a great blessing on Rama.

The other element is how Vishwamitra, right away, after Rama and Lakshmana are sent by Dasharatha with him, gives a special pair of mystical mantras/weapons to Rama. These make him immediately the most accomplished warrior in the world.

***

त्रस्तरूपं तु विज्ञाय जगत्सर्वं महानृषिः।

नृपतिं सुव्रतो धीरो वसिष्ठो वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥

Seeing the appalling state of the world around as a result of the the anger provoked in Vishwamitra by the king's refusal, the great Sage Vasishtha, exemplary in conduct and forbearance, advised the king thus:

संश्रुत्येवं करिष्यामीत्यकुर्वाणस्य राघव ।

इष्टापूर्तवधो भूयात्तस्माद्रामं विसर्जय     ॥

After hearing about the task on hand from Sage Vishwamitra, if you renege on your promise, oh Raghava=Dasharatha, all the good merits you have gathered thus far by your yajnas, noble deeds and benevolent projects for your kingdom will be destroyed. Therefore please stick to your word and despatch Rama with the sage.

***

एष विग्रहवान् धर्म एष वीर्यवतां वरः।

एष बुध्याधिको लोके तपसश्च परायणम् ॥

एषोऽस्त्रान् विविधान् वेत्ति त्रैलोक्ये सचराचरे।

नैनमन्यः पुमान् वेत्ति न च वेत्यन्ति केचन     ॥

Know king, that this sage Vishvamitra is the embodiment of Dharma, he is the best among brave warriors. He is the wiset person in the world, and par excellence in Tapas. 

He knows a number of powerful weapons, more than anyone else in the three worlds of sentients and insentients. No one knows him as well as I do and no one else shall in future know him completely. 

***

(Remember Vasishtha is the son of Brahma, and is one of the sapta rishis, and great grand-father of Veda Vyasa! So Vishnu chose his gurus when incarnated as Rama, in sages Vasishtha and Vishwamitra, very wisely! ) 

Vasishtha explains how a hundred divine weapons were created as grand progeny of Daksha for the destruction of rakshasas and all these were vouchsafed to sage Vishwamitra because of his Tapas. Therefore Sage Vishwamitra will not only protect Rama but also train him for the future. 

***

तेषां निग्रहणे शक्तः स्वयं च कुशिकात्मजः। 

तव पुत्रहितार्थाय त्वामुपेत्यभियाचते        ॥

Know fully well, therefore, o king, that those rakshasas can be dealt with easily by sage Vishwamitra. He has come ostensibly to seek your favour only for for the long-term welfare of Sri Rama. 

***

Once king Dasharatha hears all this, he is relieved and even glad that Rama is undertaking the mission Under the tutelage and protection of such a unique sage. He calls his sons Rama and Lakshmana and lovingly blesses them and decrees that they accompany the sage and dutifully carry out his plan. 

***

कृतस्वस्त्ययनं मात्रा पित्रा दशरथेन च    । 

पुरोधसा वसिष्ठेन मङ्गलैरभिमन्त्रितम्      ॥

Rama and Lakshmana received blessings from their mothers, father and king Dasharatha, and benedictive incantations from sage Vasishtha before their departure. 

***

The heavens showered flowers and auspicious instruments were sounded. A cool breeze augured well for the journey. 

***

अनुजग्मतुरक्षुद्रौ पितामहमिवाश्विनौ ।

तदा कुशिकपुत्रं तु धनुष्पाणी स्वलङ्कृतौ ॥

Then Rama and Lakshmana followed behind sage Vishwamitra, carrying their bows, arrows, swords and so on, well dressed as royal princes, a picture of great robust valour, as if the Ashwini Devata twins were following Lord Brahma.  

***

अध्यर्धयोजनं गत्वा सरव्या दक्षिणे तटे । 

रामेति मधुरं वाणीं विश्वामित्रोऽभ्यभाषत  ॥

गृहाण वत्स सलिलं मा भूत् कालस्य पर्ययः । 

मन्त्रग्रामं गृहाण त्वं बलामतिबलां तथा       ॥

 न श्रमो न ज्वरो वा ते न रूपस्य विपर्ययः   । 

न च सुप्तं प्रमत्तं वा धर्षयिष्यन्ति नैर्ऋताः    ॥

After travelling a half Yojana to the southern bank of Sarayu, Vishwamitra addressed in an endearing voice, "Oh Rama! Please take the water from the river for oblation, let this auspicious hour not be allowed to pass. 

I shall teach you two sacred mantras - Bala and Atibala. Once You learn these mantras, no illness or fatigue can come to you. Nor ageing. Even demons cannot attack you whether you are asleep or in a preoccupied mood of distraction. 

***

Vishwamitra goes on to say that these powerful incantations are unique as they will make Rama the supreme warrior on earth, even the three worlds. None will match him in good fortune or generosity, or knowledge or intellectual prowess. Nobody will be able to match his capabilities in conversation or repartee. These mantras are the mothers of all human accomplishments. In fact even hunger and thirst won't bother you, o Rama, once you receive these two mantras. They are the daughters of Lord Brahma. 

And the reason why I am giving you these mantras? 

***

प्रदातुं तव काकुत्स्थ सदृशस्तवं हि धार्मिक । 

कामं बहुगुणाः सर्वे त्वय्येते नात्र संशयः      ॥

My desire to give you these two mantras, o Rama, is because you have so many great qualities, you're full of Dharma, and there is no one else like you. 

***

Sri Rama washed himself in the river, and reverently received the two mantras from the sage. He was extremely glad. 

***

सहस्ररश्मिर्भगवान् शरदीव दिवाकरः   । 

गरुकार्याणि सर्वाणि नियुज्य कुशिकात्मजे  ॥

Thereafter, after serving the Guru in the prescribed manner, Rama rested - looking brilliant like the thousand rayed sun in winter. 

***

The three rested on the river bank for the night. Sage Vishwamitra told the brothers many interesting stories, and the night passed as if in an instant. 

***

Valmiki Ramayana - April 30

April 30 - Sargas 19 and 20 of Balakanda.

Sage Vishwamitra is immensely pleased by the king's courtesies and instant promise to fulfill any mission that the sage has come to ask for. But when he does say what he has in mind, the king is completely distraught and reduced to great dismay.

***

सदृशं राजशार्दूल तवैतद्भुवि नान्यथा  ।

महावंशप्रसूतस्य वसिष्ठव्यपदेशिनः    ॥

अहं नियममातिष्ठे सिध्यर्थं पुरुषर्षभ। 

तस्यविघ्नकरौ द्वौ तु राक्षसौ कामरूपिणौ ॥

व्रते मे बहुशश्चीर्णे समाप्त्यां राक्षसाविमौ। 

मारीचश्च सुबाहुश्च वीर्यवन्तौ सुशिक्षितौ ॥

तथाभूता हि सा चर्या न शापस्तत्र मुच्यते। 

तत्पुत्रं राजशार्दूल रामं सत्यपराक्रमम्     ॥

काकपक्षधरं शूरं ज्येष्ठं मे दातुमर्हसि     । 

शक्तो ह्येष मया गुप्तो दिव्येन स्वेन तेजसा ॥

अहं ते प्रतिजानामि हतौ तौ विद्धि राक्षसौ।

अहं वेद्मि महात्मानं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम्     ॥

Oh tiger among kings, there is none comparable to you on earth, born as you are in a great royal dynasty and also mentored well by the supreme sage Vasishtha. 

I have been engaged in a special yajna for specific purposes. But two rakshasas with magical powers to assume any form have been causing obstructions and disturbances to that yajna. 

Just as my yajna was about to be concluded well, these two, Maricha and Subahu, have caused disturbances. They are well trained and very powerful. 

Despite the great provocation, I have refrained from using my sagely powers to curse them. Therefore o king, my request to you is that you send your truly valarous son Rama for my assistance. 

Please send your eldest son,  good looking with lovely side-locks, and very brave. He is powerful by his own divine brilliance, and he will also be well protected by me. 

I promise you, o king, those two rakshasas will be slain by Rama. I know fully well the divinity of Rama and his true prowess. 

***

इति हृदयमनोविदारणं 

       मुनिवचनं तदतीव श्रुतवान् ।

नरपतिरगमन्महान् महात्मा 

       व्यथितमनाः प्रचचाल शासनात् ॥

Hearing these words of the Sage that rent his heart, the great king was plunged into dismay and slipped from his throne. 

***

ऊनषोडशवर्षो मे रामो राजीवलोचनः     । 

न युद्धयोग्यतामस्य पश्यामि सह राक्षसैः ॥

मामकैर्वा बलैर्ब्रह्मन् मया वा कूटयोधिनाम्। 

सर्वं मे शंस भगवन् कथं तेषां मया रणे     ॥

My son with lotus-like eyes, Rama, is just short of sixteen years of age! I do not see him capable of fighting those rakshasas. 

Or rather, o Sage, tell me how my forces, or myself in battle, shall encounter and defeat those rakshasas. 

***

Now Vishwamitra comes up with even more scary details. 

**f

महाबलो महावीर्यो राक्षसैर्बहुभिर्वृतः । 

श्रूयते हि महावीर्यो रावणो राक्षसाधिपः ॥

तेन संचोदितौ द्वौ तु राक्षसौ सुमहाबलौ ।

मारीचश्च सुबाहुश्च यज्ञविघ्नं करिष्यतः   ॥

You must have heard of the great rakshasa king Ravana. He has a large army of rakshasas and has immense powers. These two, Maricha and Subahu, have been put up to this enterprise by him and thus are troubling our yajna. 

***

Vishwamitra gives more details of Ravana's connections to sage Pulastya and how he is protected by Brahma's boons and is the brother of Kubera. 

King Dasharatha is totally alarmed by this news. He says plaintively, 

***

 स त्वं प्रसादं धर्मज्ञ कुरुष्व मम पुत्रके   ।

मम चैवाल्पभाग्यस्य दैवतं हि भवान् गुरुः ॥

देवदानवगन्धर्वा यक्षाः पतगपन्नगाः  । 

न शक्ता रावणं सोढुं किं पुनर्मानवा युधि  ॥

 O Sage, You're Our God, our Guru, Please shower mercy on my son and wretched me (I am old and just got sons after a long wait). 

No gods, demons, celestials or superhumans or mythical birds or mythical snakes can defeat Ravana. What will then be the fate in war of poor humans like me? 

***

इति नरपतिजल्पनाद्विजेन्द्रम् 

कुशिकसुतं सुमहान् विवेश मन्युः । 

सुहुत इव मखेऽग्निराज्यसिक्तः 

समभवदुज्ज्वलितो महर्षिवह्निः    ॥

On hearing these incoherent sorrowful words of the king, a terrible rage came over the great sage, son of Kushika. Just as when ghee is poured into the oblative fire it conflagrates, the sage's anger flared up terrifyingly. 

***

॥    श्रीरामजयम्    ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - April 29

April 29 - Sargas 17 and 18 of Balakanda.

There are many shlokas in each sarga and I am reciting all of them as per the original Ramayana with a preliminary prayer and also a Rama Mangalam. Whatever few shlokas I select and post here are chosen for their appeal to me and story elements. 

Three important elements in today's reading:

1. Brahma instructs the gods that they should all take birth as monkeys and bears endowed with extraordinary powers so that they can all serve Vishnu born on earth in His supreme mission.

2. The birth, naming and development of Sri Rama and his brothers. 

3. The arrival of Vishwamitra with the first major mission/assignment for a very young Sri Rama.

***

सत्यसंधस्य वीर्यस्य सर्वेषां नो हितैषिणः         ।

विष्णोः सहायान् बलिनः  सृजध्वं कामरूपिणः ॥

Brahma instructed: Oh gods, please procreate powerful sons able to change their forms at will who will be of service and assistance to Vishnu in His mission for all our welfare, knowing fully his qualities of standing for truth and upholding valour. 

मायाविदश्च शूरांश्च वायुवेगसमान् जवे             ।

नयज्ञान् बुद्धिसम्पन्नान् विष्णुतुल्यपराक्रमान्     ॥

Let them be capable of supernormal acts, be very brave, match the wind in speed, know ethics and rule of law, be full of intelligence, and be equal to Vishnu in their powers. 

यक्षपन्नगकन्यासु ऋषिविद्याधरीषु च       ।

सृजध्वं हरिरूपेण पुत्रांस्तुल्यपराक्रमान्    ॥

Please create your sons as children of 

celestial, sagely, and non-human females, and let them be born as monkeys - sons with unmatched powers. 

पूर्वमेव मया सृष्टो जाम्बवान्ऋक्षपुङ्गवः   ।

जृम्भमाण्स्य सहसा मम वक्त्रादजायत   ॥

Already in the past, a supreme bear called Jambavaan has been created by me in an instant from my mouth through the act of a yawn. 

***

Then there is a list of who's who - Vali, Sugriva, Nala, Nila, Tara, Gandhamadana, and of course the superhero Hanuman and many others: whose incarnations they are - Indra, Surya, Vishwakarma, Agni, Brihaspati, Kubera, and Vayu and so on. 

As they grow up they display an incredible prowess of uprooting trees, toying with wild elephants, bringing down mighty birds, catching clouds, drying up oceans and so on. All arraigned and ready for action. 

तैर्मेघवृन्दाचलकूटकल्पै - 

र्महाबलैर्वानरयूथपालैः   ।

बभूव भूर्भीमशरीररूपैः 

समावृता रामसहायहेतोः ॥

Thus the earth was filled with mighty and terrifying warriors who resembled dark clouds and mountains in their appearance and were capable of incredible acts, all ready to be of service to Sri Rama when the time came. 

***

ततो यज्ञे समाप्ते तु ऋतूनां षट् समत्युयुः। 

ततश्च द्वादशे मासे चैत्रे नावमिके तिथौ   ॥

नक्षत्रेऽदितिदैवत्ये स्वोच्चसंस्थेषु पञ्चसु । 

ग्रहेषु कर्कटे लग्ने वाक्पताविन्दुना सह    ॥

प्रोद्यमाने जगन्नाथं सर्वलोकनमस्कृतम् । 

कौसल्याजनयद्रामं सर्वलक्षणसंयुतम्   ॥

Then, after the completion of the Yajna, six seasons after, in the twelfth month, in Chaitra, on Navami, in Punarvasu nakstra whose deity is the sun, with five planets ascendant together (Aries, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Libra) under confluence of Jupiter and Moon, at sunrise, in Karkataka Lagna, Kaushalya delivered the Lord of the world, worshipped universally, with all auspicious signs. 

These astronomical references are used by astrologers to compute the exact year, month and day of Sri Rama's birth conclusively.

Bharata, Lakshmana and Shautrghna were born shortly thereafter. 

There were celebrations in Ayodhya and in heaven. Celestials and humans made the first Ramanavami highly memorable with all festivities, music and dance. They showered flowers. The king gave away abundant riches to all. Sage Vasishtha joyously conducted the naming ceremony on the eleventh day and gave them names Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shartughna. 

Then follows detailed descriptions of the attributes of Dasharatha's sons, their good looks, joyous demeanour and how they filled Dasharatha and the entire kingdom with joy. 

The boys quickly mastered all arts, scriptures, weaponry, riding horses, elephants and so on. 

Rama was the supreme hero, most loving of all, affectionately serving his father as a dutiful son. Lakshmana was his inseparable shadow, they were like one soul in two bodies, just as Shartughna was inseparable from Bharata. 

ते चापि मनुजव्याघ्रा वैदिकाध्ययने रताः। 

पितृशुश्रूषणरताः धनुर्वेदे च निष्ठिताः   ॥

अथ राजा दशरथस्तेषां दाराक्रियां प्रति । 

चिन्तयामास धर्मात्मा सोपाध्यायः सबान्धवः  ॥

Thus the brothers, tigers among men, were busy in studies of the Vedic scriptures. They were also obedient in serving their parents. They also took a special interest in archery practice. 

At that time, the king, with a keen sense of his responsibilities, began deliberations with their teachers and his family about matrimonial alliances for the four sons, a subject of great importance for any monarch. 

***

Just then arrived Vishwamitra at the gates of Ayodhya. A sage of great fame and spiritual powers (he unveiled the Gayatri Mantra to the world!) he was revered and feared equally universally. Dasharatha spared no effort in properly receiving him and honouring him. It appears he somehow knew there would an important turn of events. 

Sage Vishwamitra also enquires after the king's welfare, how the kingdom is flourishing, the state of administration, the economic welfare of the people and so on. These passages indicate how advanced economically and culturally our country was as a civilisation 5000+ years ago. 

***

After all due honours, the king submits:

ब्रह्मर्षित्वमनुप्राप्तः पूज्योऽसि बहुधा मया। 

तदद्भुतमिदं ब्रह्मन् पवित्रं परमं मम         ॥

शुभक्षेत्रगतश्चाहं तव संदर्शनात् प्रभो       । 

ब्रूहि यत्प्रार्थितं तुभ्यं कार्यमागमनं प्रति     ॥

 

Oh revered sage, you have attained the highest status ever possible for a rishi i. e. Brahmarshi (This is a compelling tale with Vasishtha as a principal character which will be narrated later) 

thus worshippable by me in all ways. Your surprise arrival has conferred on me the same merit as going to a sacred pilgrimage (in fact the word Tirtha in Hinduism means a place made sacred by rishis and saints). 

Kindly instruct me on the purpose of your arrival and what is the work to be accomplished.  I shall undertake it as my privilege and sacred duty! 

***

This was the custom always. Sages and saints never bothered with cities and kingdoms and luxuries. They went to kings only for any specific purpose of doing good for humanity, for imparting knowledge, or setting right some anamolies in administration. 

Having heard the king's words, the sage Vishwamitra was pleased. What he asked for comes tomorrow! 

॥   श्रीरामजयम्   ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - April 28

April 28 - Sargas 15 and 16 of Balakanda.

Then Rishyashringa performs a special yajna called Putreshti as enjoined in Atharva Veda to beget sons. The gods come down to accept the oblations as enjoined. At the same time, in another plane of reality, the same gods approach Brahma and say that the world is being tormented by a terrible Rakshasa called Ravana. Brahma should find a way to end his menace. 

***

इष्टिं तेऽहं करिष्यामि पुत्रीयां पुत्रकारणात्  ।

अथर्वशिरसि प्रोक्तैर्मन्त्रैः सिद्धां विधानतः   ॥

Sage Rishyashringa told Dasharatha: I shall on your behalf, to fulfill your desire for sons, perform the Putriya yajna as ordained, by mantras mentioned in Atharvashiras. 

***

Once he offered the oblations with  powerful incantations, the gods assembled to partake of the offerings. They at the same time in a different time-space domain approached Brahma asking to remedy the terrible situation caused by Ravana, the demon. 

***

भगवंस्त्वत्प्रसादेन रावणो नाम राक्षसः        । 

सर्वान्नो बाधते वीर्याच्छासितुं तं न शक्नुमः ॥

ऋषीन् यक्षान् सगन्धर्वानसुरान् ब्राह्मणांस्तथा ।

अतिक्रामति दुर्धर्षो वरदानेन मोहितः          ॥

Oh Lord Brahma, by your boons, a demon by name Ravana, is tormenting all of us. Owing to his prowess, we are unable to rein him in. 

He invades and  torments rishis, celestials, gods, demons and Brahmins too, and is irrepressible by virtue of the boons he has got, that have turned his head. 

***

Brahma replied:

***

नाकीर्तयदवज्ञानात्तद्रक्षो मानुषांस्तदा             ।

तस्मात् स मानुषाद्वध्यो मृत्युर्नान्योऽस्य विद्यते ॥

That demon, out of contempt for humans, did not bring them up while asking for his boon of invincibility. Hence he can be killed only by a human, there is no other way for his end. 

***

Brahma says the solution can come only from Lord Vishnu. So they all go and ardently appeal to the Lord. He assures them:

***

भयं त्यजत भद्रं वो हितार्थं युधि रावणम्। 

सपुत्रपौत्रं सामात्यं समित्रज्ञातिबान्धवम्  ॥

हत्वा क्रूरं दुरात्मानं देवर्षीणां भयावहम्। 

वत्स्यामि मानुषे लोके पालयन् पृथिवीमिमाम् ॥

Forsake fear, may good be with you all. For your welfare, I shall kill Ravana with his associates - children, grandchildren, ministers, wellwishers and relatives,  as he is cruel and evil causing fear among gods and sages. I shall then also rule the earth in the realm of humans for long to establish righteousness. 

***

इत्येतद्वचनं श्रुत्वा सुराणां विष्णुरात्मवान् । 

पितरं रोचयामास तदा दशरथं नृपम्        ॥

स चाप्यपुत्रो नृपतिस्तस्मिन् काले महाद्युतिः। 

अयजत् पुत्रयामिष्टिं पुत्रेप्सुररिसूदनः         ॥

After this exchange with the gods, Lord Vishnu, kind-hearted, considered choosing king Dasharatha to be his father for His human advent. 

***

And just at the same time, king Dasharatha, the glorious king and vanquisher of  enemies, being without sons, performed the Putriya Yajna, desirous of getting sons. 

***

ततो वै यजमानस्य पावकादतुलप्रभम्। 

प्रादुर्भूतं महद्भूतं महावीर्यं महाबलम्    ॥

दिव्यपायससंपूर्णां पात्रीं पत्नीमिव प्रियाम्। 

प्रगृह्य विपुलां दोर्भ्यां स्वयं मायामयीमिव ॥

At that moment emerged, from the king's Yajna fire, a most brilliant being, of great strength and immensity, like a magical illusion, holding by his two hands caressingly a large divine pot of Payasam (sacred sweet pudding offered to gods in general). 

***

The being announced himself as the being sent by Prajapati Brahma. He informed the king that this was being conferred on him as a result of his propitiating the gods. 

***

इदं तु नृपशार्दूल पायसं देवनिर्मितम्      । 

प्रजाकरं गृहाण त्वं धन्यमारोग्यवर्धनम्  ॥

भार्याणामनुरूपाणामश्नीतेति प्रयच्छ वै। 

तासु त्वं प्राप्स्यते पुत्रान् यदर्थं यजसे नृप  ॥

Oh supreme king, this Payasam has been prepared by gods. It will give you children and will enhance your health and prosperity also. Accept it and give it to your chosen wives, asking them to partake of it. Thus will you beget sons for which purpose you have performed this Yajna. 

***

तथेति नृपतिः प्रीतः शिरसा प्रतिगृह्य ताम्। 

मुदा परमया युक्तश्चकाराभिप्रदक्षिणम्     ॥

The delighted king graciously accepted the gift of Payasam with bowed head. Filled with extreme joy, the king circumambulated the divine being. 

***

The king loses no time in going to his queens.  He tells them that they should partake of this Payasam as this will confer sons. He gives half of the Payasam to Kausalya. He divides the remaining into two halves, gives a half to Sumitra. He then divides the rest into two and gives a portion to Kaikeyi. The last 1/8th he gives after due thought again to Sumitra. 

You can imagine the mood on the palace and the delight of the queens. Soon they are all carrying. 

***

ततस्तु राजा प्रसमीक्ष्य ताः स्त्रियः 

प्ररूढगर्भाः प्रतिलब्धमानसः। 

बभूव हृष्टस्त्रिदिवे यथा हरिः

सुरेन्द्रसिद्धर्षिगणाभिपूजितः   ॥

King Dasharatha, in due course, beholding his queens pregnant with his sons, with his cheerfulness fully restored, felt very happy. So happy indeed aa Lord Hari (Vishnu) feels in the three worlds, when He is propitiated elaborately by the gods led by Indra, as well as by adept meditators and great rishis. 

***

॥   श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - April 27

April 27 - Sargas 13 and 14 of Balakanda.

Now follows a crisp and interesting description of the Ashvameda Yajna conducted by Dasharatha.

Dasharatha approaches his guru and Brahmarshi sage Vasishtha very humbly that he should direct and conduct the Yajna. Vasishtha gladly takes it up as a blessing to the king. Then follow many shlokas of the preparations and instructions from Vasishtha. He assembles learned and devout Brahmins, architects, builders, masons, carpenters, sculptors, dancers, musicians, and others, and gives detailed instructions. 

***

तथा शास्त्रविदः पुरुषान् सुबहुश्रुतान्      ।

यज्ञकर्म समीहन्तां भवन्तो राजशासनात्   ॥

इष्टका बहुसाहस्री शीघ्रमानीयतामिति     ।

औपकार्याः क्रियन्तां च राज्ञां बहुगुणान्विताः ॥

दातव्यमन्नं विधिवत् सत्कृत्य न तु लीलया   ।

सर्वे वर्णाः यथा पूजां प्राप्नुवन्ति सुसंस्कृताः   ॥

 

Vasishtha told the assembled subject-matter experts and learned people: 

Gentlemen, please set about to conduct the Yajna as ordered by the king.

Bring bricks in thousands and build palaces for the guest kings about to arrive, with all amenities and comforts.

And once the large number of guests are arrived and settled, extend the best of hospitality and dining to them with all due courtesies and not ever in a slighting manner. Let guests of every caste/profession be worshipped by your hospitality as is their due per tradition.

***

Vasishtha instructs Sumantra ( we by now realise he is the major minister and man for all seasons in administration) how the various kings from all parts of the land including southern regions are to be invited and received with due honour. He adds,

***

मिथिलाधिपतिं शूरं जनकं सत्यवादिनम्       ।

निष्ठितं सर्वशास्त्रेषु तथा वेदेषु निष्ठितम्        ॥

तमानय महाभागं स्वयमेव सुसत्कृुतम्           ।

पूर्वसम्बन्धिनं ज्ञात्वा ततः पूर्वं ब्रवीमि ते        ॥

The king of Mithila, Janaka, who is brave, stands for truth and righteousness, is well established in the knowledge of all branches of knowledge and even the Vedas - please go and invite and escort him here yourself, for he has long-standing association and friendship with our king.  

***

This is significant, for later Rama marries Janaka's daughter Sita! No wonder we say our sages have knowledge of the future.

The fourteenth sarga describes in 59 shlokas the Yajna step by step including the geometric and architectural arrangements, personal rituals, sacrifices, chants, gifts and oblations. The details are in fact too much for a modern mind as they are steeped in Vedic tradition and the practices of our ancients 5000 years ago. Elaborate rituals, with extreme care being taken not to allow any transgressions or omissions, and most importantly gifts and honours and hospitality being extended to the Brahmins and priests and kings and commoners in such a way there would be no room for any complaint. 

***

ततः प्रीतमनाः राजा प्राप्य यज्ञमनुत्तमम्         ।

पापापहं स्वर्नयनं दुस्तरं पार्थिवर्षभैः              ॥

ततोऽब्रवीदृष्यशृङ्गं राजा दशरथस्तदा             ।

कुलस्य वर्धनं त्वं तु कर्तुनर्हसि सव्रत              ॥

तथेति च स राजानमुवाच द्विजसत्तमः              ।

भविष्यन्ति सुता राजंश्चत्वारस्ते कुलोद्वहाः        ॥

Then, king Dasharatha, immensely pleased that he had completed a most excellent Yajna, that would remove all sins and confer heaven, a Yajna difficult for even the best of kings -

addressed sage Rishyashringa with all respect: most noble sage, now please do what is needed for my family line to be extended by the birth of sons.

The supreme sage Rishyashringa smiled in reply and said, so be it, king! Amen. Four sons will be born to you and they will extend your dynasty and your fame.

                                                                        श्रीरामजयम् 

Happy Hanumajjayanti!

  

    

Valmiki Ramayana - April 26

 April 26 - Sargas 11 and 12 of Balakanda. 

Sumantra's disclosure of the sage Sanatkumara's ancient prophesy that Dasharatha will beget sons upon being blessed by Sage Rishyashringa delights the king immeasurably. It so happens that Princess Shanta, given by Romapada in marriage to Rishyashringa, was indeed the daughter of Dasharatha whom he had long back given in adoption to the childless Romapada.

Dasharatha gets permission from Sage Vasishtha and loses no time in proceeding to Angadesha.

अभिचक्राम तं देशं यत्र वै मुनिपुङ्गवः।

आसाद्य तं द्विजश्रेष्ठं रोमपादसमीपगम् ॥

ऋषिपुत्रं ददर्शादौ दीप्यमानमिवानलम् ।

ततो राजा यथान्यायं पूजां चक्रे विशेषतः ॥

Dasharatha with his retinue reached Romapada's capital where the sage Rishyashringa  lived with princess Shanta. The king at once met the sage who was brilliant like the sacred fire. He offered the sage all respects as per due custom.

Then king Dasharatha requests Romapada to send his daughter and son in law to Ayodhya for the purpose of the Yajna. 

उवाच वचनं विप्रं गच्छ त्वं सह भार्यया।

ऋषिपुत्रः प्रतिश्रुत्य तथेत्याह नृपं तदा ॥

Romapada told Sage Rishyashringa to travel with his wife to Ayodhya. The sage acquiesced.

Dasharatha ensured that his staff made elaborate arrangements for a grand reception upon their arrival in Ayodhya.

धूपितं सिक्तसंमृष्टं पताकाभिरलङ्कृतम् ।

ततः प्रहृष्टः पौरास्ते श्रुत्वा राजानमागतम् ॥

The city's streets were washed clean, it was decorated with festoons, flags, and perfumes and the citizens gave a warm welcome. 

ऋष्यशृङ्गपुरोगाश्च प्रत्यूचुर्नृपतिं तदा। 

संभाराः संभ्रयन्तां ते तुरगश्च विमुच्यताम् ॥

सरय्वाश्चोत्तरे तीरे यज्ञभूमिर्विधीयताम् ॥

सर्वथा प्राप्स्यसे पुत्रांश्चतुरोऽमितविक्रमान्। 

यस्य ते धार्मिकी बुद्धिरियं पुत्रार्थमागता ॥  

The sages, led by Rishyashringa, then instructed the king thus: 

Let all the paraphernalia be gathered for the Yajna. Let the ritual horse be properly released for his advent. (The horse wanders around freely over a large territory, duly escorted. That area will be claimed as a part of the kingdom unless other kings challenge the claim. This Ashvamedha sacrifice is therefore generally performed only by kings who have undisputed territories under their reign). 

Let the appropriate ground for the Yajna be set up on the northern bank of Sarayu river. 

Oh king, for which reason you have embarked on this righteous endeavour of the Yajna for progeny, do know that you shall surely beget four sons, all limitlessly valorous.

***

We see that there is rapid progress in the fortunes of king Dasharatha, and the stage is set for the Yajna. 

॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥

Valmiki Ramayana- April 25

April 25 - Sargas 9 and 10.of Balakanda.

After the king Dasharatha made up his mind to perform the Yajna, his minister Sumantra shared with him what he had heard long ago from the sage Sanatkumara. The Sage had said Dasharatha will be blessed with sons when he receives and is blessed by a sage by name Rishyashringa, with rare powers.

***

ऋत्विग्भिरुपदिष्टोऽयं पुरावृत्तो मया श्रुतः।

सनत्कुमारो भगवान् पूर्वं कथितवान् कथाम् ॥

Sumatra said, Oh king, thus have I heard from sages long ago, the story as foretold by the godly sage Sanatkumara eons ago. 

ऋषीणां सन्निधौ राजंस्तव पुत्रागमं प्रति। 

काश्यपस्य तु पुत्रोऽस्ति विभाण्डक इति श्रुतः ॥

What I have heard concerns how by the gracious presence of Rishis, oh King, you will be blessed with sons. 

Sage Kashyapa's son Vibhandaka rishi - 

ऋष्यशृङ्ग इति ख्यातस्तस्य पुत्रो भविष्यति। 

स वने नित्यसंवृद्धो मुनिर्वचनचरः सदा ॥

will have a son by name 

Rishyashringa. That son will grow up in the forest, following his father's dictates, and totally ignorant of the rest of life. 

(He is born magically and has seen no other human. He has never heard or imagined about male and female genders and their mutual chemistry. Indeed a strange upbringing). 

अङ्गेषु प्रथितो राजा भविष्यति महाबलः। 

तस्य व्यतिक्रयाद्राज्ञो भविष्यति सुदारुणा ॥

At that time there will be a powerful king in Angadesha. As a result of his transgression of Dharma, there will be a terrible drought and famine in the kingdom. 

एवमङ्गाधिपेनैव गणिकाभिऋषेः सुतः। 

आनीतोऽवर्षयद् देवः शान्ता चास्यै प्रीदीयते ॥

The king wants to atone for his sin and bring rain. He is advised to find a way to bring this strange sage Rishyashringa into his kingdom. The reason is the power of his tapas so far. That is a sure way to atone for the king's misdeed and will bring rain and end the drought. 

How is this to be accomplished? 

His advisors hatch a plan to bring Rishyashringa without incurring the curse of Vibhandaka. They send courtesans with all resources and talents to the forest. They will go and  entice the young Rishi to escape the forest and come to the kingdom. 

The plan succeeds, and the details are very interesting (tenth sarga). The courtesans befriend Rishyashringa, and he thinks they are also Rishis in a different attire and with an interesting lifestyle. They give him great food he has never eaten, regale him with song and dance, and introduce him to the pleasures of the flesh. They convince him to go to their "hermitage" and bring him into the kingdom. 

As soon as Rishyashringa enters the kingdom, there is rain as the gods are pleased. The king receives him with all honour, requests him to forgive his trick of enticing him here, gives his princess daughter Shanta in marriage, and manages to ensure Rishyashringa is pleased enough to entreat his enraged father and convince him not to curse the king. 

Of course that sage Vibhandaka, the father, knew all along that this was the way of destiny and lets it all be. 

ऋष्यशृङ्गस्तु जामाता पुत्रांस्तव विधास्यति। 

सनत्कुमारकथितमेतावद् व्याहृतं मया ॥

Sumantra concludes by saying that Angadesha king Romapada's son in law Rishyashringa has to come to Dasharatha's kingdom and that will confer the king with sons. This is what Sumantra narrates as he has heard to be the sagely words of Sanatkumara. 

***

॥  श्रीरायजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - April 24

April 24 - Sargas 7 and 8 of Balakanda.

Now comes a description of the  chieftains, ministers, gurus and administrators of King Dasharatha. 

***

तस्यामात्या गुणैरासन्निक्ष्वाकोस्तु महात्मनः।

मन्त्रज्ञाश्चेङ्गितज्ञाश्च नित्यं प्रियहिते रताः ॥

The Ikshwaku king's chieftains knew administration, strategy, as well as were cognizant of the king's expectations. They were engaged  always in doing what was agreeable and right.

ऋत्विजौ द्वावभिमतौ तस्यास्तामृषिसत्तमौ ।

वसिष्ठो वामदेवश्च मन्त्रिणश्च तथापरे ॥

 

There were two advisors for the king on scriptural injunctions, very wise and best among sages - Vasishta and Vamadeva; in addition there were many ministers. 

तैर्मन्त्रिभिर्मन्त्रहिते नियुक्तै-

र्वृतोऽनुरक्तैः कुशलैः समर्थैः । 

स पार्थिवो दीप्तिमवाप युक्त-

स्तेजोमयैर्गोभिरिवोदितोऽर्कः ॥

Thus, surrounded by a cabinet of competent, affectionate, and loyal administrators who were engaged in excellent executive duties, the king Dasharatha acquired a radiance like the rising sun surrounded by his brilliant rays. 

***

The poet Valmiki loses no time in developing the story. Dasharatha is unhappy that he has no heir to the throne. He seeks counsel and sets out on a great Yajna. Remember the Vedas prescribe specific powerful mantras and rituals tor every station and need of human existence. 

***

मम लालप्यमानस्य पुत्रार्थं नास्ति वै सुखम्। 

तदर्थं हयमेधेन यक्ष्यामीति मतिर्मम ॥

Dasharatha appeals to his counselling sages: I have no son and heir to fondle as a father. Seeking progeny I wish to perform the Ashvamedha yajna. (Kindly advise me what is the right course.) 

ततः साध्विति तद्वाक्यं ब्राह्मणाः प्रत्यपूजयन्। 

वसिष्ठप्रमुखाः सर्वे पार्थिवस्य मुखाच्च्युतम् ॥

Indeed this is the right course, said the sages headed by Vasishtha, in approval of the words spoken by the king.

तासां तेनातिकान्तेन वचनेन सुवर्चसाम् । 

मुखपद्मान्यशेभन्त पद्मानीव हिमात्यये ॥

The king hastens to his inner court/ Antahpura and informs his queens that the Yajna is going to be performed to get progeny. The poet says in this shloka that on hearing the king's most endearing words, the queens' faces, already radiant like lotuses, shone brilliantly in joy like the lotuses shine after evaporation of the morning dew. 

***

श्रीरामजयम् 

Valmiki Ramayana April 23

Day 3: Sargas 5 and 6 of Balakanda.

Sage Valmiki now begins to tell the story.

***

इक्ष्वाकूणामिदं तेषां राज्ञां वंशे महात्मनाम्।

महदुत्पन्नमाख्यानं रामायणमिति श्रुतम् ॥

This is the story of the great dynasty of kings called Ikshwakus. This narrative has taken form by great inspiration (reference to Narada and Brahma) and is known as Ramayana. 

***

Sage Valmiki gives an enchanting description of the city of Ayodhya, the capital of Kosala kingdom, with details of its structure, its people and their activities. Just a sample:

***

राजमार्गेण महता सुविभक्तेन शोभिता। 

मुक्तपुष्पावकीर्णेन जलसिक्तेन नित्यशः ॥

The capital Ayodhya had beautifully laid out major avenues, tree-lined and strewn with blossoms. The city was sprinkled daily with water to keep it cool and sparkling. 

दुन्दुभीभिर्मृदङ्गैश्च वीणाभिः पणवैस्तथा ।

नादितां भृषमत्यर्थं पृथिव्यां तामनुत्ममाम् ॥

The city resounded with the music of large drums, percussion instruments like mridangam, veena and other stringed instruments, trumpets and wind instruments, and was simply unmatched in the entire world for its flourishing culture. 

तस्मिन् पुरवरे हृष्टा धर्मात्मानो बहु श्रुताः। 

नरास्तुष्टा धनैः स्वैःस्वैरलुब्धाः सत्यवादिनः ॥

In that noble city dwelt happy people, righteous and well educated. Those men were cheerfully prosperous by their own well-earned wealth, and were free from greed. They stood for truth. 

तां सत्यनामां दृढतोरणार्गलां

     गृहैर्विचित्रैरुपशोभितां शिवाम्। 

पुरीमयोध्यां नृसहस्रसंकुलां

     शशास वै शक्रसमो महीपतिः ॥

That city, which stood for nobility and culture, fortified with gateways and arches, with magnificent mansions, auspicious and impenetrable as her name meant, ruled the great king Dasharatha like Indra ruled heaven. 

***

A detailed reading shows how Valmiki is describing a metropolis of cultural and economic prosperity, military might, with all people engaged in their professions well, and attracting scholars, traders and chiefs from all around. 

Remember, we are speaking of a city 5000 years ago. 

🙏श्रीरामजयम् 🙏

Valmiki Ramayana - April 22

Day 1 - completed Sagas 1 & 2 - Balakanda

Today is Day 2.Completed Sargas 3 & 4 - Balakanda

Sage Valmiki, as directed by Brahma, undertakes to visualise the entire Ramayana through penance and compose the epic poem.

***

ततः पश्यति धर्मात्मा तत् सर्वं योगमास्थितः।

पुरा यत्तत्र निर्वृत्तं पाणावामलकं यथा ॥

तत्सर्वं तत्त्वतो दृष्ट्वा धर्मेण स महामतिः। 

अभिरामस्य रामस्य चरितं कर्तुमुद्यतः ॥

Thus visualised the noble soul situated in yoga the entire story, whatever had transpired in the past, as clearly as a gooseberry in his palm. 

After seeing the entire exact story, by his spiritual power, the great luminous Valmiki began to compose the story of the most delightful Sri Rama. 

***

Once competed, Sage Valmiki wonders whom he should teach this epic poem to recite. Lo and behold, his students Kusha and Lava come and bow down to him. 

***

तौ तु गान्धर्वतत्त्वज्ञौ मूर्छनास्थानकोवादौ। 

भ्रातरौ स्वरसंपन्नावश्विनाविव रूपिणौ ॥

The brothers had the knowledge of celestial musical arts, knew raagas and shruti positions. The brothers had very sweet voices and were as beautiful as the Ashwini twins. 

***

They mastered the recitation as taught by sage Valmiki and then went around singing the epic poem. They sang so captivatingly that everyone who heard them, various sages and others, showered them with various gifts. The list is an enchanting one - items such as a kamandalu, loincloth, hair care products, chanting beads.... and of course lots of blessings. 

Kusha and Lava's fame reaches Rama's ears. And soon they are invited to perform in his royal court:

***

ततस्तु तौ रामवचःप्रचोदिता-

वगायतां मार्गविधानसंपदा ।

स चापि रामः परिष्द्गतः शनै-

र्बुभूषयासक्तमना बभूव ह॥

As instructed by Sri Rama, Kusha and Lava sang in the rich classical musical idiom Valmiki Ramayana, the epic poem. Sri Rama came to the court and started listening to the Ramayana intently. 

***

What beautiful imagery, what a beautiful story indeed. How blessed am I to be reading this. 

Here is a musical & visual gift - created and sung by Sumana  y'day for Sri Ramanavami 😊

Valmiki Ramayana April 21

 I received a circular from Samskrita Bharati that they are starting a "Read Valmiki Ramayana" movement for one year from today, Sri Ramanavami. I decided to enroll! And at that same time Prasada came from Melkote after the recent festivities. What a good omen! Here is a report of today's reading! हरिः ॐ तत् सत्

***

कुरु रामकथां पुण्यां श्लोकबद्धां मनोरमाम्।

यावत् स्थास्यन्ति गिरयः सरितश्च महीतले ॥

तावद्रामायणकथा लोकेषु प्रचरिष्यति।

यावद्रामायणकथा त्वत्कृता प्रचरिष्यति ॥

तावदूर्ध्वमधश्च त्वं मल्लोकेषु निवत्स्यसि। 

इत्युक्त्वा भगवान्ब्रह्मा तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥

Valmiki the sage is visited By Narada Maharshi. Valmiki asks if ever there was a perfect man on earth. Narada tells him about Rama as that ideal man and narrates his life. Valmiki is thrilled to hear the story. 

Valmiki soon after is at the river for his bath when sees a hunter cruelly and senselessly kill a bird  engaged in mating with its female companion. 

The Rishi utters a curse on the hunter for his heinous act. His words tumble out in verse form! Shoka= Sadness is expressed as a poem=Shloka. This is the first Shloka or verse in Sanskrit. 

The sage is bewildered by all these events when Brahma comes and assures him that Goddess Sarswati has given Valmiki the power of poetic expression for the express purpose of setting out Ramayana as an epic poem. Brahma says that as long as mountains and rivers exist, Valmiki's poem Ramayana will be popular. And the sage will dwell in Brahma Loka=highest heaven. 

***

श्रीरामजयम्

Awareness

Our ADY teacher has been emphasizing increasingly that we should cultivate awareness in everything we do every moment. I just became aware of how important it is to be aware moment to moment:

1. Being aware we enjoy every moment.

2. Being aware we are sensitive=kind every moment.

3. Being aware we are efficient every moment. 

4. Being aware we are beautiful every moment. 

5. Bring aware we are responsive every moment. 

6. Being aware we are objective every moment. 

7. Being aware we are safe every moment. 

8. Being aware we are alive every moment. 

9. Being aware we are rooted every moment. 

10. Being aware we can grow every moment. 

Sankalp = Be aware every moment!

Begone Corona Virus!

Inspired by my Sanskrit teachers:

लोकाः सर्वे पीडिता व्याधिग्रस्ताः

मर्त्यास्त्रस्ताः सर्वथा भीतभीताः। 

त्वं जाड्यश्चीनदेशात् प्रवृत्तः

शीघ्रं नितरां  कोरनाख्यो  विगच्छ॥

What makes me who I am

 

अदाता वंशदोषेण कर्मदोषात् दरिद्रता । 

उन्मादो मातृदोषेण पितृदोषेण मूर्खता॥

If I am a miser, it is due to my family background of miserliness.

If I am poor, it is due to my past deeds and actions (inefficient, deficient, untrustworthy and so on).

If I am given to intemperance, bad habits and sloth, it is due to the way my mother did not correct me and instil good habits when I was young.

If I am not worldly wise and a bit of a duffer, it is due to my father.

The quality of Kshamaa

Kshamaa is a great virtue to be cultivated by a Yoga Sadhaka.

Interestingly, Kshamaa in Sanskrit can be translated as forgiveness as well as forbearance. 

The insistence on Kshamaa comes from the fact that in the absence of Kshamaa we continue to hurt inside, project negative feelings around, and relate to people and situations with anger, vengeance and a sense of victimhood.

My own life and its lessons have taught me that to feel hurt and angry is a perfectly normal feeling for everyone of us. This comes mainly from disappointments and unhappy experiences that went against our own expectations and what we felt was fair to us and what we thought was our entitlement.

In Bhgavadgita, Sri Krishna defines Jnana or wisdom as becoming aware (Anudarshanam) that this life-cycle is fraught with Doshas=defects such as Janma= birth, Mrityu= Death, Jara= Old age, Vyadhi=Disease, Duhkha=Sorrow (BG13.9). Bhagavan also says that contact with this world causes heat and cold, sorrow and pleasure, but all these pass off soon and so we should forbear these experiences (BG 2.14).

So is an essential helpless tolerance of Life's difficulties and pains the only way to truth? What is our truth? What is our true nature? When we pursue the path of Atma Darshan = Awareness of our true eternal nature, we come to realise that our essential nature is an Inner bliss and contentment that cannot be shaken or broken by any external situation or interaction. 

Atman is of the nature of eternal bliss. But we are unaware of that. Therefore we identify ourselves with pain and hurt, we identify ourselves with the body and mind and become vulnerable to external experiences with people, things and situations. This bondage should be broken if we want truly to cultivate Kshama. 

My favourite source of wisdom and Motivation is the Srimad Bhagavadgita. Sri Krishna defines Yoga as Duhkha-Samyoga-Viyoga (BG6.23)

yasmin sthito na duḥkhena

guruṇāpi vicālyate

taṁ vidyād duḥkha-saṁyoga-

viyogaṁ yoga-saṁjñitam (BG 6.23)

Being situated in such a position, which is defined as Yoga, one is never shaken, even in the midst of greatest difficulty. This indeed is actual freedom from all miseries arising from material contact.

So breaking free of hurt and victimhood by stopping my dependence on external sources of pleasure and joy is the path to Yoga. 

As long as I do not have this mindset, I will be hurt and unhappy. I will have expectations which beget disappointments. And the cycle will be eternal. 

I cannot use forgiveness as a bargaining tactic in relationships. I have to forgive everyone everything every time because I can see the external cover of body and mind reacting with their own tendencies but I am established in my eternal nature of bliss. 

Atma Darshan is the key to forgiveness. Those who hurt others are unaware. Those who feel hurt are also unaware of their own inner joy. We are all sailing in the same boat of worldly existence. We need to break free within ourselves and find that inner joy and peace.

Then and then alone will we be able to forgive like the Buddha. 

Levels of Awareness

http://www.atmadarshan.net

I feel blessed to begin my day with a session of Yoga online with Atma Darshan Yoga class. Our teachers Sri. Devanand and Smt. Devashri are exemplary in their dedication, mastery of the subject, and their way of communication. Even a class of 50 connects to them easily at a one-on-one level. 

A key Fundamental of Satyam Yoga as taught is Pawanmuktasan or PM series.

The PM1 series deals with all our joints. Toes, ankle, knee, hip, fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck. We move each with levels of awareness and breath synchronization.

I have found this to be remarkable for the way it keeps me like a well-oiled pendulum clock. 

I was wondering if there is an analogy to explain how this works. It surely works at many levels, and as I unravel it, the imagery of a master of a factory or farm and a worker come to mind. 

FIRST

At the most basic level, the master is aware of the worker - that he exists. He doesn't give much attention as there are many workers in his farm or factory. He observes what work the worker does. That's it. 

SECOND 

At the next level, he makes the worker's acquaintance, what his background is and how he goes about his job. He observes his level of efficiency and gives him some feedback, positive if his work is good, advice if not so good. He will perhaps send him for some training. 

THIRD 

At the next level, he will take on himself the role of a coach for the worker. He will advise the worker how he can stand out and shine. The master wants the worker to relate to other workers and establish a synergy of efficiency. 

FOURTH

At the next level, the worker may be motivated enough to see the grand vision of the master and join in the celebration of the totality of the establishment. He really excels at this level and becomes more than just a worker but a valued part of a grand whole. 

The PM1 levels are of 1) awareness of movement, 2) infusion of breath/Prana, 3) awareness of vitality and strength of the joint, and finally 4)perfection of movement.... 

These in PM1 series roughly correspond to the levels I have listed in my story. 

Does it make sense? 

हरिः ॐ तत् सत् 

Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna

Five Mahavakyas of Sri. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa:

1. Constant and undivided Kirtan (Chanting and prayer) of the Lord.

2. Active and frequent Satsang with devoted fellow-travellers on the spiritual path.

3. Reclusive life of meditation in quiet and isolated settings.

4. Continuous discriminative contemplation of the eternal true Reality and the fleeting nature and undependability of all worldly experiences.

5. Engagement in all worldly duties, performing all interactions with my people and being at my best for all occasions, but with the clear insight that all this is a passing drama and my inner reality is God. 

हरिः ॐ तत् सत्