King Janak prostrated in front of Vishvamitra, swami of all the munis, who blessed him profoundly. Right then, the two princes, who had gone to see the surrounding gardens, walked in.
Very handsome, one fair, the other dark, the two young men looked very pleasing to the eyes, and could easily charm the whole world.
All, who had accompanied the king, became enamoured with Raghuvir and His brother. Tears of joy were flowing down their cheeks, while their bodies were charged with excitement. Watching, the sweet endearing image of Ram, King Janak lost all sense of time and place.
With great fervour and emotion the king asked of the muni,"Oh Divine sage, are these two siblings, the ornaments of your monkdom, or are these two, the keepers of a royal kingdom? Or, is it possible, that these two are' Brahman' in tandem, of whom the Vedas have sung about saying neti, neti (not this, not this)? My mind, that is detached by nature, is fascinated by their sight. Pray, please tell me who are they, do not hide anything from me. After seeing them, I have lost my equilibrium, and fallen in love with them."
Then Vshvamitra answered," Oh king, you are absolutely right! How can you be wrong. All the human beings of this universe, adore Him". Hearing the muni's mysterious indication, Ram smiled to Himself, and in His own way indicated to the muni, not to reveal anything further. The
muni then, said to king Janak that, these gems are of the Raghukul/dynasty. Their father, King Dushruth, had put them in his trust, for his good. These two brothers are the house of beauty, knowledge and strength. The entire world knows, that they are the ones who, protected his yagnas/ sacrificial ceremonies from the demons!!
Our lives are so enriched, that , we hardly even realize it!! We must make an attempt to count the numerous blessings, that we have been showered upon. Today, lets find time to be witness to them, and then, we will be in Ram Rajya. JAI HO!!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Kaavya
For sometime now, I have been diligently writing my blog everyday. But, as all good things come to an end, their has been an ebb, in the flow of my continuity. For all those, who look forward to my musings I offer my apologies. I will endeavour to keep the flow going, and in no way bring this, to an end for a very long time.
I am in sunny California for three weeks, visiting my nephew Sidharth, who has been blessed with the most adorable baby girl with a scintillating smile. She has the most beautiful name 'Kaavya'. It seems to me, as if, she represents the epic, that I am writing about, for the meaning of the name as I understand it, is a tome of a long poem. That is exactly what the Ram Charitra Manas of Tulsidas is. This revelation came to me today as I was putting my thoughts together. Life works in strange ways! To think, all this time, all I was doing was looking for inspiration, while inspiration was staring at my face all along!! Thank you Kaavya I will forever be grateful to you.
I am enjoying the balmy breeze, the swaying palms, the lush as well as the brush covered mountains in and around L A . Both of Kaavya's parents Sid and Kanika, have been very gracious hosts. To be amongst them, my sister Rashmi and my Jejajee Avtar is like icing on the cake. Lazy afternoons with good food, good company in this summer month seems to be a divine calling .
The trip to Laguna beach was extra special for me, as Arjun was also here for a couple of days. Cool beers, on the rooftop restaurant of Montage resort hotel, overlooking the Pacific ocean were very refreshing. The next trip was promptly planned for the following week, when my other favourite nephew Rajat would be here from India.
We have this tradition in our family, that whenever we go to an enchanting place, we resolve to meet at the same venue, with the rest of the members of our family. So Arjun, we have to come back with Suni, Ruchi and Dad very very soon!!
How unfettered, unblemished, pure with gay abandon, having implicit trust, very calm, with not many needs, very easily pleased is this little being called Kaavya? Maybe, I am here, because I have an opportunity to see this new creation of God, and understand how truly beautiful life is and how in Ram Rajya we can keep it that way. JAI HO!
I am in sunny California for three weeks, visiting my nephew Sidharth, who has been blessed with the most adorable baby girl with a scintillating smile. She has the most beautiful name 'Kaavya'. It seems to me, as if, she represents the epic, that I am writing about, for the meaning of the name as I understand it, is a tome of a long poem. That is exactly what the Ram Charitra Manas of Tulsidas is. This revelation came to me today as I was putting my thoughts together. Life works in strange ways! To think, all this time, all I was doing was looking for inspiration, while inspiration was staring at my face all along!! Thank you Kaavya I will forever be grateful to you.
I am enjoying the balmy breeze, the swaying palms, the lush as well as the brush covered mountains in and around L A . Both of Kaavya's parents Sid and Kanika, have been very gracious hosts. To be amongst them, my sister Rashmi and my Jejajee Avtar is like icing on the cake. Lazy afternoons with good food, good company in this summer month seems to be a divine calling .
The trip to Laguna beach was extra special for me, as Arjun was also here for a couple of days. Cool beers, on the rooftop restaurant of Montage resort hotel, overlooking the Pacific ocean were very refreshing. The next trip was promptly planned for the following week, when my other favourite nephew Rajat would be here from India.
We have this tradition in our family, that whenever we go to an enchanting place, we resolve to meet at the same venue, with the rest of the members of our family. So Arjun, we have to come back with Suni, Ruchi and Dad very very soon!!
How unfettered, unblemished, pure with gay abandon, having implicit trust, very calm, with not many needs, very easily pleased is this little being called Kaavya? Maybe, I am here, because I have an opportunity to see this new creation of God, and understand how truly beautiful life is and how in Ram Rajya we can keep it that way. JAI HO!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Janakpur
Chale Ram Lachiman Muni Sanga
Gaye Jahan Jug Pavani Ganga
Accompanied by the sage, Shri Ram and His brother Lakshman, came to the banks of the celestial river ganga, whose waters purify the whole universe.
The son of Gadhi, the sage Vishvamitra narrated the legend about how this celestial river came to the earth. Then, the Lord along with other rishis and munis took a dip in the holy river. All the Brahmans received different kinds of gifts as is the custom.
It was time to proceed onwards, and soon the two brothers escorted by the sage Vishvamitra, reached the outskirts of the city named Janakpur. They were charmed by the grandeur of the city. Their were numerous unique ponds, lakes, rivers with nectar like water flowing through them. To access these, their were gem studded stairs going down.
Beautiful gardens, glorious lawns and deep woods that were home to beautiful birds and trees were part of the scenery of this, spread out city. Monarch butterflies drunk with the sweet scent of flowers were dancing around in circles. Lotus flowers were blooming in all colors imaginable, Birds were chirping while the wind had a mild sweet air to it.
The beauty of this city of Janakpur was unparalled. No matter where one looked, the gaze got stuck. The marketplaces were laden with various wares, and one of a kind courtyards were carved out of precious stones, as if Brahma had made them with his own hands. Long winding lanes were seeped in aromatic fragrance, while the intersections had been decorated with festoons.
Their, seemed to be a strange calm and serenity in the houses, whose architecture was beyond description. The residents, men women and children, were all beautiful, pure, religious knowledgeable and talented. The palace of Janak, the king, was so luxurious that even the devtas were jealous. The fine artistry that went into the terracotta of the palace, depicted as if the beauty of the entire universe, was captured in it.
The windows of this well lit palace had these sheer drapes, made out of gold foil, that were emblzoned in gems. Next to the main palace was an annex which housed the princess Sita.
All the gates of the royal palace were strong as steel, while the doors were studded in diamonds. Crowds of fledgling artists, petty kings, and vendors were hanging around these gates. The vast grounds were full with horses and elephants. Many strong men, ministers and army chiefs had their own small cottages in these grounds.
Lot of camps were set up for small rajas, near the suburbs, where the rivers and lakes were flowing. Just near one of these sites, the sage Visvamitra located a mango grove. Finding this place suitable on all accounts, he asked the two royal princes to set up camp, with other munis and sages.
When the king heard that the sage Vishvamitra had arrived in town, he decided to pay him a visit. As always, we shall carry on another day to see if the king went to visit.Wonder, what this stage is being set up for, can you guess?
In Ram Rajya, we not only pay attention to our moral and spiritual needs, but great emphasis is laid on our environment. When we read about the beauty of Janakpur, we should make sure that we make our habitats clean and lovely, then surely, we will have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Gaye Jahan Jug Pavani Ganga
Accompanied by the sage, Shri Ram and His brother Lakshman, came to the banks of the celestial river ganga, whose waters purify the whole universe.
The son of Gadhi, the sage Vishvamitra narrated the legend about how this celestial river came to the earth. Then, the Lord along with other rishis and munis took a dip in the holy river. All the Brahmans received different kinds of gifts as is the custom.
It was time to proceed onwards, and soon the two brothers escorted by the sage Vishvamitra, reached the outskirts of the city named Janakpur. They were charmed by the grandeur of the city. Their were numerous unique ponds, lakes, rivers with nectar like water flowing through them. To access these, their were gem studded stairs going down.
Beautiful gardens, glorious lawns and deep woods that were home to beautiful birds and trees were part of the scenery of this, spread out city. Monarch butterflies drunk with the sweet scent of flowers were dancing around in circles. Lotus flowers were blooming in all colors imaginable, Birds were chirping while the wind had a mild sweet air to it.
The beauty of this city of Janakpur was unparalled. No matter where one looked, the gaze got stuck. The marketplaces were laden with various wares, and one of a kind courtyards were carved out of precious stones, as if Brahma had made them with his own hands. Long winding lanes were seeped in aromatic fragrance, while the intersections had been decorated with festoons.
Their, seemed to be a strange calm and serenity in the houses, whose architecture was beyond description. The residents, men women and children, were all beautiful, pure, religious knowledgeable and talented. The palace of Janak, the king, was so luxurious that even the devtas were jealous. The fine artistry that went into the terracotta of the palace, depicted as if the beauty of the entire universe, was captured in it.
The windows of this well lit palace had these sheer drapes, made out of gold foil, that were emblzoned in gems. Next to the main palace was an annex which housed the princess Sita.
All the gates of the royal palace were strong as steel, while the doors were studded in diamonds. Crowds of fledgling artists, petty kings, and vendors were hanging around these gates. The vast grounds were full with horses and elephants. Many strong men, ministers and army chiefs had their own small cottages in these grounds.
Lot of camps were set up for small rajas, near the suburbs, where the rivers and lakes were flowing. Just near one of these sites, the sage Visvamitra located a mango grove. Finding this place suitable on all accounts, he asked the two royal princes to set up camp, with other munis and sages.
When the king heard that the sage Vishvamitra had arrived in town, he decided to pay him a visit. As always, we shall carry on another day to see if the king went to visit.Wonder, what this stage is being set up for, can you guess?
In Ram Rajya, we not only pay attention to our moral and spiritual needs, but great emphasis is laid on our environment. When we read about the beauty of Janakpur, we should make sure that we make our habitats clean and lovely, then surely, we will have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Ahilya
"Due to a curse by Gautam, her consort, this lady Ahilya, turned into a slab of stone. She awaits your arrival patiently," said the sage, "so that the dust from your lotus feet, will get her human form back. Oh Lord! of the kingdom of Raghus, please show mercy on her"
As soon as the Lord's feet that drive away sorrow, slightly touched her, Ahilya emerged looking every bit austerity, itself. With folded hands and a full heart she beheld Ram. Tears were running down her cheeks as she stood there speechless. She fell at His feet and feeling so blessed, started singing the praises of the lord. She asked to be saved, for she had taken refuge in Him, while being so impure. Ahilya tried to tell Ram that she considered herself lucky, for if not for Gautam's curse, she would not have met Him. So, she implored Ram, to give her no other boon but, let her mind, forever love the feet of the Lord, just like the bee that sucks the honey from a lotus. She kept praising Shri Hari, how he had put the same foot on her head, that from which the holy river Ganga flows, and Shive bears on his head. Thus, having praised Shri Hari in numerous ways, and falling at His feet, over, and over again Ahilya took her leave. With a joyous heart, she went to her husband's abode.
Tulsidas says, that Shri Hari is a friend of the meek and the humble. His compassion, knows no bounds. So do not be foolish, and be wrangling in petty matters. Just adore Him. Be in Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
As soon as the Lord's feet that drive away sorrow, slightly touched her, Ahilya emerged looking every bit austerity, itself. With folded hands and a full heart she beheld Ram. Tears were running down her cheeks as she stood there speechless. She fell at His feet and feeling so blessed, started singing the praises of the lord. She asked to be saved, for she had taken refuge in Him, while being so impure. Ahilya tried to tell Ram that she considered herself lucky, for if not for Gautam's curse, she would not have met Him. So, she implored Ram, to give her no other boon but, let her mind, forever love the feet of the Lord, just like the bee that sucks the honey from a lotus. She kept praising Shri Hari, how he had put the same foot on her head, that from which the holy river Ganga flows, and Shive bears on his head. Thus, having praised Shri Hari in numerous ways, and falling at His feet, over, and over again Ahilya took her leave. With a joyous heart, she went to her husband's abode.
Tulsidas says, that Shri Hari is a friend of the meek and the humble. His compassion, knows no bounds. So do not be foolish, and be wrangling in petty matters. Just adore Him. Be in Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Ram Slays The Demons Mareech And Subahu
The next day at dawn, the Lord said to the sage to perform his sacrifice as usual, but with no fear. All the sages got together, and started offering oblations to the holy fire, while Shri Ram Himself , guarded the area.
Mareech the demon, a big foe of the sages, upon hearing about the sacrifice, rushed furiously with his forces. Shri Ram aimed a headless shaft that struck him, as he fell eight hundred miles away, even beyond the sea shore. Next, the Lord took care of Subahu, with an arrow of fire, while His younger brother Lakshman, took down a host of other demons. All the Brahmans got rid of their fear, after Shri Ram killed the demons; then the whole contingent of sages and seers sang the praises of the Lord.
The two brothers, stayed on for a few days, keeping everybody very happy. The Brahmans in their devotion, narrated stories from the Puranas, not comprehending that the Lord was the fountain of all knowledge.
One day, the sage asked Shri Ram to go and witness a bow sacrifice. So happily, the brothers accompanied the holy sage. While on the way there, they came upon a deserted ashram. Not even a bird, a beast, or any other living creature could be seen around. Upon seeing a slab of stone, lying on the ground, Shri Ram enquired of the sage. Then, he told Him the whole story, which of course will have to wait for another day. Till then live in bliss, that is Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Mareech the demon, a big foe of the sages, upon hearing about the sacrifice, rushed furiously with his forces. Shri Ram aimed a headless shaft that struck him, as he fell eight hundred miles away, even beyond the sea shore. Next, the Lord took care of Subahu, with an arrow of fire, while His younger brother Lakshman, took down a host of other demons. All the Brahmans got rid of their fear, after Shri Ram killed the demons; then the whole contingent of sages and seers sang the praises of the Lord.
The two brothers, stayed on for a few days, keeping everybody very happy. The Brahmans in their devotion, narrated stories from the Puranas, not comprehending that the Lord was the fountain of all knowledge.
One day, the sage asked Shri Ram to go and witness a bow sacrifice. So happily, the brothers accompanied the holy sage. While on the way there, they came upon a deserted ashram. Not even a bird, a beast, or any other living creature could be seen around. Upon seeing a slab of stone, lying on the ground, Shri Ram enquired of the sage. Then, he told Him the whole story, which of course will have to wait for another day. Till then live in bliss, that is Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Demoness Tarka Gets Salvation
While walking alongside Visvamitra, one could admire Shri Ram's reddish eyes, a broad chest and long thin arms.The dark colour of his body was as the blue lotus or even as the blue tamala tree, A yellow sash was tied around His waist, a quiver hung on His back, His hands held a set of bow and arrow.
Vishvamitra thought to himself, how lucky could he get, to get the two boys, one fair the other dark. Just for him, to help the devtas and the Brahmans, the lord had left His own father.
The demoness Tarka, hearing them on the way, scurried up in a rage. As soon as the sage pointed her out to the Lord, with a single shaft, He ended her life. Recognising, that the demoness deserved compassion, the Lord bestowed upon her His ultimate grace.
Even though, Ram is acknowledged as the fountain of knowledge, Vishvamitra imparted to Him a sacred formula that would arm Him against hunger pangs, thirst and endow Him with vigor and strength. After handing over the cachet of weapons he had, Vishvamitra took the boys to his hermitage, and lovingly offered them, bulbs, roots and fruits to eat. The sage, had found true friends!
Our Lord Ram, is a compassionate Lord. He knew that Tarka had been harrassing the devtas, and not letting them complete their sacriftces. Even then, after putting an end to her miserable existance, He sent her to His abode. Our task is veryt simple, have no doubt, just ask him for deliverance and then be in Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Vishvamitra thought to himself, how lucky could he get, to get the two boys, one fair the other dark. Just for him, to help the devtas and the Brahmans, the lord had left His own father.
The demoness Tarka, hearing them on the way, scurried up in a rage. As soon as the sage pointed her out to the Lord, with a single shaft, He ended her life. Recognising, that the demoness deserved compassion, the Lord bestowed upon her His ultimate grace.
Even though, Ram is acknowledged as the fountain of knowledge, Vishvamitra imparted to Him a sacred formula that would arm Him against hunger pangs, thirst and endow Him with vigor and strength. After handing over the cachet of weapons he had, Vishvamitra took the boys to his hermitage, and lovingly offered them, bulbs, roots and fruits to eat. The sage, had found true friends!
Our Lord Ram, is a compassionate Lord. He knew that Tarka had been harrassing the devtas, and not letting them complete their sacriftces. Even then, after putting an end to her miserable existance, He sent her to His abode. Our task is veryt simple, have no doubt, just ask him for deliverance and then be in Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Happy Canada Day/ July 1
Upon hearing the most unpleasant request, the king's heart started fluttering and the blood drained from his face. He said that he had been blessed with his four sons, when he had ripened in years, therefor, the sage had not put any thought in his unreasonable request.
"Ask me for land, wealth, cattle , or goods,"said the king, "and I will gladly give them to you, in an instant. Nothing is more valuable than one's life, and Iwill give that up in a flash. All my four sons are dear to me than life itself, but in no case can I spare Ram, honorable sage. Those demons are such monsters, while my sons are still very young and fragile, and are no match to them."
The very wise hermit Vishvamitra, was touched with the tender love that the king had for his sons. However, he pleaded his case, till the time the king understood, the grave situation that the demons had created and, how his sons could help the sage.
The King lovingly called his two sons; hugging and putting them close to his bosom, he offered some fatherly advise. Then turning to the sage the king reminded him, that the sons were his life itself, and from then on, he would be their only father.
"Ask me for land, wealth, cattle , or goods,"said the king, "and I will gladly give them to you, in an instant. Nothing is more valuable than one's life, and Iwill give that up in a flash. All my four sons are dear to me than life itself, but in no case can I spare Ram, honorable sage. Those demons are such monsters, while my sons are still very young and fragile, and are no match to them."
The very wise hermit Vishvamitra, was touched with the tender love that the king had for his sons. However, he pleaded his case, till the time the king understood, the grave situation that the demons had created and, how his sons could help the sage.
The King lovingly called his two sons; hugging and putting them close to his bosom, he offered some fatherly advise. Then turning to the sage the king reminded him, that the sons were his life itself, and from then on, he would be their only father.
After blessing them, the king, handed over the charge of his sons, to the sage. Bidding adieu to their respective mothers, the two heroes who were lions among men, a sea of compassion. resolute of purpose, and the ultimate cause of the whole universe, set out to free the sage of all his fears.
Sometimes, for a greater cause, one has to make tremendous sacrifice. We see, how the king is so reticent, in letting his sons go out of his sight, to help Vishvamitra in his dilemma. But then he relents, fot the good of the sage. For Ram Rajya we should be ready and willing, to let go, so that we can let God.!!
Happy Canada Day, Happy Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Sometimes, for a greater cause, one has to make tremendous sacrifice. We see, how the king is so reticent, in letting his sons go out of his sight, to help Vishvamitra in his dilemma. But then he relents, fot the good of the sage. For Ram Rajya we should be ready and willing, to let go, so that we can let God.!!
Happy Canada Day, Happy Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
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