The women of Janakpur are abuzz with talks of how the dark complexioned older brother is most worthy of the hand, of the princess Janaki, in marriage. They discuss about how the king might not discard his vow, of the bow-sacrifice. They all sincerely hope that providence will take over, and the princess will get her due. One thing was certain, they all wanted to see these beautiful boys coming to their town again and again. If only they are so fortunate.
The people on the street wondered, how this young dark skinned lad, even though he is so suited for the princess, will be able to bend the bow. One said, that he only looks vulnerable, that he had heard, that the boy yields great power, and that by touching Ahilya, (I have already written about this story before) who had sinned, by hes feet, she had achieved salvation. Every one was of one view however. They wanted Sita the daughter of king Janak to marry Ram.
By now, the brothers arrived at the eastern part of the city. This is where the bow- sacrifice was to be held. In the spacious arena a pristine alter was erected, that was exquisitely adorned. Just like a boxing ring, this altar had raised platform seats all around it, that were made of gold, to seat the princes, who had been invited. Then, their was another higher level of seats, just like the bleachers, where the common folks would sit.. Close to the inner circle, their were brightly painted colourful galleries, where their were boxed in seating, for the women in rank, in the family.
All this sight -seeing tour was being given to the brothers by the children of the town. They eagerly swooned over the princes and led them from here to there . Lovingly, the brothers engaged with the children and showed awe and wonder at what they saw. The Lord who with his 'Maya' can produce several universes in the blink of an eye, was showing amusement and graciousness at the sight of this arena.
Realising it was pretty late the brothers returned to their Guru. The sublime Lord, who on a whim can inspire terror in terror itself, can on the other hand, manifest devotion too,. However the Lord was sacred of the Guru because they were late.
Very childlike, the Lord Shri Ram frolicked with the innocent children of Janakpur. Bring that inner child out today, and then you shall have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Ram, Lakshman - The Paramount Of Beauty
The two curly haired brothers had a beauty that was unparalleled. From head to toe, it was beauty as it should be.
The town folks upon hearing the news that the two princes were visiting, ran in droves to see them. Leaving whatever work they were doing, as if a fortune awaited them and their days of wretchedness were over. The gracefulness of the two brothers filled their hearts and their eyes had beheld a vision. The women however, witnessed the brothers' beauty by peaking through the tiny windows in their homes. Millions of cupids could not add up to their beauty, they told each other. No God, man, demon, Naga, nor sage can compare to the beauty of the two princes they said to each other. Lord Vishnu has four arms, Bramha has four heads, and Shiva the slayer of the demon, Tripura wears some scary garbs and has five faces, they joked with their friends. No God can come even close to the beauty of Ram and Lakshman. The two boys are still of tender age and are the abode of beauty and bliss they discussed among themselves. Millions and a thousand more millions of cupids can be put to shame by only one of their limbs, the women observed.
The ladies asked each other if any human being can not be charmed by their beauty. One of them, informed them that, she had heard that these two boys, who were like a pair of beautiful birds, were the sons of King Dasaratha. They had protected the sacrifice of the sage Kaushika. They have also slain many demons in the battlefield. He who is of wheatish complexion and has bewitching lotus like eyes, and who with his bow and arrow has squashed the pride of Mareech and Subahu is Ram, a fountain of bliss, and the son of Kaushilya. The other young lad, closely following behind with a bow and arrow, fair skinned and in gallant attire, is the son of Sumitra, the friend informed. Further more they are here for the bow sacrifice, after finishing the tasks of the great Brahmin sage Vishvamitra and redeeming Ahilya another sage's wife.
Ram Rajya is a way of life, life which is very beautiful. Bring the beauty of Shri Ram and Lakshman, the two princes, in your daily lives and then you will have Ram Rajya. JAI HO!
The town folks upon hearing the news that the two princes were visiting, ran in droves to see them. Leaving whatever work they were doing, as if a fortune awaited them and their days of wretchedness were over. The gracefulness of the two brothers filled their hearts and their eyes had beheld a vision. The women however, witnessed the brothers' beauty by peaking through the tiny windows in their homes. Millions of cupids could not add up to their beauty, they told each other. No God, man, demon, Naga, nor sage can compare to the beauty of the two princes they said to each other. Lord Vishnu has four arms, Bramha has four heads, and Shiva the slayer of the demon, Tripura wears some scary garbs and has five faces, they joked with their friends. No God can come even close to the beauty of Ram and Lakshman. The two boys are still of tender age and are the abode of beauty and bliss they discussed among themselves. Millions and a thousand more millions of cupids can be put to shame by only one of their limbs, the women observed.
The ladies asked each other if any human being can not be charmed by their beauty. One of them, informed them that, she had heard that these two boys, who were like a pair of beautiful birds, were the sons of King Dasaratha. They had protected the sacrifice of the sage Kaushika. They have also slain many demons in the battlefield. He who is of wheatish complexion and has bewitching lotus like eyes, and who with his bow and arrow has squashed the pride of Mareech and Subahu is Ram, a fountain of bliss, and the son of Kaushilya. The other young lad, closely following behind with a bow and arrow, fair skinned and in gallant attire, is the son of Sumitra, the friend informed. Further more they are here for the bow sacrifice, after finishing the tasks of the great Brahmin sage Vishvamitra and redeeming Ahilya another sage's wife.
Ram Rajya is a way of life, life which is very beautiful. Bring the beauty of Shri Ram and Lakshman, the two princes, in your daily lives and then you will have Ram Rajya. JAI HO!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Behold The Beauty Of Ram And Lakshman Now
Of and on, I branch off on matters that are dear to me, or subjects I think need to be addressed. However, the goal always remains the same: bringing Ram Rajya into our daily awareness. Our spiritual journey continues, in which, according to Eckhart Tolle, a spiritual teacher and writer, we have to leave the analytical mind and the false created self, the ego, behind. Even though it is a daunting task, it becomes simple, if we live in the now and work onwards from there.
Continuing with the saga of the Ram Charitra Manas, last, Shri Ram and brother Lakshman were in Janakpur with the sage Vishvamitra. King Janak had welcomed them and put them up in the best of accomodations. After having dinner, the night was still young and Lakshman had something in mind.
Lakhan Hridaya Lalasa Biseshi
Jaee Janakpur Aaeeya Dekhee
Lakshman was in no mood to turn in that early.He was wondering if he could go and explore the surroundings. Maybe, he could look around the capital Janakpur he thought, but was very reticent to ask of his brother, and on the other hand, was in awe of the sage.
The Lord sensed his brother's dilemma and decided to ask the seer's permission very respectfully. The sage was very pleased at Shri Ram's good manners. He told Him that He was the upholder of the moral code and that He brought glee to all of His devotees.
"Run along you happy pair, see the city and come back" said the sage," show your lovely countenance to the people and bless their eyes"
Touching the feet of the muni, the two brothers, a treat to the eyes of the whole world were off. Groups of boys started following them, all enamoured by the exquisite beauty of the two brothers. The two, were clad in yellow garments with sashes around their waists. A quiver was tied on their backs respectively, and each carried a bow and arrow in their hands. One dark and the other fair, they had streaks of sandalwood paste painted on their bodies so as to match their complexion. With long slender arms, necks, built as a lion's, they wore strings of pearls, got from the forehead of elephants. Their eyes resembled the red lotus, and their moon-like face, was enough to relieve one of any kind of tension. The ears were adorned with gold while the eyebrows were perfectly arched, with a sectarian tilak (mark) on the forehead. Casting a bewitching glance, the pair definitely stole every body's heart. They were beauty personified!!!!!
We can behold the beauty of the two brothers in this very moment. Just close your eyes and be very still. Go deep inside within you and do not listen to the chattering of the mind. Feel your presence in the now and then you will have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!!
.
Continuing with the saga of the Ram Charitra Manas, last, Shri Ram and brother Lakshman were in Janakpur with the sage Vishvamitra. King Janak had welcomed them and put them up in the best of accomodations. After having dinner, the night was still young and Lakshman had something in mind.
Lakhan Hridaya Lalasa Biseshi
Jaee Janakpur Aaeeya Dekhee
Lakshman was in no mood to turn in that early.He was wondering if he could go and explore the surroundings. Maybe, he could look around the capital Janakpur he thought, but was very reticent to ask of his brother, and on the other hand, was in awe of the sage.
The Lord sensed his brother's dilemma and decided to ask the seer's permission very respectfully. The sage was very pleased at Shri Ram's good manners. He told Him that He was the upholder of the moral code and that He brought glee to all of His devotees.
"Run along you happy pair, see the city and come back" said the sage," show your lovely countenance to the people and bless their eyes"
Touching the feet of the muni, the two brothers, a treat to the eyes of the whole world were off. Groups of boys started following them, all enamoured by the exquisite beauty of the two brothers. The two, were clad in yellow garments with sashes around their waists. A quiver was tied on their backs respectively, and each carried a bow and arrow in their hands. One dark and the other fair, they had streaks of sandalwood paste painted on their bodies so as to match their complexion. With long slender arms, necks, built as a lion's, they wore strings of pearls, got from the forehead of elephants. Their eyes resembled the red lotus, and their moon-like face, was enough to relieve one of any kind of tension. The ears were adorned with gold while the eyebrows were perfectly arched, with a sectarian tilak (mark) on the forehead. Casting a bewitching glance, the pair definitely stole every body's heart. They were beauty personified!!!!!
We can behold the beauty of the two brothers in this very moment. Just close your eyes and be very still. Go deep inside within you and do not listen to the chattering of the mind. Feel your presence in the now and then you will have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!!
.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Remembering Our Ancestors
This is the time of 'Pitra Paksha'(15 days devoted to our ancestors) in our Hindu calendar. Remembering our forefathers and paying homage to them, is very significant. Just as we have Thanksgiving every year, similarly I could relate these days as giving thanks to our parents and our grand parents who are the architects of our sojourn on this planet.
So today, I pay my respects and gratitude to my parents and my husband's parents who have passed on. They are always in my thoughts. As I have said before, I still maintain, that one should feel very fortunate when they have their parents in their lives. Their true worth is realized only when they are gone from this world. I truly wish they were around me now, so that I could enjoy their company and wisdom, and our children could be showered by their love and affection. I cherish my memories of them and feel forever blessed for being in our lives.
This Ram Rajya is ours to have now.It is certainly not a dream for the future or of the past. It is within us and ours to discover. For today though, just remember your ancestors and pay them a silent tribute and then you shall have Ram Rajya! Jai Ho!
So today, I pay my respects and gratitude to my parents and my husband's parents who have passed on. They are always in my thoughts. As I have said before, I still maintain, that one should feel very fortunate when they have their parents in their lives. Their true worth is realized only when they are gone from this world. I truly wish they were around me now, so that I could enjoy their company and wisdom, and our children could be showered by their love and affection. I cherish my memories of them and feel forever blessed for being in our lives.
This Ram Rajya is ours to have now.It is certainly not a dream for the future or of the past. It is within us and ours to discover. For today though, just remember your ancestors and pay them a silent tribute and then you shall have Ram Rajya! Jai Ho!
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Power Of The Satya Narayan Katha
The word of the Lord Shri Ram, is what I set out to relay, yet again, to the world. I merrily went about this business, thinking, this task was a piece of cake. Little did I know, that, most of all, I would have to battle with my own mind. I literally succumbed to my own temptations. Summer, vacations, leisure time, procrastination, all did me in. As my determination waned, my daily habit of writing, went out the window and quickly, I fell behind. My conscience however, kept nagging me, but my will power eluded me.
Today, I plan to change all that. As, all good things come to an end, I want to proclaim that the cycle continues, and they can be begun again with greater fervour. So, I invoke the guidance of Lord Ganesh, the remover of all obstacles, to assist me in my endeavour to renew Ram Rajya.
Last week, on Purnima ( day of the full moon ) the family did the Satya Narayan Katha (story) with family and friends which brought great joy. It is said, that in Kalyug (the present age according to the Hindu calender) this katha can give salvation. Lord Vishnu told the sage Narad, about this, when he asked him, what should people do to eradicate their misery. This is what was revealed, when 84,000 rishis congregated in Naimisharanya, one of the holy places, in northern India.
So, from time to time, we, as a family decide to perform this katha and share in the glory of the Lord. Ram Rajya is about sharing and celebrating the good fortune that we all have. This katha makes us aware, that with the little that we can do to remember the Lord, we in turn receive huge benefits.
Ram Rajya, is my concept for the here and now. I firmly believe that those glory days, that came about after Shri Ram's coronation as the King of Ayodhya, are in our grasp. All we have to do, is the Satya Narayan Katha, and then we will have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Today, I plan to change all that. As, all good things come to an end, I want to proclaim that the cycle continues, and they can be begun again with greater fervour. So, I invoke the guidance of Lord Ganesh, the remover of all obstacles, to assist me in my endeavour to renew Ram Rajya.
Last week, on Purnima ( day of the full moon ) the family did the Satya Narayan Katha (story) with family and friends which brought great joy. It is said, that in Kalyug (the present age according to the Hindu calender) this katha can give salvation. Lord Vishnu told the sage Narad, about this, when he asked him, what should people do to eradicate their misery. This is what was revealed, when 84,000 rishis congregated in Naimisharanya, one of the holy places, in northern India.
So, from time to time, we, as a family decide to perform this katha and share in the glory of the Lord. Ram Rajya is about sharing and celebrating the good fortune that we all have. This katha makes us aware, that with the little that we can do to remember the Lord, we in turn receive huge benefits.
Ram Rajya, is my concept for the here and now. I firmly believe that those glory days, that came about after Shri Ram's coronation as the King of Ayodhya, are in our grasp. All we have to do, is the Satya Narayan Katha, and then we will have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Path To Freedom
Yes, when you are in Ram Rajyau, you will experience total freedom. What else will you be, but free, when you have dropped all the cares in the world for the Lord to handle ? Ram Rajya is the rule, thus, their are no rules. People are free to do what they please. They, therefore, always do things that will not only be beneficial to them alone, but all of mankind. They are kind, considerate, helpful, sincere and most of all honest. That is why, freedom prevails in Ram Rajya.
It is my earnest desire to bring the rule of Ram in our lives. Day to day monitoring of our thoughts and deeds will get us there. So, we shall plod along while listening to the epic poem by Tulsidas the Ram Charitra Manas the way I understand it. He will be our beacon,who will describe to us in the end, the rule in Raghukul, the real Ram Rajya!! Maybe our Ram Rajya by then, will be akin to the real one!!! Who knows?
Continuing with our story, king Vedeha(Janak) thanked his lucky stars while beholding the feet of the sage Vishvamitra. The two brothers, one fair and the other dark in hue delighted the king, in fact, they were as if, the delight of delight itself. The king declared to the sage, how the two brothers had this guileless love that could not be defined, and they complimented each other as Brahman (the Supreme Being) and Jeeva (the individual soul) The king could not stop gazing at the Lord while his heart overflowed with joy and the hair on his body stood on end.
Extolling the virtues of the sage and bowing at his feet, king Janak brought him and the two brothers to his capital. Finding a beautiful and comfortable palace, the king lodged them there. After taking care of all their needs and paying homage to the sage, the king returned to his own palace.
Lord Shri Ram and His brother Lakshman dined with the sage, and then sat around, for the day was not done yet. JAI HO!
It is my earnest desire to bring the rule of Ram in our lives. Day to day monitoring of our thoughts and deeds will get us there. So, we shall plod along while listening to the epic poem by Tulsidas the Ram Charitra Manas the way I understand it. He will be our beacon,who will describe to us in the end, the rule in Raghukul, the real Ram Rajya!! Maybe our Ram Rajya by then, will be akin to the real one!!! Who knows?
Continuing with our story, king Vedeha(Janak) thanked his lucky stars while beholding the feet of the sage Vishvamitra. The two brothers, one fair and the other dark in hue delighted the king, in fact, they were as if, the delight of delight itself. The king declared to the sage, how the two brothers had this guileless love that could not be defined, and they complimented each other as Brahman (the Supreme Being) and Jeeva (the individual soul) The king could not stop gazing at the Lord while his heart overflowed with joy and the hair on his body stood on end.
Extolling the virtues of the sage and bowing at his feet, king Janak brought him and the two brothers to his capital. Finding a beautiful and comfortable palace, the king lodged them there. After taking care of all their needs and paying homage to the sage, the king returned to his own palace.
Lord Shri Ram and His brother Lakshman dined with the sage, and then sat around, for the day was not done yet. JAI HO!
New Beginings
Well, it is high time I got to writing my blog- don't you think? I did go away on vacation to California for a while. That set in motion my procrastination, and a chain of events that threw me off completely. I suppose, summer can do that to you. Anyway, all I do know, is that this is my space, which gives me great comfort and solace. This is where Ram Rajya flourishes and this is where I am supposed to be.
Life is not simple by any means. It throws curve balls at you all the time and tries to suck you in. Every time one makes a step forward, it seems that one has to go backwards. So to find elation when one is despondent, one has to be in Ram Rajya. I cannot believe that I am saying this. But the fact of the matter is this. That, I am miserable, when I am away from my Ram Rajya which is right here right now. The more I dilly dallied, and postponed my commitment to this blog, the more unsettled I got. Today, it flashed to me, that my true calling is here. Here, where I can live, and breathe Ram Rajya. Here, where the grace of Ram always flows, one can take a dip and be refreshed. Here, is where His love permeates all, nobody is turned away or rebuked. Here is where we can put our burdens at the feet of Shri Ram and be assured that He will take care of them. Here, is where, one will not be judged, instead showered with good fortune. Here is where all prayers will be answered and nobody will ever be forsaken. This is Ram Rajya after all, we are in His domain.
I did not mean to be away from this Ram Rajya. It does however seems to be a blessing in disguise. It taught me a valuable lesson. The joy and peace that I received from writing about Ram Rajya was so immense that I could only imbibe, after staying away from it!
So, today their is not much else to say, but that, I am very happy and privileged to be back at what I do best- to tell the story of Shri Ram. I pray, that He blesses me and looks at me kindly, so that I can continue on with my journey.
I have said before, that Ram Rajya is not out there somewhere, but within our grasp at all times. When, while driving we have to change gears to reverse, go forward or ascend , similarly in life we have to make shifts, when the time demands. We can choose to be sad or we can change that gear and be in Ram Rajya. That is what I did today. I am so happy that I rediscovered my very own Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Life is not simple by any means. It throws curve balls at you all the time and tries to suck you in. Every time one makes a step forward, it seems that one has to go backwards. So to find elation when one is despondent, one has to be in Ram Rajya. I cannot believe that I am saying this. But the fact of the matter is this. That, I am miserable, when I am away from my Ram Rajya which is right here right now. The more I dilly dallied, and postponed my commitment to this blog, the more unsettled I got. Today, it flashed to me, that my true calling is here. Here, where I can live, and breathe Ram Rajya. Here, where the grace of Ram always flows, one can take a dip and be refreshed. Here, is where His love permeates all, nobody is turned away or rebuked. Here is where we can put our burdens at the feet of Shri Ram and be assured that He will take care of them. Here, is where, one will not be judged, instead showered with good fortune. Here is where all prayers will be answered and nobody will ever be forsaken. This is Ram Rajya after all, we are in His domain.
I did not mean to be away from this Ram Rajya. It does however seems to be a blessing in disguise. It taught me a valuable lesson. The joy and peace that I received from writing about Ram Rajya was so immense that I could only imbibe, after staying away from it!
So, today their is not much else to say, but that, I am very happy and privileged to be back at what I do best- to tell the story of Shri Ram. I pray, that He blesses me and looks at me kindly, so that I can continue on with my journey.
I have said before, that Ram Rajya is not out there somewhere, but within our grasp at all times. When, while driving we have to change gears to reverse, go forward or ascend , similarly in life we have to make shifts, when the time demands. We can choose to be sad or we can change that gear and be in Ram Rajya. That is what I did today. I am so happy that I rediscovered my very own Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
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