The clinking of her bangles, the tinkling of little bells, tied around the anklets and the waist, alerted Ram, as if Cupid himself was sounding his horns, to conquer the whole world. As He turned around to see, where the sound was coming from, He found Himself directly gazing into the beautiful limped eyes of Sita. So awe struck was He, that he kept on staring, His eyelids got stuck for a while. Actually, Nemi the God for the eyelids, was abashed, so he left his domain for a bit, giving Ram and Sita their privacy, so that they could have eye contact, with no barriers. Ram's ecstasy new no bounds. "The creator must have made her by his own hands, and was showing off his work of beauty, to the world", Ram said. Ram was dumbfounded by her charm and beauty, a beauty that was a beacon to all beauty. It was difficult for Ram to liken the beauty of the daughter of the king of Vedeha. It seamed that all illustrations of beauty done by poets in the past, could not do justice to hers at this time.
Thus, Ram totally enthralled by Sita, started reflecting his state, to his brother. Innocently He told him how Sita was none other than the daughter of the king of Janakpur, the bow-sacrifice was being held for her to find a suitor, and that she was going to the temple of Gauri. Further, he added, that her radiance had touched His naturally pure heart, that had quickened it's heartbeat and his right limbs were throbbing, which was a sign of upcoming good fortune." God only knows what He is doing, for men in the Raghukul (dynasty) never set their hearts on wayward courses". The Lord went on to explain to His brother, how He was very confident of His mind, which had never even dreamed of another man's wife." Their were very few men in this world who run away from battle, he said, cast a glance at another woman, or ever give alms to a beggar" He explained.
Even when Ram was confiding in His brother, His gaze was soaking in Sita's beauty, just like a bee was sucking in, the nectar of a lotus flower.
This segment of the 'Bal Khand' in the Ram Charitra Manas is quite profound. The Lord is showing feelings of His heart and revealing to us, the inherent inner beauty that we all have. Their is a lot to be said of love, and that is why, we shall keep talking about it a lot longer. Meanwhile, be in a state of Ram Rajya! JAI HO !
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sitas's Yearning
Tehi Avsar Sita Tehan Aaee
Girija Pujan Janani Pathaee
While the brothers were gathering flowers, Sita arrived in that garden. She was sent by her mother to pray to the Goddess Girija. She was accompanied by her smart and lovely girl friends, who happily sang along. Besides the lake, stood a small alluring sacred temple, dedicated to the universal mother Girja. Sita, after taking a dip in the lake, prayed to the Goddess so that she would find a suitable husband. One of her friends, however, strayed away, where she chanced to have a glimpse of the two brothers. Seeing how overwhelmed she looked when she returned, all the girls were eager to know, what was the reason for her ecstasy.
She answered that, she had just seen two handsome and charming men, who were tender in age, one dark and the other fair. She said that, she could hardly describe the two, because suddenly, her speech had no sight and her eyes were mute. Then, the damsels started discussing the fact that, the whole city was enamoured by the two princess who had arrived with the sage Vishvamitra. They had apparently captivated the hearts of all the men and women, and, that is all everyone was talking about. They decided, that they all must see them. When, they saw the longing and restlessness in Sita's eyes, they quickly made their way in search of them. Sita followed suit, wondering if it was her old love that had been triggered off.
Sumiri Siya Naarad Vachan, Upjee Preet Puneet
Chakit Bilowkati Sakal Disi, Janu Sisu Mrigi Sabheeth
Remembering, what Narad Muni had told her and her family, about her marriage, her heart was filled with innocent love. With anxious furtive eyes, she gazed hither and thither, like a startled fawn, who had come upon something
Was Sita already falling in love? Was this moment, the answer to her prayers ? Who is she going to see next? We all want to know. However we shall see. For today though, feel the love that is burning in Sita's heart, then you will have RAM RAJYA. JAI HO!
Girija Pujan Janani PathaeeWhile the brothers were gathering flowers, Sita arrived in that garden. She was sent by her mother to pray to the Goddess Girija. She was accompanied by her smart and lovely girl friends, who happily sang along. Besides the lake, stood a small alluring sacred temple, dedicated to the universal mother Girja. Sita, after taking a dip in the lake, prayed to the Goddess so that she would find a suitable husband. One of her friends, however, strayed away, where she chanced to have a glimpse of the two brothers. Seeing how overwhelmed she looked when she returned, all the girls were eager to know, what was the reason for her ecstasy.
She answered that, she had just seen two handsome and charming men, who were tender in age, one dark and the other fair. She said that, she could hardly describe the two, because suddenly, her speech had no sight and her eyes were mute. Then, the damsels started discussing the fact that, the whole city was enamoured by the two princess who had arrived with the sage Vishvamitra. They had apparently captivated the hearts of all the men and women, and, that is all everyone was talking about. They decided, that they all must see them. When, they saw the longing and restlessness in Sita's eyes, they quickly made their way in search of them. Sita followed suit, wondering if it was her old love that had been triggered off.
Sumiri Siya Naarad Vachan, Upjee Preet Puneet
Chakit Bilowkati Sakal Disi, Janu Sisu Mrigi Sabheeth
Remembering, what Narad Muni had told her and her family, about her marriage, her heart was filled with innocent love. With anxious furtive eyes, she gazed hither and thither, like a startled fawn, who had come upon something
Was Sita already falling in love? Was this moment, the answer to her prayers ? Who is she going to see next? We all want to know. However we shall see. For today though, feel the love that is burning in Sita's heart, then you will have RAM RAJYA. JAI HO!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Celestial Garden Of Janakpur
For a couple of hours and late into the night, the sage Vishvamitra, narrated old legends to the boys, as they did their nightly devotional rituals. Then, as the sage retired to bed, the two brothers pressed his feet. That Lord and His brother, whose lotus feet are sought by men who have done immense sacrifice, are lovingly rubbing the feet of their Guru. Upon insisting, the Lord then, went to bed while the young brother caressed His feet, with much reverence and love. Only later, did the younger brother go to sleep.
The Lord of the universe and His brother woke up right before dawn, just before their guru. After doing their morning chores, and daily ritual of puja(devotion) they came to bow before the sage. Upon going to pick flowers, they discovered the radiant royal garden. Old nurtured trees stood resplendent with beautiful leaves and fresh fruit. Creepers blooming with flowers of different hues, were hanging from trellises. It seemed that nature in all its glory, had taken permanent residence in these gardens and was putting celestial beauty to shame. A serene lake in the center, had gem covered stairs, leading outwards. It's limped waters held colourful lotuses. With peacocks dancing, birds chirping and bees humming, it was truly a sight to behold. The Lord Himself, who delights one, along with his brother, were delighted at the beauty that lay in front of them.
Natural beauty truly soothes the soul.It is true, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but when true beauty is mingled with the beauty that lies within, then we have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
The Lord of the universe and His brother woke up right before dawn, just before their guru. After doing their morning chores, and daily ritual of puja(devotion) they came to bow before the sage. Upon going to pick flowers, they discovered the radiant royal garden. Old nurtured trees stood resplendent with beautiful leaves and fresh fruit. Creepers blooming with flowers of different hues, were hanging from trellises. It seemed that nature in all its glory, had taken permanent residence in these gardens and was putting celestial beauty to shame. A serene lake in the center, had gem covered stairs, leading outwards. It's limped waters held colourful lotuses. With peacocks dancing, birds chirping and bees humming, it was truly a sight to behold. The Lord Himself, who delights one, along with his brother, were delighted at the beauty that lay in front of them.
Natural beauty truly soothes the soul.It is true, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but when true beauty is mingled with the beauty that lies within, then we have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Janakpur's Love Affair
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!
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!
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!
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