Month: April 2012

Apr

2012

Guidelines on Dietary Habits – What, When and How to Eat Food – Part Three

Part-III: Moderation in eating Habits – Dietary Tips

Food forms a critical part of our life not just from the point of view of mere survival. From a scientific point of view, the quality and composition of food we partake is very important as it supplies all the nutrition that our human body needs for sustaining itself and discharging the various activities on a continuous basis. This apart, even from a spiritual point of view, food plays a very significant role as the essence of the food we partake, constitutes the mind and therefore the consequent thoughts and feelings that arise there from. It is said, “As is the Food, so is the Mind”. Bhagawan Baba has spoken extensively about the role of food in our life. He defines food as not just the edible items we eat through our mouth; but all the inputs we receive through all our sense organs. Therefore, what we see, what we hear, what we smell, what we feel, and what we eat – all these collectively constitute our food. However, this posting that will appear in four parts, are all related to the edible food that we partake of, using our mouth and tongue. To present all facts and details that Bhagawan has mentioned in various Discourses about the What, Why and How of eating food; the contents have been logically categorized into four parts. Part-I deals with the purity of food and its impact on the mind. Part-II discusses the process of offering food to God before partaking of it and avoiding distractions while eating food. Part-III focuses on moderation in eating habits and very significant dietary tips. Finally, Part-IV touches upon the harmful effects of eating non-vegetarian food and of consumption of alcohol (specifically from a spiritual point of view).

Part-III deals with the aspect of moderation in eating habits. In addition Bhagawan gives several simple yet very significant tips on dietary habits. There are 6 excerpts from Bhagawan’s Discourses on moderation in eating and other dietary tips; presented in this posting. These excerpts have been selected from Discourses given by Bhagawan Baba in the years 1990, 1994, 1996, and 2007.

In Clip-1, Bhagawan stresses on the need for moderation in eating as well as talking. He says, one should stop eating even when one still has the feeling that one can eat some more. Clip-2 reminds us of Lord Buddha’s gudielines on the principle of moderation. Bhagawan also points out the harmful effects of eating meat, fatty foods and consuming alcohol. In Clip-3, Bhagawan gives the definition of a Yogi, Bhogi and a Rogi. He also provides details on the desirable calorie intake for leading a happy and healthy life. Clip-4 gives the relationship between food, mind, thoughts, conduct and health. Bhagawan points out how Worry, Hurry and Curry (fatty foods) are the root causes of cardiac ailments. He also gives examples of how some people consume less food but the calorie value is very high. He illustrates this point with the examples of consumption of pappad and ghee. In Clip-5, Bhagawan advises restraint in consumption of meat, fish, cheese, milk and curd. Finally, Clip-6 is about Bhagawan Himself. Bhagawan gives His own example to show how moderation and discipline in eating habits can keep one always healthy and trim.

Each audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Serial number, Title appropriate to the key content, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the translation in English of the select excerpt of the Discourse, followed by the audio player. The post ends with a short quiz that would help you evaluate your assimilation of Bhagawan’s Message from these extracts.

Note: Those receiving this blog by email may see words bunched together due to a technical glitch. That is beyond my control. Please click on link at the top of the email to read the blog directly. Sorry about this. If anyone has a solution to this please help me out.

01-Students-Talk less and Eat less-1.05-1996 January 14

Talk less, Eat less

Students should get into the world, and transform all the restlessness that is troubling the people, into peace. Develop restraint in your talk. We do not need excessive talk. Ati Bhaashaa Mati Hani, Mita Bhaashaa Ati Hayi – Excessive talk will make you mad (lose your mind); Restraint in talk will lead to happiness and welfare. Similarly, Ati Tindi Mati Hani, Mita Tindi Ati Hayi – Eating too much will make you mad (lose your mind); Restraint in food will lead to happiness and welfare. If you simply keep on eating till you get a full throated belching, then what work can you do? You must stop eating when you still have the feeling that you can eat some more. If you eat excessively, you can neither do any work, nor can you achieve success. Thus talk within limits, eat within limits. Work more and experience more joy. You may undertake any activity, but never forget the name of God!

02-Exercise moderation in all activities including eating of food-2.27-1994 January 21

Observe moderation in eating habits

Embodiments of Divine Atma! It is essential to observe the principle of moderation in food habits, daily conduct, work and sleep. The Buddha preached the same principle of moderation to his disciples. “Be always moderate, never indulge in excess,” proclaimed the Buddha. In fact, moderation is the royal road to happiness. Excesses in any field of activity will lead to lack of peace. Today, man does not exercise any moderation in his eating habits. On account of eating whatever and wherever he gets anything, he loses his good health. Man spends his entire time in filling his stomach only. On account of this, not only does man lose his health but his digestive system also gets damaged. Food is very necessary for good health. The food consumed by man should be proper, pure and wholesome.

Apart from this man also consumes food with lot of fat content. Large content of fat leads to toxicity in the body. Consequently, man suffers from a number of toxicity related diseases. This toxicity also affects the mind of man and leads to his downfall to some extent. Man should not eat excess of fatty foods. Meat and alcoholic drinks too take a heavy toll on man’s health, causing many a disease in him.

03-Yogi-Bhogi-Rogi-3.36-1990 May 21

1500 to 2000 calories of food per day
is adequate to keep you healthy

It is atrocious that men today are experiencing ignorance that is making them behave in a manner that is against human nature. Their mind is becoming worse than those of wild animals in the forest. They have become cruel, pitiless, hard-hearted and are hurting others. There is no interpersonal relationship and understanding between man and man. The main reason for this condition is the kind of food that is consumed. Students! Be careful about the food you eat. Enquire as to what type of food will give you health and happiness. The ancients used to eat twice a day. The Rishis and sages used to eat only once a day. They declared that the man who eats only once is a Yogi (God-centred person), the one who eats twice a day is a Bhogi (enjoyer) and the one that eats thrice a day is a Rogi (a sick man). Today, not just thrice; people go on consuming food at all times, not to mention drinks, coffee and snacks in between. Thus when the inert body with an impaired digestive system is overfed with all such varieties of food, what else can one expect other than the onset of indigestion?

Every minute one calorie is digested and consumed by the body. Youth can partake upto 2000 calories of food per day. If you wish to enjoy a very good balance, then 1500 calories a day would be sufficient for retaining good health. But today, many consume 4000 to 5000 calories of food per day! This leads to sleeplessness. Lack of sleep leads to perverted feelings. These perverted feelings make man forget his true form and nature. He becomes a victim of diseases too. Thus maintain the body within limits to the extent possible. Nurture good health and discharge your duties and responsibilities on the right path. Also, do not develop excessive attachment to the physical body.

04-Be conscious of the calorie value of the food that you eat-2.58-1994 January 21

As is the food, so is the mind

Today man is becoming a victim of limitless desires. The food that man eats has also got to be Satvic in nature. Apart from intoxicants like non-vegetarian food, alcohol and cigarettes; living on ill-gotten money also causes ill-health to some extent. Living on earnings got by unjust means causes many unknown diseases to take root in us. It is said in Hindi “Jaise Anna Vaise Man” (as is the food, so is the mind).

As is the food, so is the mind;

As is the mind, so are the thoughts;

As are the thoughts, so is the conduct;

As is the conduct, so is the health.

Therefore our conduct has to be appropriate. Man today is a victim of worry. What is the cause of this worry? The poor man also worries and the rich man also worries. Lack of contentment is the cause of worry. The rich man is not contented in spite of the accumulation of wealth. The one who is discontented will always suffer losses. Even while eating food, he keeps worrying. Worry causes hurry and both together bring about ill-health. So, Worry, Hurry and Curry (fatty foods) are the root causes of cardiac ailments. The consumption of large quantities of fat is the cause of cardiovascular diseases. Doctors advise against the consumption of fatty food stuffs which cause increase in weight, resulting in susceptibility to cardiac diseases. The presence of toxins in blood also inflicts equal damage. So one should eat in moderate quantity the right type of food and avoid intoxicating drinks to safeguard his health. Therefore, man should place a restraint on his food to protect his health. The intake of food should be gradually reduced after crossing 50 years.

Some people consume less food but the calorie value is very high. The calorie intake must also be limited. This helps in keeping away cardiac diseases, paralysis and eye cataract. Some people consume food indiscriminately, unmindful of the caloric content of the food taken. For example, people eat pappads (thin circular flour preparations) fried in oil which have high calorie content. People also consume ghee which is also a high calorie food. A single pappad has 100-150 calories of energy. A single spoon of ghee has 100 calories of energy. Even when the quantity of food intake is reduced, the quality is high (reductions in the calorie content is not ensured). Therefore, this aspect also has to be kept in mind while eating food.

Thus to protect one’s health, man has to consume limited and Satvicfood that ensures welfare of the body.

05-Tips on good dietary habits-Regarding non-veg-cheese-milk-curd-3.04-2007 July 28

Exercise caution while consuming cheese, curd and milk

You must have your food at the right time. With regard to food, you have to know certain subtle things and observe some restrictions. You should not consume non-vegetarian food like meat and fish. In fact, foreigners are used to non-vegetarian food only. This type of food causes diseases like cancer. Hence, give up such food, totally. Not only that. They also like cheese very much. The more you consume cheese, the weaker you become. You should also not take milk in excess quantity. Too much milk is very bad. It should be in limit. The milk should be diluted with water in equal proportion. Same is the case with curd. We consider thick curd as very good. No, it should not be thick. It should be semi-solid. Thus, you have to control the food you eat daily. Proper control of food is very much necessary for contemplating on God. If you take proper food and observe discipline in your habits, you are sure to have God’s Darshan (Vision) at that very moment. You need not undertake rigorous sadhana for months and years. You can always be blissful.

06-Swami-the ideal example of good health and fit body-1.04-1994 January 21

“My weight is always constant at 108 pounds”

How to lead a healthy life? Here is an example, whether you believe it or not. I am a witness to it. Since the last 54 years; now I am 68 years old; therefore from the age of 14 years; My weight has been constant at 108 pounds only. It never went up to 109 pounds nor came down to 107 pounds. You can lead a healthy life once you achieve this kind of balance and moderation. But doctors would not believe this. They say that if you do not eat well, the bones would get damaged. But that is not the case with Me. Why? My discipline is very strict. I never eat even a little bit excess. I observe the principle of moderation whether I am invited for food by a millionaire or a pauper. Even though I am sixty eight years, My body is in perfect trim! I do not suffer from aches and My heart is as sound as a rock. There is none who can work like Me and exert himself as much as I do! The secret of My sound health is My regulated food habits. This is how one has to achieve the unity and harmony of food, head and God. Today we are making many mistakes with respect to our food. If we modify our food habits, we can enjoy very good health.

A Short Quiz

01-What are the harmful effects of excessive eating and talking?

02-What are the benefits of practising moderation in eating?

03-How can we identify a Yogi, Bhogi and a Rogi?

04-What is the ideal calorie intake required for a youth to enjoy a happy and healthy life?

05-What is the root cause of cardiac ailments according to Bhagawan?

06-How many calories are contained in a Pappad and in a spoon full of ghee?

07-What is the advise Bhagawan gives with respect to consumption of cheese, milk and curd?

08-What has Bhagawan’s weight been since He was aged 14 years?

09-What is the secret of Bhagawan remaining healthy throughout his life?

Now we are aware of the necessity for moderation in the food that we eat. We have also heard from Bhagawn several tips on consumption of different items of food. In the final post on this theme, we will listen to Bhagawan specifically talking about consumption of non-vegetarian food, alcohol and smoking of cigarettes; and their harmful effects in our life.

Watch out for Guidelines on Dietary Habits – What, When and How to Eat – Part Four: Give up smoking, drinking and meat eating. Coming up very soon!

Apr

2012

Guidelines on Dietary Habits – What, When and How to Eat Food – Part One

Part-I: Purity of Food and Its Impact on Mind

Part-I deals with the purity of food and its impact on the mind. There are 5 excerpts from Bhagawan’s Discourses on purity of food and its impact on mind, presented in this posting. These have been selected from Discourses given by Bhagawan Baba in the years 1993 and 2002.

In Clip-1, Bhagawan explains how the Saankhya philosophy (one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy and classical Indian philosophy) stresses emphatically on the need for purity in food. In Clip-2, Bhagawan elaborates on the impact of food on our mind. He describes how the gross, subtle and subtlest parts of the food and water we partake, become various parts of our human body-mind complex. Clip-3 tells us how the food that we eat must be first offered to the five life principles – Praanaa, Apaanaa, Vyaanaa, Udaanaa and Samaanaa. Clip-4 briefly touches upon the three aspects of Annam Brahma, Raso Vishnuhu and Bhoktodevo Maheswarah (Food is Brahma, the Essence of Food is Vishnu and the Consumer of Food is Maheswarah). Finally, in Clip-5 Bhagawan explains how important it is to consume sacred and pure food so as to develop a pure heart – Chitta Shuddhi.

01-Saankhya Philosophy stresses on the purity of food that we consume-1.49-1993 May 29

Purity of the food that we consume

Saankhya philosophy (one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy and classical Indian philosophy) stresses emphatically on the need for purity in food. Food is verily the undercurrent of the five life principles (Pancha Praanaas). The (physical) body is the very form of food. This food eats food again. Enquire clearly – the body which is the form of food once again consumes food. Our body is the essence of the food consumed by our parents. This body which is verily the form of food, partakes of the very same food. Thus food eats food. That is why Saankhya gives primary importance to the aspect of food. The sacred texts do not enable people to enquire into these subtle points. Profound meaning is embedded in very subtle and small aspects. If we neglect aspects that appear small, they will take the form of gigantic waves. We find very small termites attacking the wood. In no time, they completely destroy the wood. Thus, we must never ignore the finer details. We must nurture noble thoughts and noble feelings.

02-Impact of Food on the Mind-2.08-1993 May 29

The type of food that you eat, decides the nature of your mind

When people who have hatred, jealousy, desire, and other such wicked feelings in their heart, eat their food, the wicked tendencies present in their digestive system will affect their mind. When these wicked tendencies reach the mind, bad thoughts emerge there from. When one does not observe discipline in food habits, all such problems arise on account of food and water. Where does the mind originate? The mind originates from food. Food decides the nature of your mind. That is why our ancestors recommended the partaking of Sathvic food.

What is Praanaa (life force)? The water that we drink is verily Praanaa. The gross part of the food we take is converted into excreta; the subtle part of it goes into the making of muscles; the subtlest part of the food becomes the mind. Similarly, the gross part of the water we drink becomes urine; the subtle part of it becomes blood. The subtlest part becomes ‘Praanaa.’ We can say for certain that water contains Praanaa. That is why when anybody faints; water is splashed on his face. Water enables the fainted man to recover as it contains Praanaain it.

03-Offer Food to the five life principles before consuming-1.01-1993 May 29

Offer food to the five life principles before consuming

We must have good feelings when we partake of our food and drink. Based on ancient traditions, before eating food, people would make an offering – Praanaaya Svaaha, Apaanaaya Svaaha, Vyaanaaya Svaaha, Udaanaaya Svaaha. They used to make such an offering to God and then consume the water. Offering the food to the five principles, partaking of it as Prasaadam, would eliminate all defects from the food. Thus Saankhya emphasizes that the food should be first offered to the five life principles – Praanaa, Apaanaa, Vyaanaa, Udaanaa and Samaanaa.

04-Annam Brahma-Raso Vishnuhu-Bhoktodevo Maheswarah-1.02-2002 November 23

Food is God – Annam Brahma

While eating our food, we must utter the words, “Annam Brahma” (food is God); Raso Vishnuhu (the essence of food is Vishnu). Food is God. It gets into the body and provides its essence to all the parts of the body. It indeed gets transformed into blood and energy. Bhoktodevo Maheswarah (the one who consumes the food is Maheswarah). This principle teaches wisdom to the whole world. Annam Brahma, Raso Vishnuhu, Bhoktodevo Maheswarah – these three are like three attributes.

05-Partake sacred food to attain purity of heart-2.33-2002 November 23

Partake sacred food to attain purity of heart

Embodiments of Love! What you need to focus on today is that you must strive to attain purity of heart (Chitta Shuddhi). Let this be your foremost endeavour. With purity of heart, you can achieve anything. In order to attain purity of heart, there must be unity between the food we partake, the feelings we entertain while eating, and the happiness we experience thereof.

One who cooks food should have sacred feelings. In olden days, orthodox Brahmins used to insist on partaking of food prepared by their wives only. The reason being, housewives wish for the well-being of the entire family while preparing food. On the other hand, if you employ cooks, God alone knows with what thoughts and feelings they prepare the food! The unsacred thoughts of the cook enter the food, which in turn, poison your mind. Therefore, they never entertained any outsider to cook their food.

Annam Brahma (food is God). Food assumes the sacred form of Brahma. Raso Vishnuhu (the essence is Vishnu). The essence of the food we eat is also sacred. Mere physical cleanliness will not suffice; the mind also should be pure. While cooking food, you should look into the details of the materials used for preparing the food. For example, the husband brings vegetables from the market. How does one know how he brought these vegetables? He might have misused his position of authority, threatened others and brought them or the vendors themselves might have procured the vegetables by stealing or other unfair means. These actions make the food polluted and such pollution poisons the mind of man. You do not realise that the food you eat is responsible for all the actions you perform. It leads you to commit so many mistakes.

A Short Quiz

01-What do you understand by the phrase “Food eats Food”?

02-What happens to the gross, subtle and subtlest aspects of the food we eat and the water we drink? In this context, explain how food is related to the mind and water to Praanaa(life force)?

03-What are the five life principles? What is the mantra that is chanted to offer the food to these five life principles before we consume the same?

04-What aspects of the food are represented by Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswarah?

05-In olden days, why did orthodox Brahmins insist on partaking of food prepared by their wives only?

06-What are the types of defects that can get into our food through the materials that are procured for cooking the same?

If the purity of food that we consume is so important, how do we go about ensuring the purity of the food that we consume everyday? It sounds like a herculean task. But in this world, there is no problem without a solution! And Bhagawan Baba, through His Messages, gives us all the solutions that we need for our life related problems.

To read Guidelines on Dietary Habits – What, When and How to Eat – Part Two: Offering Food to God and Avoiding Distractions while Eating, Click Here . http://hismessagehisvoice.blogspot.in/2012/04/guidelines-on-dietary-habits-what-when_26.html

Apr

2012

The Downside of Television

TV can be a good way to pass time. It is entertaining and even informative. But there is also the negative side to consider; the negative influence of Television. As with all outcomes of Science and Technology, TV too is like a double edged sword. It can make or mar our life. A knife can be used by a doctor to operate a patient and cure her. It can also be used by a robber to kill and steal. The positive influence and impact of television needs no elaboration for we are all witness to it and are literally an integral part of it. Television has become such an inseparable part of our lives that we barely make any attempt to even think about the downside of it. It takes great courage and understanding to press the ‘pause’ button of the rat like race that we humans are running, and ponder over the long term impact of these inventions on our life. This is where Avataars and great Spiritual Masters intervene and bring these insights into the focus of human intelligence. Bhagawan Baba has, on a number of occasions, highlighted the negative impact of television on our lives. He has cautioned us and even given us tips on the “do’s” and “don’ts” of watching television. It is imperative on our part to take note of these injunctions and modify our life styles suitably, for our own benefit and redemption.This posting is a compilation of the advice given by Bhagawan Baba on a number of occasions regarding watching television. There are 7 excerpts from Bhagawan’s Discourses presented in this posting. These have been selected from Discourses given by Bhagawan Baba in the years 1985, 1991, 1996, 1999, 2001 and 2002.

In Clip-1, Bhagawan explains the harmful effects of watching Television, especially watching while eating our food. He also explains the code of conduct to be observed while partaking our food. In Clip-2, Bhagawan questions as to what extent the television has helped to redeem mankind. Clip-3 is once again about the negative impact of television. Bhagawan urges youth to spend their free time in other nobler ways. In Clip-4, Bhagawan explains how in earlier years, parents would spend time with their children in worshipping God and in explaining to them the lessons taught in the classes. In Clip-5, Bhagawan again urges people not to watch T.V. while eating their food. Clip-6 and Clip-7 is all about the care that needs to be taken by pregnant women to protect the foetus in their womb from external negative influences. Here Bhagawan quotes the stories of Abhimanyu and Prahalada from our epics. Finally, in Clip-8, Bhagawan talks about the scientific investigations of Anthony James DeCasper, a scientist who intensely studied the impact of external influences on foetal development and confirmed the truth expounded by Lord Krishna in the Mahabharatha (about the negative impact of Arjuna’s explanation of the Padmavyuha on the child Abhimanyu; and on the other hand, the positive impact of the words of Narada on the child Prahalada).

01-Harmful effects of watching Television-6.04-1996 January 14

From the time T.V. made its appearance,
the mind of humans have been polluted

Youth, men and women should understand this point clearly. Who is responsible for the bad feelings that arise in us? Who is responsible for the bad thoughts, the bad actions? Enquire well by going deep into the matter. The root cause for all these is the food. As is the food, so is the mind. The mind attracts the objects of the external world. If you wish to have a good example for this, you will find it as the very undercurrent in the daily experience of all men and women.

There is a television set (T.V.) set in every house today. The rich people have a colour T.V. The more richer have Star T.V. (connection). T.V. sets are kept not just in the drawing room and the dining room, but in the bedroom too. From the time television made its appearance, the mind of man has been polluted. Enquire well; before the advent of T.V., people’s minds were not so much polluted. Never was the mind so full of bad feelings previously. Prior to the advent of T.V. such bad acts were never so common. One in a hundred or one in a crore would act in a perverted way.

Today T.V. is installed in huts too. What is the impact of T.V. on our life? Even while eating their food, the T.V. is kept in front, in the Dining Hall. They watch T.V. even while partaking their food. The result is that, not just the food, but even all the foul things seen on the T.V. are being consumed by the viewer. Full concentration is only on the T.V. This concentration in viewing T.V. (Drushti) affects one’s view of the world (Srushti). The scenes, thoughts and actions displayed on the T.V. give rise to similar thoughts and feelings and actions in the viewer. Unknowingly, agitations and ill feelings enter the minds. One starts wondering as to why such thoughts and feelings that were never there in her/him before, have started appearing now. All these thoughts and feelings arise because of the seed sown while watching television. In due course the seeds take root and sprout in the minds.

Hence while taking food; we should not discuss dreadful incidents. No room should be given to topics that excite the mind. We should not argue with each other while eating. Silence should prevail during eating. Even sound waves enter into our hearts and affect our minds. Based on the sound waves that enter into us, thoughts too arise in our minds. Hence we should take care that such vibrations do not enter into us.

Now, we have what is called “Star TV.” It is doing great harm to human life. The gem of human life is just sold away like coal. We think that watching this channel confers peace. No, no. It just gives us temporary peace and joy. Later, you do not know what type of damage it causes to you and in which direction it takes your life. It is like a knife coated with honey. As you lick the honey, the knife will cut your tongue. Not Bhaarath alone, but the whole world is suffering from the consequences of youth watching such scenes on the T.V. The world is racked by restlessness, agitation and disturbance. There is no enthusiasm anywhere.

02-Ill Effects of Television and Cinema-1.23-2002 May 06

Videos and T.V. are ruining the life of youth

Today’s education is transforming the children into devils. There is no humility or obedience in this system of education. They learn the books by rote, go to the examination hall and write the paper, and return home with an empty head! Is this education? No. The education that you receive should be imprinted on your heart. It should never be forgotten even after many years. Today’s students do not have such sacred feelings. Everybody pretends to be a devotee. Why this acting?

Because of the coming of cinemas (movies), this pretension is on the rise. Videos and T.V. are ruining the life of the students. The world respects all this, but Swami does not approve of it. To what extent have these inventions redeemed mankind? How have they helped man to live like a man? Every human being must first make an attempt to live like a human being.

03-Television has become the disease of modern times-2.15-1999 November 22

Television T.V. has become a disease like T.B. Tuberculosis

Students, you all know. Everything is a like picture. So long as you are here, you are very comfortable, safe and you live a peaceful life. But once you go home, you gather all the gadgets like Cinemas, T.V., Videos, etc. They pollute your heart. Human life is ruined by Videos and T.V. The advertisers put up their advertisements on the T.V. for their profits and not for your benefit. If the shows are educative, you can surely watch them. If they are noble and related to moral values, you can definitely see them; nothing wrong.

But, today, the T.V. has inflicted the people with incurable diseases. It is no more T.V.; it has become like T.B. (Tuberculosis). With such diseases, how can we ever have sacred thoughts in us? Take in some fresh air. If you have no work, go for a walk on the road outside. Do not simply sit there and watch the T.V.

When you sit and watch the T.V., you find the smoke coming into the room from the kitchen. The sound in the kitchen disturbs your attention on the T.V. and so you go and express your anger with your mother. This leads to such misfortunes. Instead make your mother happy. Go and help her in the work she is doing. Help her. This is the main principle of Bhaaratheeya culture – Help Ever Hurt Never.

04-On returning home after office or school-Parents and children watch TV-0.48-2001 November 19

The parents need to give good advice to their children. But today this does not happen. As soon as parents return from office, the mother switches on the T.V. The father comes and joins her in viewing. Father and son both sit and enjoy viewing the T.V. Is this what parents should be preaching to the children? Not at all. In earlier days, as soon as one would return home, the mother would take the children to the prayer room. They would explain in detail the lessons taught to them in the class.

05-Students-Do not watch TV while eating food-1.17-1991 May 31

Do not watch T.V. while eating food

Because of the effect of the Kali age, we have all these gadgets like the T.V. and the Video. When the students go home, they have their food also in front of the Video. They watch the video while eating their food. As is the food, so is the Head. As you keep watching all the scenes, those thoughts enter your food. Therefore, as is the food, so is the Head and as is the Head, so is your God. You may watch good programmes on the T.V., nothing wrong. But, why should you not read sacred books that show you the path to Divinity? You get a headache when you are asked to read sacred books. But while reading mad and foolish novels, you do not even notice the passing of time. This is indeed the impact of the Kali age on the students.

06-Women must be cautious while watching TV during Pregnancy-1.34-1991 May 31

Pregnant women must be cautious of what they feel, see and hear

It is highly important for women also to study sacred books and nurture sacred scenes. When the women are pregnant, they watch 3 to 4 movies in a go. That is why they give birth to only “cinema children”! (Women must avoid seeing sensuous films and TV shows, especially during pregnancy. The child in the womb is likely to be influenced, by the kind of things they read or see). What is the reason? You must note one very significant example in our sacred Bhaaratheeya epics.

When Subhadra (wife of the Pandava brother Arjuna) was pregnant, Arjuna started narrating to her the secrets of the Padmavyuha. But Subadhra was unaware that the foetus (future child Abhimanyu) in her womb was listening to all this. When Leelavati (wife of the demon Hiranyakasipu) was pregnant, Narada came there and started speaking sacred things about Brahma. The foetus (future child Prahalada) in her womb, listened to all this carefully.

Thus, the child in the womb receives all these feelings. There is a unified bond between the mother and the child in the womb. Both receive food from the same source. Therefore, expecting mothers too should determine to nurture sacred thoughts, see sacred scenes and hear sacred things.

07-Need to maintain sacred ambience for Pregnant Women-Impact on the child in the womb-1.10-1985 November 22

The foetus in the womb is affected by external sights and sounds

What do we find today? Pregnant women are engaged in seeing Television, Cinemas and other deleterious media which portray heinous and vulgar scenes. The result is that the children who are born develop such undesirable tendencies in them. When Arjuna was narrating insights regarding the Padmavyuha to Subhadra, Krishna entered the scene, intervened and said, “Brother-in-law, do you think it is Subhadra alone listening to you? No. No. The foetus in the womb is also listening to all that you are saying”. Krishna revealed this truth to Arjuna.

08-Scientific studies on the impact of external influences on the child in the womb-Anthony Casper-4.58-1985 November 22

Anthony DeCasper conducted scientific investigations to study the
impact of external influences on the foetus in the womb

There were critical scientists in earlier years, who ridiculed Krishna and regarded what he said (about the impact of external influences on the foetus in the womb) as meaningless and baseless. But today, scientists in the West who ridiculed and sneered at these matters are now realising that what was said in the Mahabharata is true. The Research Institute of Child Health and Human Development, attached to the Carolina University in America, has been conducting experiments on the factors influencing development of children. An eminent professor (scientist) in this Institute, performed a number of investigations for several years, to verify whether what Krishna had said was true or not. This professor was Anthony Casper (Anthony James DeCasper).

Anthony Casper after various experiments, came to the conclusion that what Sri Krishna had said was true, though our ill-equipped minds cannot fully understand the profound truth underlying Krishna’s statement. Only the broad minded scientists with the power of discrimination can understand this truth. As part of the experiment, certain chemicals (apple juice and lemon juice) were injected into the womb of the pregnant mothers. After the babies were born, it was found that these babies had grater liking for these juices than their mother’s milk. It was also demonstrated that these babies (as foetuses in the womb) had the wonderful capacity to respond to whatever the mother was saying or feeling. Whatever the mother was saying or feeling during pregnancy, the babies after birth, were shown to express the same feelings and make the same sounds. Anthony Casper announced his findings on 3rd January 1984 at a conference of scientists and published the same in papers. He confirmed that whatever Krishna had said was indeed true.

Therefore all scientists are not narrow-minded. Some of them have investigated into the truth, and have dedicated their entire life to present the eternal truth to mankind.

A Short Quiz

01-Why does Bhagawan discourage one from watching T.V. while eating food?

02-How should one conduct oneself while eating food? Why?

03-Why does Bhagawan compare the Television to a honey coated knife?

04-What type of programmes does Bhagawan approve of, for students and children to watch on television?

05-How would parents spend time with children after returning to their homes from office or school, in earlier years??

06-Explain the relationship between Food, Head and God.

07-Why must pregnant women be cautious while watching the T.V.?

08-How does Bhagawan explain the impact of external influences on the foetus in the womb, using the anecdotes of Subadhra and Leelavati?

09-Have you heard of Professor Anthony James DeCasper and his studies on foetal development? You may be interested in doing some google search and you will be amazed with the results. To start with, you could visit:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/fetal-development/alertness-in-the-womb.htm

Apr

2012

Lessons for Life from Ramayana

Bhagawan has spoken extensively on the great epic of Ramayana and on the life and message of Lord Rama. A book by name “Ramakatha Rasa Vahini” has been penned by Him, which literally is a flow (Vahini) of the nectarine essence (Rasa) of the life of Lord Rama. Several insights and subtle nuances that are rarely found and in some cases not revealed so far, in the different versions of Ramayana are explained by Bhagawan Baba in great detail. His central focus has always been on the eternal values and teachings of Sanatana Dharma and the contemporary relevance of the epic to our daily lives. His Discourses on the Ramayana are like a vast ocean! This post is a humble attempt to present a few pearls from this ocean for our benefit and for inculcation of the message in our lives.

There are 16 excerpts from Bhagawan’s Discourses presented in this posting. These have been selected from Discourses given by Bhagawan Baba in the years 1988, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

In Clips 1 and 2, Bhagawan explains that Ramayana is truly “Rama” + “Ayana” – the path of Rama and the true purpose of Ramayana is to install the path laid down by Rama in our hearts. Clip 3 explains how the Divine power of attraction is inherent in every human being while Clip 4 highlights that the Ramayana is verily the Vedas come down to the earth. Clips 5, 6 and 7 focus on the charcater of Lakshmana. Bhagawan explains how Lakshmana was the ideal brother and praises his keen sense of intellect. In this context Bhagawan narrates a very humorous and joyful episode that took place during the wedding of Rama and Sita. Clip 7 demonstrates the love between Ram and Lakshmana. In Clip 8, Bhagawan describes the love between Rama and Bharatha. Clip 9 is about ideal governanace. It explains how unlike modern day, King Dasaratha was ready to give up his kingdom the moment he discovered that he was getting old. Clips 10 and 11 focus on the Moral and Dharmic stature of Rama, illustrating His greatness through various anecdotes. It shows how Rama expounded Dharma appropriate to the time and the circumstances. In Clip 12, Bhagawan highlights the greatness of Sumitra, the mother of Lakshmana; while in Clip 13, Bhagawan draws our attention to the nobility and greatness of Urmila, the wife of Lakshmana. Clip 14 differentiates between Rama and Ravana and explains how both Rama and Ravana are truly within us. What we become depends on what we adhere to. Clip 15 describes Lava and Kusha (the two sons of Rama) as the ideal messengers of God, who went about spreading the glory of Rama, without any apprehension or shyness. This post ends with Clip 16, wherein Bhagawan appeals to all of us to experience Rama within our own heart!

01-Ramayana is indeed the Path of Lord Rama-1.06-1988 March 26

Ramayanam = Rama + Ayanam – The Path of Lord Rama

The sacred Ramayana story illustrates the greatness and sacredness of Bharateeya culture. This epic is called the Ramayana. The Ramayana is not merely a story of Rama. Rama + Ayanam is Ramayanam. “Ayanam” means “The Path”. The inner meaning of Ramayana is that the path shown by Rama should be followed.

02-True Purpose of Ramayana is to install the path laid down by Rama in our hearts-2.13-1988 March 26

Install Rama’s Message in our Heart

The life stories of Rama and Krishna are indeed treatises on righteousness. They are sacred scriptures. They teach mankind how to sublimate human life. The need of the hour today is for a man to live like a true human being. Without humanity, a man cannot be truly called a man. The message is clear: adhering to Truth, practising Righteousness, spreading Love everywhere, remaining ever peaceful, life should be sanctified. This day should not be celebrated merely as the anniversary of Rama’s birth or His advent. The day we manifest in our hearts the Rama Bhaava(Feeling of Rama), that day is the real birthday of Rama. Celebrating of holy days should not mean just having a good feast on those days. We should seek to make the teachings of the Avatars concerned, a part of our lives. We must obey their command. We should follow the path laid down by them. Only then, the story or the epic has any meaning. Our lives also get sanctified. All studies of the Vedas and Shastras, recitations, and listening to discourses are of no value, if practice does not follow precept.

03-You are Rama-Everybody has the Divine power of attraction of Rama within him-2.42-1996 March 28

Everybody has the Divine Power of Attraction Within

God does not exist separately in this world. The entire world is the very form of God. However getting deluded by their attachment to the physical body that is merely an instrument; humans are considering themselves to be merely men and are forgetting their Divinity. We consider Rama and Krishna to be Avataars. No, all are mere human beings only. We are all verily, forms of the Divine. We must recognize this feeling today and must develop faith in it. We must give up the feeling that God exists separately from us. We have to develop the faith that God is not different from us. On the occasion of Ramanavami, people hail the advent of Rama and recall his various achievements of establishing Dharma on earth. No, no. Everyone should remember that he is himself an image of Rama. The meaning of Rama is “Ramayathi Ithi Ramah” (One who attracts others is Rama). In every person there is this power of attraction. Rame Raame Manorame (Rama is the power of attraction in the mind). Every man has got this power of attraction or the magnetic power. Because of this magnetic power man is able to experience this world. He develops many worldly desires and fulfils them. But he is never satisfied. He derives satisfaction from discontent. That is a sign of the divine power of attraction. There is no limit to this power. Everyone can experience and manifest this Divinity within him.

04-Ramayana is verily the Vedas come down to Earth-3.57-2003 April 11

Ramayana is verily the Vedas come down to Earth

The sacred epic Ramayana is verily the Vedas descended from heaven to earth. The Vedas are classified into four: RigVeda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharvana Veda. The RigVeda helps, sustains and protects the Yajnas and Yagas. In the epic of Ramayana, Rama symbolises the Rig Veda. Lakshmana signifies YajurVeda, which contains mantras that are nurtured, protected and chanted during the performance of Yajnas and Yagas. When Rama was away in the forest, Bharata left Ayodhya and stayed in Nandigrama; singing His Divine Name day in and day out. Hence, he symbolises Sama Veda. To secure the Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas, being obedient to his brothers, Shatrughna joyfully played the role of protecting them. He stands for the AtharvanaVeda. The essence of Atharvana Veda lies in destroying the wrong, wicked, bad actions and evil company; and in fostering sacred acts, good conduct and good virtues. Shatrughna was born to destroy the enemies and protect the friends and the pious people. The Ramayana is verily the Veda. The Veda is not different from the Ramayana. True humanness lies in understanding this.

05-Lakshmana the ideal Brother-5.11-1988 March 26

Lakshmana the ideal Brother

Every notable character in Ramayana stands out as an ideal for the world. All of them are embodiments of Dharma and sacred masters. Consider the example of Lakshmana. Valmiki has described Lakshmana in many ways. He has called him “Rama’s other self”. In the Kamba Ramayana, Lakshmana is described as the “second virtue of Rama”. Tulasidas characterises Lakshmana as “Rama’s right hand”. Rama and Lakshmana were associated inseparably as “Bimba and Pratimba” i.e. one was just the reflection of the other. In his great quality, his immaculate purity and spirit of sacrifice, Lakshmana is his own example.

In accordance with his father’s commandment, Rama had to go to the forest. Lakshmana was under no such compulsion. Making the supreme sacrifice of his own accord, he elected to accompany Rama. Ayanam (Rama’s path) was the apple of his nayanam (eye). Hence Lakshmana had a key role in Ramayana (Rama Ayana – The path of Rama). Leaving his mother, forsaking his wife and rejecting royal pleasures, Lakshmana sacrificed everything and chose to follow Rama as the be-all and the end-all of his life. He considered Rama as his father, friend and brother. By his sterling quality and exemplary character, Lakshmana stands out as an ideal to the world.

In the forest while Rama and Lakshmana were going in search of Sita, they came to the Rishyamooka mountain. There they made friends with Sugriva and Hanuman. A bag containing ornaments was given to Rama by Sugriva, who told Rama that the bag was dropped by a woman who was going in an aerial chariot. When the bundle was opened, Rama could not identify any of the ornaments. Rama handed the ornaments to Lakshmana and asked him whether he could identify any of Sita’s ornaments amongst them. Lakshmana said: “Naaham Jaanaami Keyure – I cannot recognise these bangles. Naaham Jaanaami Kundale – I cannot recognise these earrings too. Noopuretvadi Jaanaami – I can recognise only the anklets among these jewels as the ones belonging to Mother Sita. Nityam Paadabhi Vandanaat – I can recognise them because everyday, when I prostrate at her feet, I see these anklets. In all these years, not even one day did Lakshmana see Mother Sita’s face. We can never find such a noble and virtous character in any story. He considered all women as his mother.

06-Lakshmana and his subtle intellect-Sukshma Buddhi-4.30-2002 April 21

Seizing the opportunity, Sita immediately garlanded Rama!

First the eldest son (of Dasaratha) must be married. Sita the daughter of king Janaka was born from the mother earth. As a baby, she was, discovered while ploughing the land. Urmilla was the eldest daughter of king Janaka. Both the daughters, Sita and Urmilla were presented as brides for Rama and Lakshmana respectively. On the following day, Bharatha and Shatrughna also came there. Looking at all four of them, Dasaratha was feeling very happy within and considered himself to be very lucky. Mandavi and Shrutakeerti were the daughters of Kushadhwaja, the younger brother of king Janaka. It was a perfect match between the four sons (of Dasaratha) and the four daughters (of Janaka and Kushadwaja).

During the wedding, the garlanding had to take place. Rama garlanded Sita. But Sita being short in stature could not do so as Rama was Aajaanubahu (tall personality). Rama was expected to bend His head before Sita so that she could garland Him. However, He would not do so, lest people should say that Rama, one of valour, the one who broke the bow of Shiva, bowed His head before such a large assembly. The masculine quality manifested even then. Bowing the head is not the Dharma of a king. That too, bowing the head in front of a woman, in such a large gathering, is even more embarrassing and shameful. Rama stood erect. Sita was making every effort to garland Rama. She had no idea where Rama’s head was and so she had no clue how to garland Him. Women in those days did not look into the face of men. Hence, Sita was looking down holding the garland in her hand. But there was no way she could reach out to garland Him. Rama softly and in a tender way signalled to Lakshmana, indicating that he had to use his knack to resolve this issue. (Lakshmana was the incarnation of Adisesha who carried mother earth on his hood. Rama looked at Lakshmana as if to say, “Look, why don’t you raise that part of earth where Sita is standing, to enable her to garland Me.” Then Lakshmana indicated to Rama that it was not possible to raise any particular area.) If Lakshmana would try to raise that part of the earth where Sita was standing, simultaneously Rama would be raised and so also the others. The onlookers became anxious and were wondering as to why Rama was not bending His head so as to enable Sita to garland him. Lakshmana, being one of intelligence, thought of a plan to solve the problem. All of a sudden, he fell at the feet of Rama and did not get up for a long time. Rama waited for a while and then bent down to pick up Lakshmana. Seizing this opportunity, Sita immediately garlanded Rama. This is the intelligence of Lakshmana.

Tyagaraja also said: “Kapivaaradi Daatunaa (will the monkey be able to cross the ocean?), Kalikirota Gattunaa (is it possible to bind him?) Lakshmanundu Valachunaa (will Lakshmana serve Him?), Lakshmi Devi Kolachunaa (will His consort Lakshmi love Him?), Sookshma Buddhigala Bharatudu Choochi Choochi Mrakkunaa(will the intelligent Bharatha bow to Him?), Appa Rama Bhakti Ento Goppa Ra!(the power of Rama is so mighty, so great!). This is the power of intense devotion. No one has discovered it.

07-Love between Rama and Lakshmana-1.09-2003 April 11

During the war in Lanka, when Lakshmana fell unconscious in the battlefield, Rama was crestfallen. He considered Lakshmana as His very life. He lamented saying, “If I were to search in the world, I may get a mother like Kausalya and a wife like Sita, but not a brother as noble as Lakshmana. What is the use of this life without Lakshmana?” The four brothers had such unity, harmony, joy and love among themselves.

08-Love between Bharatha and Rama-Ideal brothers-4.05-1996 March 28

The ideal brothers!

Rama lived an ideal life. He respected His parents and followed their command. He was never concerned about any difficulties or loss. He lived harmoniously with His brothers. He had great love for them. There was no conflict whatsoever among them. The entire family was united.

After reaching the forest, Raama, while sending him home, sent word through Sumanthra (who had driven the chariot) as follows: “My brother Bharatha would have returned to Ayodhya by now. Tell Bharatha that there should be complete unity in the family. He should love Kausalya and Sumithra in the same manner in which he would love his mother, Kaikeyi. He should not make any distinction between them. However, unable to bear the pangs of separation from Rama, Bharatha used very harsh words against his mother. He did not spare even the family preceptor Vashishtha. Vashishtha approached Bharatha and told him, “Rama has left for the forest. You must get ready for the coronation. As soon as you are ready I shall fix the auspicious moment for the ceremony.”

Bharatha lost for a moment the sense of respect he should have for the word of the preceptor. Rama was the very life-breath of Bharatha. He spoke to Vashishtha in great anguish, “Am I to rule over a kingdom which banished Rama and plunged the whole of Ayodhya in grief? Do not mention the name of the kingdom that sent my Rama to the forest. I have no use for such a kingdom tarnished by a grievous wrong.” This was the kind of love that existed between the brothers.

Once, when the brothers were children and were playing, Rama came running to his mother Kausalya and sat on her lap in great joy. Kausalya asked him what was the reason for his joy. Rama said, “Mother, I am immensely happy today because Bharatha won in the game that we were playing.” Rama rejoiced in the success of his brothers. As this conversation was going on, Bharatha came weeping to Kausalya. She asked him, “Bharatha! Why are you crying? Rama is so happy over your victory.” Bharatha replied, “Mother! I am very sad because Rama deliberately chose to lose so that I may win.” The elder brother rejoices over the younger brother’s victory. The latter feels sad about his victory and the defeat of the elder brother. What mutual love prevailed among the brothers! Such was the pure and sacred unity that existed among the brothers at that time. The respect that the parents commanded was also so high.

09-King Dasaratha’s Readiness to give up the throne-3.52-1997 April 16

King Dasaratha was ready to give up the throne

In the story of Rama many great ideals shine forth. Here is one episode: Dasaratha was sleeping in his palace. He had a dream. In that dream he saw that the whole ocean had dried up, the moon was falling and breaking into myriad pieces, an elephant in rut was tumbling down and collapsing with the howdah on its back falling apart. He woke up with a start and wondered “What is this strange dream?” “It is said that a dream in the early hours of the morning portends what is to happen. It is now the fourth quarter of the night. What does this dream portend?” thought Dasaratha. He got up from his bed. He stood before a mirror. He noticed a bizarre change in his face. He saw grey hairs stretching out between his two ears. He realised that old age was creeping on him. He tried to drink a glass of water by pouring water from a jug into a glass. He noticed that his hand was trembling. He could see that his sense organs were beginning to fail. He felt that he could carry on his reign as long as his senses were perfect. But now they were declining. One can rule a kingdom only so long as his senses are strong.

He went out and summoned all his ministers and the preceptor. He told them, “I have reigned for as long as I could. I sought always to please my subjects in every way. I looked after their welfare as that of my own children. This kind of feeling is possessed only by Rama. The time is appropriate to install Rama as the heir to the throne.” The subjects and ministers present suggested that the king was fit to continue to rule for some more time. Dasaratha felt that perhaps they were not in favour of Rama’s coronation as the king. They submitted to the king, “Mahaaraaja! We are well aware of Rama’s greatness and sterling qualities. But he still does not have the experience that you have in the art of administration. You may install him as Yuvaraaja (Crown Prince), but you continue as the king and give him guidance.” Dasaratha told them that when his senses had begun to weaken, it was not proper for him to continue as the king.

Today let alone the senses, even if the eyes cannot see, the ears cannot hear, the hand cannot put a signature; people want to cling on to their kingdom. The kingdom in ancient times was one of Dharma, one of Neeti (Morality) and one of Nijaayati (Integrity).

10-Rama stood as an example for upholding moral values-1.36-1999 March 25

Rama stood as an example for upholding moral values

Today, morality is on the decline among human beings. Narrow mindedness is on the rise. Divinity is forgotten. Demonic nature is nurtured. This is not what we need to do. We must forget demonic qualities and hold on to Divinity. How sacred is the principle of Rama. When Rama was prepared to be coronated as the king, the very next moment, He went into the forest on exile, with the same smile on His face. Sukhadukhe Samekruthva Labhalabhau Jayajayau (Equal mindedness amidst the dualities of life – pain and pleasure, victory and defeat, gain and loss). Rama displayed this virtue of equanimity. Rama experienced the same happiness in going to the forest, as He enjoyed in getting prepared to be the king. Where is this virtue of equanimity in man today? Man aspires for positions of authority though he does not deserve them. An undeserving person expects deservedness. But Rama relinquished the position even though He deserved it. Rama was courageous in the face of adversities. He never gave any scope for weakness. The one who is in the company of Rama will always be a Dheera(courageous one), and not a Deena (weak-minded one).

11-Rama-The embodiment of Dharma in all circumstances-7.55-2001 April 02

Rama followed Dharma perfectly, according to the time and circumstances

Rama propagated the principle of “Vyakti Dharma” (individual Dharma). In adherence to the command of His father, Rama went on exile to the forest and suffered a lot. But He never considered this as suffering. He truly upheld the Dharma of the family. He demonstrated to the entire world that any member of the Ikshavaaku clan, based on his family Dharma, would never go back on the given word. The social aspect of the Ramayana highlights that under any circumstances; one must respect one’s parents, wife and children and bring repute to ones brothers. How did Rama protect the family in the given circumstances?

Wearing bark clothes, He came to Kausalya to take leave of her. Kausalya was astonished at the attire of Rama, who was about to be crowned as the emperor. Smilingly Rama told Kausalya, “Today I have been commanded by My father to become the ruler of the forests. To rule the forests is also part of our family tradition.” As this conversation was in progress, Lakshmana arrived there in a furious state. He said, “Mother, this is not what happened. Father, compelled by the words of Kaikeyi, has fallen victim to this evil path.” Lakshmana narrated all that had happened. He said, “I am only waiting for Rama’s command. Let Him just give me permission. I will go immediately and destroy Manthara and Kaikeyi and restore Rama as the king. I am not going to be constrained even by the words of my father”.

Even as Lakshmana was speaking thus, Rama rushed to him and physically closed Lakshmana’s mouth. He said, “Lakshmana, this evil way is not in keeping with our family tradition. Our family tradition is the upholding of Dharma. We have to uphold the individual and family Dharma. Nothing happens in this world without a cause. Father wouldn’t give Me such an instruction without proper reason. Please keep your emotions under control.” On hearing Lakshmana’s narration, Kausalya fainted. Later, she said, “Rama, is it not a son’s duty to equally obey father and mother? Do I not bear half of your father’s rights? Therefore, You have to fulfil your mother’s orders also (So, I shall also come along with You to the forest).” Then Rama pleaded to His mother, “Father is highly distressed because of separation from Me. In this condition, it is not proper for you to desert him. You are his Ardhaangini (better half i.e. you carry half his burdens). It is your duty now to console and protect him. This is your Dharma. The duty of a Bharateeya woman is to obey the command of her husband. You must focus only on serving him and nothing more. I (as a son) have come only later (into the family). You do not need to take me into account. You must obey the command of your husband.”

Sita, who was standing by heard this conversation. She asked Him, “Rama, You seem to be changing words according to time and circumstance. When I wanted to accompany you to the forest, You asked me to stay back and look after our aged father and mother. Whether they are young or old, You are my husband and I am Your wife, is it not? To Your mother, You are telling that obeying the command of the husband and serving the husband is the prime duty of a wife. Is not my husband, my God? Serving my husband is my prime goal. Are the norms different for the wife and the mother? This is not proper on your part”

Rama was pleased that Sita understood her duty well and even contradicted Him! One has to be tactful to follow the Dharma according to the time and situation. Rama thus promoted such Dharma by protecting His own family Dharma and upholding the honour of the family. When Lakshmana used abusive words against Kaikeyi, Rama advised him, “Lakshmana, Kaikeyi is not My step-mother, she is like my own mother. I indeed love Kaikeyi much more than My own mother. Kaikeyi too loves Me even more than Bharata. Such a mother should not be abused like this. Maatru Devo Bhavaa, Pitru Devo Bhavaa(revere the mother and father as God). I am obeying the words of My father implicitly. I respect all My mothers. This is our family tradition.” In this manner Rama expounded Dharma appropriate to the time and circumstances.

12-Greatness of Sumitra-Mother of Lakshmana-1.58-2002 April 21

Sumitra, a noble woman, had all virtues of an ideal Mother

It is impossible to describe the great qualities of Sumitra and Shatrughna. It was the time when the coronation of Rama did not take place and He went to the forest in exile. According to the wish of Kaikeyi, Rama was to spend fourteen years in exile. Before going to the forest, Rama went to mother Kausalya to seek her blessings. She wept inconsolably. Not only she; everyone in the Antahpura (inner chambers) were in tears. There was no joy to be seen anywhere. Later Lakshmana went to mother Sumitra and sought her blessings. She said, “My dear one, Lakshmana. Do not feel sad that you are going to the forest. Truly that is not a forest. In fact, this Ayodhya is like an Aranyaa (forest) without Sita and Rama. The forest where Sita and Rama live is verily Ayodhya. So even when you live in the forest, consider it as living in Ayodhya. Rama is your father and Sita, your mother. Let nothing come in your way of serving them.”

Will any mother speak in such a manner? She could have argued, “As per the boon granted to Kaikeyi, only Rama is supposed to go to the forest. You don’t need to go with Him.” Any other mother would have stopped him from going to the forest. But Sumitra, a noble woman, had all the virtues of an ideal mother.

13-Greatness of Urmila-Wife of Lakshmana-3.55-2002 April 21

Urmila’s broad-mindedness and utter selflessness moved Lakshmana to tears.

Then Lakshmana, as he would be away for 14 long years, went to his wife Urmila to inform her about his decision to go with Rama. Urmila, the first daughter of king Janaka, was highly virtuous. Her spirit of sacrifice and generosity was unparalleled. Being unaware of the happenings, she was painting a picture of Rama’s coronation ceremony that was to be held the next day. She was painting the close relationship that existed between Rama and Sita and she wanted to send it to her father Janaka. As she was deeply engrossed in her work, all of a sudden Lakshmana entered and called her in a raised voice, “Urmila!”. She was startled and at once stood up. As she got up in a hurry, she accidentally spilled the paint on the picture she was painting. She felt sad for having spoiled the picture.

Then Lakshmana said, “Do not worry. Rama’s coronation is stalled because of Kaikeyi, and the picture of coronation that you are painting is spoiled because of your husband Lakshmana. So, don’t worry about it.” He informed her that he was accompanying Rama to the forest to serve Him. She was very happy with his decision and she readily gave her consent. She never pestered him saying that she too will follow him or that he should take her along with him. She said, “Dear husband, my mother-in-law Sumitra gave birth to you and your brother Shatrughna to tread the path of service and serve your brothers. You are meant to serve Rama, and Shatrughna is meant to serve Bharata. So, discharge your duties”. She then stressed, “At no point of time should you remember me during your stay for fourteen years in the forest”. Will any wife speak in this manner? Urmila continued, “You should not think of me even for a moment. If you do so, it will come in the way of serving Sita and Rama wholeheartedly. Think of Sita and Rama all the time and protect them such that no harm comes to them. Forget me completely for the next 14 years.”

Her broad-mindedness and utter selflessness moved Lakshmana to tears. He praised her, saying, “Urmila, I never knew that you were so broad-minded. I will always treasure your broad-mindedness in my heart.” Urmila said, “Don’t think of my broad-mindedness too. Think of the broad-mindedness of Sita and and obey the command of Rama. See to it that they are never put to any inconvenience.” It is impossible to find anywhere such examples as those demonstrated by the Motherhood of Sumitra and the virtuous quality of Urmila.

14-Difference between Rama and Ravana-4.09-1996 March 28

Ravana was Great but Rama was Good

See the difference between Rama and Ravana. Both were equally eminent intellectually and were great scholars. Ravana was a great man. Rama was a good man. The difference between greatness and goodness should be understood. Rama is good, whereas Ravana is great. How is he great? Ravana had lot of worldly and physical powers. He was very well educated. However, he could not assimilate all that he had learned. Therefore, Ravana suffered from the disease of indigestion in the form of egoism and attachment. Therefore, though he was great, he fell victim to this disease. Rama is good. He put His knowledge into practice, experienced it, shared it with the people and experienced joy. He digested His knowledge. With assimilation alone comes strength and satisfaction. It is not enough if we just learn. Only when we put it into practice and digest it, we gain strength. Only if the food is digested, the body will get strength. Only when we practice all that we have learned, we will get peace and security.

Sathya (truth) and Dharma(righteousness) were dear to Rama. He loved to practice them. Ravana liked only Asatyam (falsehood) and Adharma. Sathya and Dharma became the life breath of Rama, whereas, Asathyaand Adharma became the life breath of Ravana. Ravana was a victim of desires. Rama was bereft of desires. The difference between Rama and Ravana was that between Dharma (righteousness) and Adharma (unrighteousness).

Where is Rama and where is Ravana? We are verily Rama and we are verily Ravana. When a person takes to falsehood and unrighteous courses, he becomes a Ravana. When people pursue the path of truth and righteousness, and contemplate on Divinity, they become Rama.

15-Lava and Kusha-Ideal messengers of God-2.45-1997 April 16

Lav and Kusha – The Ideal Messengers of God

When Lava and Kusha went about singing the glories of Rama they had no nervousness or apprehension. Today, in the modern age, if young people have to sing among many people, they feel very shy. Young persons hesitate to put on any auspicious marks on the forehead when they visit temples and do not venture to fold their palms in reverence. On the contrary, Lava and Kusha forgot all bodily consciousness and sang from their hearts the glory of Rama. They thus taught a very great message to the youth of today. There is nothing greater than chanting the name of the Lord.

Ears of people are eager to listen to gossip.

But the ears are deaf to the sweet names of God.

You do not hesitate to go to the films endlessly;

But your eyes find it hard to look at God in the sanctum.

What for are the eyes given? What for do you have ears? You should remember God’s name, hear God’s name and go to the abode of God. In this manner Lava and Kusha went about glorifying the greatness of Rama joyously without any apprehension or shyness.

Today’s youth should take a resolve to spread the love of God among the people without any hesitation or ego. They should make every man realise the sweetness of the Lord’s name, the divinity enshrined in remembering the name, and the purity associated with thinking of Him. These feelings should emanate from the heart. That is true naamasmarana (reciting the Lord’s name).

16-Experience Rama in your heart-2.10-1997 April 16

Practice is the touchstone of devotion

Such a sacred scripture that can delight one to such an extent cannot be found in any other country or in any other language. Any number of years have passed by, but still, even today, everybody thinks of Rama. In Bhaarath, there is no place where Rama’s name is not chanted and there is no hand that does not practice Daanam (charity). Even in the tiniest hamlet there will be a small Rama temple. But these temples are not so very important. The temple in which Rama should be worshipped is your heart. God is the Hridayavaasi (indweller of the heart). He does not reside in Tirupati or Bhadrachalam. He is neither in Vaikunta nor in Kailaasa. They are all only branch offices. But the Head office is the heart alone. God resides in the heart of man. Therefore, you need not go anywhere or travel anywhere to seek Rama. Without going out anywhere, without incurring any expense, you can experience Rama in your heart and achieve liberation.

Today, on Shri Raamanavami Day, in spite of the good fortune of being born in the Raama Janmabhoomi (sacred birth place of Rama), we are not recognising the Rama Principle. There is nothing great about celebrating the birthdays of great persons. You must put into practice the teachings of those great masters. What is the use in celebrating birthdays and ignoring the teachings? Practice is the touchstone of devotion.

A Short Quiz

01-What is the meaning of Ramayana?

02-What is the true purpose of Ramayana?

03-What is the meaning of the phrase “Ramayathi Ithi Ramah”?

04-Explain the relationship that exists between Ramayana and the Vedas?

05-Why could Lakshmana not identify any ornaments of Mother Sita other than her anklets? What is the lesson that we learn from this anecdote?

06-How did the intelligent Lakshmana save Rama from the embarrassment of bowing down in front of Sita, during the wedding ceremony?

07-Illustrate with examples, the love that existed between Rama and Lakshmana and also between Rama and Bharatha.

08-What ideal example of governance does King Dasaratha set before the world?

09-Illustrate how Rama upheld Dharma in various situations and circumstances in a perfect manner.

10-Illustrate the greatness of Mother Sumitra and wife Urmila, by presenting the advice given by them to Lakshmana before he went to the forest along with brother Rama.

11-Explain the difference between greatness and goodness by giving the examples of Ravana and Rama, according to Bhagawan.

12-What is the example that Lava and Kusha have set for the youth today, according to Bhagawan?

Month: April 2012

Guidelines on Dietary Habits – What, When and How to Eat Food – Part Three

Guidelines on Dietary Habits – What, When and How to Eat Food – Part One

The Downside of Television

Lessons for Life from Ramayana

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