Shri Rama Dootham - Story Series - Part 13 (final episode)

Shri Rama Dootham

Click here to read previous episodes - , 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

“Son, do you have anything to ask before I leave”?, the Messenger asked in pleasing tone. 

I just saw the clock, it was well past 2:00 in the afternoon. I wanted to offer him food, but I was hesitant to ask about it as by now I know he is not bound by hunger or thirst. 

I replied, “Sir, I have two questions”...

"Good, I am happy that it’s only two and not more than that… Ask"! said the Messenger. 

"Sir, Even after many years of association with my Guruji, I still don’t think I have progressed in my Sadhana. I still feel I haven’t crossed the first hurdle. I feel I am still in the same place. What is that I am missing in my Sadhana" ?

"Are you finding fault in your Guru, bete" ?, asked the Messenger looking straight into my eyes. 

"Sir!, certainly not. It’s my fortune that I have got my Guru in this life time. I cannot see any other kind human being in this world that Him. I only feel, I don’t deserve his kindness & blessings he is showering on me as I am still not able to do the one & only thing he is asking me to do., i.e. Sadhana". 

"Bete, I am happy that you have understood your Guru. But let me tell you, whatever your have understood about your Guru is only your prespective, as in real terms nobody can judge or understand Guru. As far as your question is concerned, let me quote Swami Rama’s ‘Three stages of Practice:’

1. Initial stage: At this stage, the student thinks that he is practicing, but actually he is preparing himself for the practice. His so-called practice consists of collecting the necessary means and resources to begin and to stay on the path.

2. Intermediate stage: At this stage, a student is fully equipped with all the resources he needs to practice. His time and energy are not involved in collecting means and learning methods, rather he spends his time in practice.

3. Last stage—achievement: At this stage, a student experiences the Truth. He may have only a momentary glimpse of the Truth, but at least it is a direct experience, which helps him understand the greatness of the Truth. Now, sadhana consists of trying to maintain that state. As his practice matures, he becomes an adept; then he need not try, for the experience of non-dual Reality is maintained effortlessly and spontaneously. 

Bete, use your faculties to understand, which stage you are in. Sadhana is not easy. It may takes years and sometimes many life’s to even cross one stage to another. So don’t lose hope that you are not progressing with very limited effort from your end. Whatever effort you are putting is nothing compared to the hard work & dedication the great sages have put in their life time to know the Absolute Truth. 

"Sir!, you mean to say I cannot get to know the Truth in this life time"?

"Bete!, have you forgotten what Swami Rama used to say. He says, all individuals have the responsibility to enlighten themselves. Do not think you cannot do it. You have that spark. You are fully equipped. You simply need to discipline yourself. Discipline is not a prison. It simply means practice.” So practice practice & practice, you would definitely achieve it. With Guru’s grace, you can get it in this life time too, provided you have done your practice enough and performed your duties unaffected & more importantly passed all the test to receive that uninterrupted lineage of Guru’s Grace". 

Having said that, Messenger again closed his eyes for few minutes. 

I wish I could record whatever I learnt today since morning & share it with others, but I was not sure if I would be able to recapture all again. Truly this day is the second most remarkable day in my life, the first being the day I met my Guru. 

“Ok, what’s your second question” ? Messenger asked in a hurried tone. 

I realized, it’s only matter of few minutes for Him to be present here. So I decided not to waste his time. 

With must hesitant feeling, I slowly asked my second question .

“Sir, can I know who you are “?

‘What’? , the messenger eye brow rasied. 

‘Sir, I met you here in the morning. I have never seen you before in the Sadhana Dhama nor I have seen you with Guruji before? So please let me know your name"?

“I told you I am one of the Messenger”…

“Sir, please don’t avoid this question. You have been so kind answering all my stupid questions. Please do answer this last question also?

“Ok, whom you think I am, let me see your wild guesses”

“Sir, please don’t’ ask me. I am terribly confused. I have many guesses and I am very ashamed to even share it as I don’t think I deserve to have their presence before me… "

"Hahaha… ", the Messenger laughed wholeheartedly and said, 

“Ok, I will tell you, before that let us complete the Hanuman Chalisa that you have been reading. I remember we were discussing about how Hanuman met Sita in Lanka & returned'. 

"Yes Sir"...

"Right, then on his return, Anjaneya gave Chudamani to Rama & explained everything about Lanka & Sita to him. Rama took the Chudamani very fondly. He was much pleased with Anjaneya and said the whole Ayodhya would not have been enough to perform this deed compared to the accomplishments of Hanuman. 

Then Rama called Anjaneya closer and embraced him wholeheartedly. Then Rama with the help of the army of Sugreeva built a bridge across the sea killed all the demons in the war with Ravana. 

Ravana along with his brother Kumbhakarna and son Indrajit were killed by Rama and Lakshmana. They all returned back bringing Sita with them. Thus Ram Rajya was again accomplished. 

Am I too fast bete!? Messenger asked. 

"Certainly yes!, I said to myself but I didn't dare to say it to him upfront. 

"Ok!, now complete the hanuman Chalisa that you were reading…", the messenger this time was rather ordering me. 

I quickly opened the book and started reciting Hanuman Chalisa, from where I left earlier. 

Tumhre bhajan Ram ko pave | Janam janam ke dukh bisrave || 

– 

Oh Hanumanji! through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becomes free from suffering of several lives. 

Anta kaal raghubar pur jaae | Jahan janam hari bhakt kahai || 

– 

After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth. 

Aur devta chith ne dharai | Hanumat sei sarva sukh karai || 

– 

You need not hold any other demigod in mind. Hanumanji alone will give all happiness. 

Sankat kate mite sab pira | Jo sumire hanumat bal bira || 

– 

Oh Powerful Hanumanji! You end the sufferings and remove all the pain from those who remember you. 

Jai jai jai hanuman gosai | Kripa karahu gurudev ki nai || 

– 

Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you Honour to bless me in the capacity of my supreme 'GURU' (teacher). 

Jo sat bar pat kar koi | Chhutehi bandi maha sukh hoi || 

– 

One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily for one hundred days becomes free from the bondage of life and death and ejoys the highest bliss at last. 

Jo yeh padhe hanuman chalisa | Hoi sidhi saakhi gaurisa || 

– 

As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be benefited 

Tulsidas sada hari chera | Kije nath hriday maha dera || 

– 

Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. "Oh my Lord! You enshrine within my heart.! 

DOHA 

Pavan tanay sankat haran managal murti roop || Ram Lakhan Sita sahith hriday basahu sur bhoop || 

– 

O Shri Hanuman, The Son of Pavan, Saviour The Embodiment of blessings, reside in my heart together with Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita 

"Wonderful, Wonderful.... Bolo Jai Siya Ram...., Bolo Ram Chandra Ki Jai...." exclaimed the Messenger. 

Now I was in a great excitement to know who the Messenger was .. So I hurriedly closed the book and did full Pranams, holding his feet I asked; 

“Sir, Please tell me who you are and bless me to cross the Maya & Ignorance in this life time? “

“Bete, Maya and ignorance are like an ocean. It is eternal. There is no use in praying for it to get dried up. Instead, try to cross it with the help of your Guru. Once crossed the ocean where is the necessity to think back? Proceed in the path of enlightenment. Remember, without God’s compassion, you will not meet a saint. Since you are already met your guru, it only means you are all blessed. Serve your Guru sincerely & offer your humble prayers to Rama and Sitadevi, path breakers of the world. This is my blessing to you".

With that blessing, there was only silence all around for few seconds. I gently opened my eyes and saw few flowers in the place where the Messenger was standing. He is nowhere to be seen. I realized, He has gone. 

Tears started coming as my search to find him again in the Dhyana Mandira didn't pay any results. I know he has gone. Was it a dream or my own imagination? Was he really there ? Certainly it cannot be dream as I almost spent more than 8 hours inside Dhyana Mandira with Him today. 

Who is he? A messenger, a Saint or any incarnation ?

My inner voice told me, "Whoever it may be, it is more important on what he shared with me than trying to be curious to know about Him". 

I really do not know if this day is going to the change real ME in me. But certainly it showed me more reasons to feel blessed to have my Guru in this life time as without His Grace, nothing could have been possible nor would be. 

I decided to go back to my room and rest for a while as I too didn't feel any interest to have my lunch. So decided to offer my pranams to the gigantic Hanuman ji statute in front of me before retiring to my room. 

As I did my pranams to Anjaneya, I heard again a voice, echoing the entire Dhyana Mandira, in a very soothing way… 

Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram, Patita Pavana Sita Ram ...

It’s Him again.. .the messenger.. but not visible to my eyes any more… But I am sure, he would give his Dharsan to all true seekers who visit the Sadhana Dhama Ashram.

May be we can find Him during this Summer Camp on May 18th if we sincerely pray & do our Sadhana…. 

If any of you did, please share it with us....

Jai Siya Ram…

(Shri Rama Dootham Story series ends here... Sadhana continues...)

-'Bansuri'

Today being Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya, humbly sharing a small video created as an amateur attempt below. Please view in full screen mode with Audio...

(Please note that the views expressed in this fictional story series are the views of the author's own imagination taking reference from various sources which includes but not limited to Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, Hanuman chalisa along with Swami Rama & Guruji Pattabhiram's teachings. If you find any text inappropriate, the author seeks humble apologies.Pic couresy: Internet)

Shri Rama Dootham - Story Series - Part 12

Shri Rama Dootham

Click here to read previous episodes - , 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

"Sir, When one is on a worthy mission, all the celestial will be there to help, Am I right sir" ?. 

"Yes Bete!…", replied the Messenger.

"How is it possible" ?

"Through Grace…"

"How do we get that Grace?"

"Be silent inside and empty you ego. The Grace will work through you".

"Could you please be little elaborate?"

"Swami Rama says that, Grace comes of its own when a seeker has made maximum effort. When all efforts have been made, and all efforts have been exhausted, then grace comes. A power comes from above, of its own, to a vessel that is cleaned, purified, and is prepared to receive it"

"Hmm…!"

"Don't just nod your head for whatever I say. Instead find out if you are prepared with a clean & purified vessel to receive the Grace?", the Messenger roared. 

"As I see, I am still a long way to go Sir…", I replied with a cheeky smile. 

"Atleast you are fortunate that you know the way to receive that Grace. Keep working, you will succeed. Remember, Grace is the fruit that you receive from your faithful and sincere efforts. So don’t stop trying". 

"Will do Sir…"

"Bete, it’s almost lunch time and we are talking since early dawn. It’s time for me to go. Will you not spare me with your questions"?, the Messenger asked with a pleading voice. 

Seeing the Messenger again talking about leaving the place, I hurriedly took my Hanuman Chalisa Book and started reading from where I left, as I find its the only way to keep him here;

Ram duware tum rakhvare | Hot na aagya bin paisare || 

– 

Oh Hanumanji! You are the sentinel at the door of Ram's mercy mansion or His divine abode. No one may enter without your permission. 

Sab sukh lahe tumhari sharna | Tum rakshak kahu ko darna || 

– 

By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any fear under your protection. 

Aapen tej samharo aape | Tinau lok hank te kanpe || 

– 

When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control your might. 

Bhoot pisach nikat nahi aave | Mahabir jab naam sunave || 

– 

Great Brave on. Hanumanji's name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons & evils spirits away from his devotees. 

Nase rog hare sab pira | Japat nirantar hanumat bira || 

– 

On reciting Hanumanji's holy name regularly all the maladies perish the entire pain disappears. 

Sankat se hanuman chhudaave | Man kram bachan dhyan jo lave || 

– 

Those who rembember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well guarded against their odds in life. 

Sab par ram tapasvi raja | Tinke kaaj sakal tum saja || 

– 

Oh Hanumanji! You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in penances. 

Aur manorath jo koi laave | Soi amit jivan phal pave || 

– 

Oh Hanumanji! You fulfill the desires of those who come to you and bestow the eternal nectar the highest fruit of life. 

Charo yug parthap tumhara | Hai parsidh jagat ujiyara || 

– 

Oh Hanumanji! You magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all through the four ages and your fame is radiantly noted all over the cosmos. 

Sadhu sant ke tum rakhvare | Asur nikandan ram dulare || 

– 

Oh Hanumanji! You are the saviour and the guardian angel of saints and sages and destroy all the Demons, you are the seraphic darling of Shri Ram. 

Ashta sidhi nau nidhi ke data | Asa bar din janki mata || 

– 

Hanumanji has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any YOGIC power of eight Sidhis and Nava Nidhis as per choice. 

Ram rasayan tumhare pasa | Sada raho raghupati ke dasa || 

– 

Oh Hanumanji! You hold the essence of devotion to RAM, always remaining His Servant. 

After few minutes of Silence, the Messenger started speaking;

"Bete!, Just like a spiritual aspirants who might get distracted by temptations of the world, Hanuman too felt he might get distracted by the mansions in the city of the Lanka with beautiful pillars made of crystal, dazzling beauty of the lavish structures. Hanuman realized his mission will be halted if he spends time in getting himself lost in the beauty of Lanka and ensured to keep his mind fixed in the goal. Hanuman searched every inch of Lanka fully and thoroughly in search of Sita". 

"He didn't had Google at that time, Hahaha", I smiled....

My interruption certainly did not go well with the Messenger who just stopped talking immediately and closed his eyes. 

Sensing my wrong humor sense in wrong place, I decided to curb my childish behaviour and waited for Him to speak. 

After few minutes of silence, the Messenger started speaking again;

"Finally Hanuman's sincere efforts paid rich dividends and he found the Mother Sita in Ashoka Vana without any Google search", the Messenger said with a smile.

The smile from His face certainly made me to feel relax. May be he purposefully said that to make me feel happy sensing the tension that was building up inside me.  

The Messenger then continued;

"Do you know why Hanuman loves the betel leaf garland? It was these leaves that covered and hid him while he was waiting to speak with Sita. They protected him in the Ashoka Vana, when Hanuman was watching all the pain & tribulations the Mother was going through in midst of Demons. 

Hanuman was waiting patiently for an opportunity to speak with Sita. 

When the opportunity presented itself, Hanuman jumps from the tree chanting Rama Rama not before dropping the ring given by Lord Rama as identification. The ring was made up of crystal which glows with the letters ‘Rama’ with the touch of Rama or Sita. 

Realizing the Mother is still in doubt if the monkey form Hanuman is truly a Messenger sent by his Lord or was it another tricky game played by the Demons, Hanuman then uses his wisdom & Bhakti to bring trust in her.  

After few great exchange of words filled with extreme love & devotion, Sita realizes that Hanuman is indeed a true Messenger sent by His Lord Ram. Sita, overwhelmed with happiness embraces the ring with affection.

Meanwhile, the demons who saw Hanuman in Ashoka Vana tries to hold him captive. Hanuman too showed His presence felt in Lanka by burning Lanka into Ashes and sending a strong warning to Ravana & his team during this encounter.

Hanuman before leaving Lanka, once again went to Ashoka Vana to get the assurance if the mother Sita is safe inspite of burning Lanka into ashes. He feels extremely satisfied to see the Mother Sita safe there. 

Rejoicing, he bowed before her and said, "Oh mother! I have seen you safe and sound. This is your power and my good fortune. Now give me leave to go."

Sita says, "You are indeed a hero. For you there is nothing impossible. See that my lord comes here soon and lays low the Rakshasas and redeems me. I depend on you. You alone can achieve this."

"Be assured," said Hanuman. "Sugriva will soon be here with Rama and Lakshmana and the myriads of Vanaras. Ravana and his wicked hordes will perish. The happy prince will return with you to Ayodhya. Grieve No more". 

The Mother blessed Hanuman and gave her Chudamani as identification when Hanuman meets her Lord back at Kishkinta.

Receiving the mother’s blessing, Hanuman flows back to the shore where all his army was waiting for him. Jambavantha had seen him from a distance and said that Anjaneya was returning with victory. Hanuman showed the Chudamani to all and had described the happenings in detail in proper sequence and without omission. 

With tears in Hanuman eyes, he shares with them what a divinely precious soul Sita was and how nobly she had borne herself. Then he narrates how he destroyed the park and killed the Rakshasa warriors, how he was finally bound by Indrajit and produced before Ravana. He describes what took place at Ravana's courtyard and how as a punishment for his boldness of speech they set fire to his tail, furnishing him thereby with a great torch with which he set their city ablaze.

Hearing Hanuman's tales, all the Vanaras were in a very joyous mood. Praising & chanting Lord Rama & Sita, they all returned to Kishkinda to share this divine victory with Lord Rama. 

Having said this, the Messenger once again closed this eyes. I could sense, He is just holding his presence for me and I know I can't hold him further. While he kept continuously chanting in a very feeble voice;

Ram rasayan tumhare pasa | Sada raho raghupati ke dasa ||

I was just waiting for Him to open his eyes....

(to be concluded in next episode) 

- 'Bansuri'

(Please note that the views expressed in this fictional story series are the views of the author's own imagination taking reference from various sources which includes but not limited to Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, Hanuman chalisa along with Swami Rama & Guruji Pattabhiram's teachings. If you find any text inappropriate, the author seeks humble apologies.Pic couresy: Internet)

Shri Rama Dootham - Story Series - Part 11

Shri Rama Dootham

Click here to read previous episodes - , 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

"Sir, Crossing the oceans & reaching the Lanka itself is a big achievement, isn’t it"?, I posed this question not only to bring back the messenger to this world, but also as a lead to post my next question. 

"No!, Hanuman never thought arriving at the island of Lanka is alone sufficient. He knew he has a bigger task than to reach Lanka. Hanuman felt that his task was yet to begin. Now in his mind, he can only focus on finding Sita as his immediate mission and not get satisfied with the mere achievement of reaching Lanka".

"Sir, I agree, but to accomplish a big task, small small milestones have to be reached, which itself is a great success, right"?. 

"Bete!, Only when the Sun rises, darkness vanishes. Only if the messenger’s task is done properly, success is accomplished. Only then the mission of Rama will be completed. So Hanuman had to think clearly and carefully in order to fulfill his task of finding Sita, So...."

I was overjoyed to hear this from Messenger, as I exactly got the point to ask my next question. So I quickly interrupted and asked my next question . 

“Sir, any wrong action that Hanumanji might perform in this arduous task would result in serious consequence, isn't it sir?

"Hmm..." replied Messenger.

"So if that’s the case, who is guiding Hanuman ji to take right decision here?"

I could notice Messenger's eye brows being raised but I decided to continue to explain why I posed this question.

"Sir, let me tell you why I asked this question. At times, my Guru gives me some task to do. Sometimes, he gives clear cut direction on how to perform that action, which really helps. Sometimes the task that He gives is so vague or rather very brief, I keep wondering how to accomplish this task? Who would guide me? While I do the action that I was asked to do by my Gurudev, what if I do something really silly or commit a great mistake, which would result in serious consequences for me & to my guru ?

Messenger smiled at me and said, "Bete, your Guru loves you a lot so does He to all His Students. He never gets hurt with your mistakes as long as you keep trying sincerely & faithfully. But remember, failure is the stepping stone to success. You should learn from your mistakes and not repeat them". 

"But sir, my question is who would guide me ? who guided Hanuman ji on how to search Sita in Lanka? Ram was not near him all the time? My guru wouldn’t be near me all the time. If that’s the case, how will I know if the action performed by me is right or wrong" ? 

Messenger replied, "First of all remember that if your Guru gives you a task, it doesn't mean that He has no one else to accomplish it. He can easily find thousand times better skilled person than You. Inpsite of that, if He finds you as a right person to perform that task, it only means that He loves you and He wants to teach you silently through the task given to you. You may still be performing not upto the mark as compared to any other skilled person, but that does not concern your Master. He is more concerned about how much you could raise above and How much it had helped in your Inner purification..."

"Sir,.... ' I interrupted...

"Wait, Wait... Have patience, let me complete my son....  I know you are waiting to hear the answer for your question... Let me come to that. First, tell me, do you want me to answer your question or shall I quote what Baba (Swami Rama) has said to His students", asked Messenger. 

I quickly jumped and said, “Baba Baba please….”. I just realized, my voice was echoing the entire Dhyana Mandir Hall at Sadhana Dhama where we were having this conversation.  I sometimes totally forget in which material plane we were seated .

"OK", Messenger replied with a smile and closed his eyes and started speaking after taking few minutes time. Is he taking some time to bring Baba here ? Am I now going to hear Baba's voice or the Messenger's voice. I quickly dismissed my thoughts and gave my attention to what Messenger quoted from Baba's teachings.  

"Manas is not an appropriate tool for searching for the Truth. The heart also is not competent. The buddhi (intellect), the faculty of discrimination, is qualified to guide you. When the buddhi, the finest aspect of the antahkarana (internal instrument), is sharpened, and a coordination is established between the buddhi and the different aspects of the mind, then one can have a perfect and orderly mind. Such a mind, when coordinated with the power of the emotions, is able to penetrate into the deeper levels of your being.

Unlike manas that always remains in a state of doubt, the intellect is endowed with the power of discrimination and decision. However, you should remember that a dissipated mind never listens to the intellect. The intellect can guide only a one-pointed mind. Therefore, the most important step in spiritual practice is to make the mind one-pointed, so that it can be guided by the decisive faculty called intellect.

The power of discrimination is the greatest of all benevolent forces within. With the help of contemplation and meditation, one should unfold this power and learn to distinguish right actions from unwholesome ones.

One who lacks the power of discrimination performs his actions without being aware of their consequences. Most of the time, he is driven by his desires, whims, and primitive urges. He usually does not know what truth is, and even if he knows, he fails to practice it in his thoughts, speech, and actions.

Without perfect faith in the higher Reality, he cannot attain freedom from his own anxiety and insecurity. Without discrimination and faith, he may perform his actions, but he lives in a state of doubt.

Unless these two principles—discrimination and faith—are fully unfolded, one cannot rise above the spheres of manas and ego. He cannot distinguish right actions spontaneously, and cannot perform his actions wholeheartedly.

He who listens to the voice of the inner soul and performs actions under the guidance of discrimination, rises above egocentric awareness. He attains foresight and the power of discrimination guides him on the path of righteousness.

Through uninterrupted practice of meditation and contemplation, he one day attains illumination. His whole life is driven by the power of discrimination and faith, and he enters into the kingdom of the eternal heart.

"So my Son", Messenger opened his eyes and said, "Rise above and use your Discrimination as Inner guide to perform your actions. You will never fail. That’s what Hanuman always did when he had task to serve his Master and that’s what you should also do when you perform your actions". 

I got delighted for having got the answer. I quickly opened my book to read verses from Hanuman Chalisa, from where I had left earlier. 

Sahas badan tumhro jas gave | Asa kahi shripati kanth legave || 

Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying: "Let the thousand -tongued sheshnaag sing your glories" 

Sankadik bhramadi muneesa | Narad sarad sahit aheesa || 

Sanak and the sages, saints. Lord Brahma, the great hermits Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent, fail to sing the glories of Hanumanji exactly 

Yam kuber digpal jahan te | Kabi kobid kahin sake kahan te || 

What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars ones etc even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate Hanman's greatness in toto. 

Tum upkar sugrivahi kinha | Ram milai rajpad dinha || 

Hanumanji! You rendered a great service for Sugriva, It were you who united him with SHRI RAM and installed him on the Royal Throne. 

Tumharo mantra vibhishan mana | Lankeshwar bhaye sab jag jana || 

By heeding your advice. Vibhushan became Lord of Lanka, which is known all over the universe. 

Jug sahastra jojanpar bhanu | Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu || 

Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles considering it to be a sweetfruit. 

Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahi | Jaladhi langhi gaye acharaj nahin || 

Carrying the Lord's ring in his mouth, he went across the ocean. There is no wonder in that. 

Durgam kaaj jagat ke jete | Sugam anugrah tumhre te te || 

Oh Hanumanji! all the difficult tasks in the world are rendered easiest by your grace 

"Yes. With His Grace, (messenger pointing his Hand at the huge Hanuman Statue at the Dhyana Mandir), I bless all the Sadhaka's to get that Discrimation  as Inner Guide to perform their actions wisely", Messenger replied.  

"Sir, When one is on a worthy mission, all the celestial will be there to help, Am I right sir" ?. 

I realized my questions will never be over so soon....

(to be contd...)

- 'Bansuri' 

(Please note that the views expressed in this fictional story series are the views of the author's own imagination taking reference from various sources which includes but not limited to Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, Hanuman chalisa along with Swami Rama & Guruji Pattabhiram's teachings. If you find any text inappropriate, the author seeks humble apologies.) 

Shri Rama Dootham - Story Series - Part 10

Shri Rama Dootham

Click here to read previous episodes - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

"Son, the time is approaching for me to leave this place", Messenger's alarming voice hit me hard. 

"Sir, please do not go in the middle. I wish to hear from you How Lord Hanuman crossed the ocean and met Sita Devi and how he came back victorious. Please atleast be here till you finish telling them to me", I pleaded. 

"OK!, that's possible. I will certainly share my thoughts with you on this. But please do not request me further to stay here. I can't stay longer here in this form", Messenger spoke in very kind way looking straight into my eyes. 

Not able to understand what the messenger meant, I decided just to nod my head as I am already overwhelmed for having Him staying with me since Morning. I know, I can't keep Him here for long. 

"Sir, I remember Hanuman met few difficulties even while crossing the ocean, could you please elaborate for me"?,  I posed this question so that the Messenger can continue from where he left earlier. 

"Son!, First obstacle came in the way of Hill “Mynakam”, when it requested Hanuman to stay there for some time so that it can serve Him".

"So surprising, during Ramayana period, even Hill used to talk"! , I chuckled… 

"Son, whether Hill is talking or not, is not important for you to research. What is more important is to understand what message you get out of it. Shall I go ahead or you want more research on this?", the Messenger asked sternly. 

"Sorry sir, please continue...."

Myanakam Hill said to Hanuman, “Even if an ordinary human being visits our place, we attend to him & serve 'Annadhana' (food) as our traditional culture follows & practices ‘athithi devo bhava’. Great Scholar's have said that if you give Annadhana (food) to any athiti (guest), it’s special. If that is the case, if I do Annadhana to a person who is more than special, who is a mahapurush, who is avatharapurush, more than anything who himself is a Rama Dhootan, Ramadasan, how much I would be blessed. So please accept my offerings”. 

I interrupted the Messenger and asked, "So nice, how much love this hill is having on Lord Hanuman. Did hanumanji accepted it" ? 

"Did you think Hanuman is like you, who is thinking of Poori dish, while doing your Meditation? Anjaneya is on an important task and if he sits here for a while & relax, then in which Janma (life) would he complete His task"?, 

Messenger's return question did not find any answers from me. Instead I asked another question to save my name. 

"Sir, but it’s only for few hours, right? So what harm?"

"Son!, You should always be concentrating on the task given to you. Imagine Hanuman’s plight. There in the sea shore, His ram is crying calling “Sita, Sita, Sita, Sita” (He enacts for me) and here in Lanka, Sita devi must be sobering stating “Prabhu, Raghava, Ramachandra, Rama, Kripalu , Dhyanidhe, Karunanidhe, where are you”… (again He enacts for me with full of emotion), If that’s the case, how in the middle can He sit and have food or feast leisurely, tell me?" ......

I liked this as I could see the Messenger is fully into it. He is not merely sharing the story. No, certainly not. He experiences it as he shares it with me, He is there, He is in the right middle where the Ramayana is happening. This is what I could feel as he is fully merged while narrating the episodes for me...

I got back from my thoughts with another question to Him, "Sir, but Mynakam, the Hill is requesting with utmost Bhakti (devotion), how can one ignore such pure love ?.."

"Good question my boy! that’s why Hanuman convinced the Hill stating that He will take some rest & food after completing his task of searching Sita Devi. By this, Hanuman ensured that he doesn't hurt the Hill's pure devotion and at the same time ensured He is not deviating from his entrusted task"... 

"Wow, great character… " I exclaimed in awe. 

"Is it? Thanks". 

Why you say thanks sir ?

"You want Lord Hanuman himself to come & thank you or what ?

"No, No.. sorry for deviating, please continue…"

"While Hanuman continued his journey from the Hill, the Deva’s seeing Hanuman’s valiant strength & One-Pointedness, wanted to further test Him and they requested ‘Surasa’, the Nagamatha to block Hanuman’s way".

"What is this? Why do they have to do this in such a tight situation" ?, My instant response stopped Messenger's flow. 

Messenger just gave a stare, which was enough for me to stop my mouth opening further. 

Messenger continued, "So she took a giant form standing on the way of Hanuman with wide open mouth and said, as per the boon given to her, whoever pass through that path has to enter her mouth". 

Hanuman politely said, ‘Mother, I have an important task, let me do that while on return, please do not block my way”.

But she was hesitant and didn’t give any way. Hanuman thought quickly and decided His next step. Step by step he made his body grow bigger and bigger. The Rakshasa (demon) form (which had been assumed by Surasa, the Naga maiden) opened its mouth correspondingly wider and wider. When the mouth was thus enormously wide, all of a sudden Hanuman contracted his body into a speck and, darting through the demon's mouth and body, came out again and resumed his former normal shape.

He then laughed and said: "You have had your wish, mother. I have entered your mouth. What more do you need?"

Pleased by Hanuman’s Budhi (intelligence) & determination, the Naga goddess showed her original form and blessed Him on his Mission and left the way . 

This was not the last of his trials. As he was flying in the sky, for no reason which he could discover, he found his speed obstructed and he suffered like a ship against a contrary wind. Some mighty force, he felt, was holding him and dragging him down.He looked up and down and on all four sides. Then he discovered the cause. It was a huge she-demon in the sea holding him by his shadow below, arresting his speed, and dragging him down.

The demon, holding him by his shadow, said: "Come, come! Long have I been waiting for you. No longer can I bear my hunger," and she opened her mouth like a cave.

At once Hanuman entered her mouth and ripped a way out through her entrails and emerged. The demon died and sank down in the water. Like the full moon emerging from an eclipse, Hanuman shone in the sky and resumed his journey.

Thus surviving many trials with the help of his subtle wit, courage and strength, he flew across the ocean and approached the coast of Lanka covered with plantain and coconut trees.

"So son, what you learnt from this episode, tell me" ?, Messenger asked.

"Sir!, In Mynaka hill episode, Hanuman showed His character, conquered through love and won. In Naga Mata episode, he showed his 'buddhi' (Intelligence) & Determination and won. In the last demon incident you mentioned, He shows his real strength and won, Am I right sir!? ...

"Beautiful! What I wanted to add here is, in same way, in life you would come across so many hurdles & obstacles, especially when you are in the path of Spirituality. But you should never give too much importance to those hurdles. Some hurdles, you would need to win by using your 'buddhi' (Intelligence), some you need to win by your strength, and some by your character & love. That is what Hanuman teaches all of us", Messenger spoke with gentle smile.  

"Sir, please bless me so that I can have all this virtues in me....", I asked with folded hands.

"Hahaha...., you have your Guru's blessing already, what else you need?",  Messenger replied with laughter which echoed whole 'Dhyana Mandir' at Sadhana Dhama. Then he lovingly kept his Hand on my head and said:

"Son!, do your Sadhana & serve the Master. While serving, feel as if you are that squirrel who helped Lord Rama in building the bridge to cross the ocean, Join hands with your Guru who is toiling hard in spreading the message of our Guru Tradition, the rest they will take care of you..., Now can you read the next lines from Hanuman Chalisa for me" ?.. the Messenger asked softly. 

I opened my book and read:

Sukshma roop dhari siyahi dikhava | Bikat roop dhari lank jerava ||

You appeared before Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her, while you assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

Bhim roop dhari asur sanhare | Ramchandra ke kaaj savare ||

He, with his terrible form, killed demons in Lanka and performed all acts of Shri Ram.

Laye sajivan lakhan jiyaye | Shri raghubir harish ur laye ||

When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing 'Sanjivni herb' Shri Ram took him in his deep embrace, his heart full of joy.

Raghupati kinhi bahut badai | Tum mam priya bharat sam bhai ||

Shri Ram lustily extolled Hanumanji's excellence and remarked, "you are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat"

"You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat".... , the Messenger repeated the last line once again closing his eyes with few tears tinkling down. 

I decided to keep quite for some time....

(to be contd...)

-'Bansuri'

(Please note that the views expressed in this fictional story series are the views of the author's own imagination taking reference from various sources which includes but not limited to Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, Hanuman chalisa along with Swami Rama & Guruji Pattabhiram's teachings. If you find any text inappropriate, the author seeks humble apologies.) 

Shri Rama Dootham - Story Series - Part 9

Shri Rama Dootham

Click here to read previous episodes - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

As it took more time than I thought, to bring back the Messenger in this material world, I continued to recite the next stanza from Hanuman Chalisa along with its meaning…

Hath bajre aur dhvaja biraje | Kandhe moonj janeu saaje ||

Shankar suvan kesari nandan | Tej pratap maha jag vandan ||

Vidyavan guni ati chatur | Ram kaj karibe ko atur ||

Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiya | Ram lakhan sita man basiya ||

Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other a banner with sacred threadacross his shoulder

Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of 'SHIVA' and you delight Shri Keshri. Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the universe. The entire world propitiates. You are adorable of all.

Oh! Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very wise and highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram.

You are intensely greedy for listening to the naration of Lord Ram's life story and revel on its enjoyment. You ever dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram-Sita and Shri Lakshman.

"Hmm….."  Messenger softly acknowledged having heard what I recited…and told with a smile "You too are greedy to listen more from me, isn't it" ? 

I just nodded my head in affirmation with a return smile. 

"Tell me Beta, what is needed to achieve any set goal" ?,  Messenger suddenly posed a question to me..

After a brief thought, I replied “Determination”..

"What else"?

"Clarity..!"

"What else" ?

"Commitment...!"

"Hmm..?"

"To have a plan in place…!"

"All are OK, but what you should have in basic before you get all these additional qualities ?

"Sir, I fail to find any definite answer, you only please clarify…" I surrendered finally.... 

Messenger replied, "Son, to do any work or to achieve anything what is more important than anything else is the enthusiasm that you should have to do it. Without it, you cannot achieve anything and with it, you can achieve everything. Even 90 year old man if he has enthusiasm can do anything, and with no enthusiasm even a 20 year young man cannot achieve anything. Age is not limitation when one has enthusiasm in doing anything".

"Hanuman shows this when he readily accepts the job of crossing the ocean... Didn't He ? asked the Messenger looking straight into my eyes.

"Sir, I understand, but I have one doubt here.. It may be idiotic question as well.. Can I ask? "...

"Son whatever you have asked till now are all idiotic only, never mind, I am tuned to it, Go ahead".. said the Messenger with the twinkling eyes....

Strangely, this taunt from the Messenger didn't hurt me, rather I was feeling more happy to know that the Messenger is now more willing to listen to me...  So I continued with my question...

"Sir, why did Hanuman choose to go through Akasha marga to cross the Ocean? Doesn't he know swimming" ?

"Hahaha… Bete, with Ram blessings, Hanuman can cross the Ocean through Akasha Marga or through Jal Marga…or He can also drink the entire Ocean if he wish, but He did not do it because if He drank all the Ocean, then how can the sedhubandhana leela would happen later. For every action there is a reason…. The blessed one’s do them so casually that we fail to understand them many a times …"

"For your understanding let us assume that Hanuman decided to cross the ocean through Akasha, because flight goes faster than the Ship, isn’t it ? Hahaha..... the Messenger laughter echoed the whole Dhyana Mandir, in the Sadhana Dhama Ashram... 

"Ah! Yes, now there is logic…." Now I too joined in that laughter.... 

"You know what He did immediately..."? the Messenger again posed a question to me... 

I know whatever answer I would give, it wouldn't be right, so I decided to keep quite & waited for the Messenger only to answer it…

"Hanuman himself was quite aware how important & critical is the mission entrusted to Him and as he was taking leave of all fellow monkeys, Sugriva, Rama & Lakshmana, He knew to achieve anything one need both manusya (human) effort and lord’s anugraha (blessing), so he decided to start the journey with a Prayer. Now tell me, to whom he prayed first ?

Again.. I thought for a moment and before I answer.. the Messenger interrupted stating…

"Tell me, Because of whom you are peaceful and Happy in life now...."?

"My Guruji… !",  I instantly answered…

"Yes, Hanuman first salutes to His Guru, the 'Sun' God since he learnt all Vedic scriptures from Sun, then He Salutes to the Lord Indra, Brahma, the devotees of the Lord, his own father (the Wind-God) and then mentally paid obeisance to Rama and Lakshmana. He then bowed down to all the rivers and oceans before embarking on the mission". 

I interrupted by asking, "Sir, I understand why Hanuman prays to his Guru & to Rama & Lakshmana, but why others? "..... 

Without any hesitation, the Messenger replied gently, "Hanuman realizes that to accomplish his mission, he needs Lords as well as the natural forces like rivers and oceans cooperation and blessings. The manner in which Hanuman starts his mission is indeed a lesson for all of us on how we should initiate any critical mission".

"Hanuman then says:

- He will go as fast as Ram’s weapon in search of Sita 

- Like how Ram’s arrow reach the target accurately, he too will search Sita Devi accurately. 

- Like how ram’s arrow after achieving the target, returns back to its original place, He too will come back to ram’s feet. 

- Like how in all Lord Ram’s arrow, the name ‘Ram’ is imprinted, in same way, He too would always utter the Lord's name ‘Ram... Ram...’ 

and adding to it Hanuman states that He has Ram’s ring which He feels would give Him the strength & guide Him to Success".

I knew it's morally not right to question the deeds of Lords, but nevertheless I was prepared to be open to my Messenger to pose any question that arise in my mind, as I am willing to get myself corrected before Him. So I decided to ask that question which lingered in my mind.. 

"Sir, you said Lord Hanuman does not have any ego, then why does He say all these before leaving, I feel these statements may be sign of ‘Ego’... ?"

"Good Question Son!, Hanuman knows very well that any power that he Has belongs to Ram, There is no Ego in him. He states all this to show His enthusiasm & to make the entire Vanara group to be motivated. It does not mean ego. You should also have such enthusiasm but at the same time you should have humility in you like Hanuman. Its very difficult as it’s only a subtle difference. If you have too much confidence, it can easily turn into ego. So you should be very careful".

"Sir, but how to realize this Ego and to overcome it?.... 

Messenger gently closed his eyes & replied, "I will tell you what Swami Rama says, to understand this. He Says:

A person walking on the path of self-transformation should be aware of the dangers of egoism. Even while practicing the great virtues of truthfulness and nonviolence, a person can feed the ego. The ego related to the realm of spirituality is more subtle and injurious than the ego related to one’s worldly success.

During the period of seeking, the student may become too intellectual, ignoring sahaja bhava (spontaneous intuition); conversely, he may become too emotional; ignoring reason. An emotional trip is as dangerous as an intellectual trip; each feeds the ego.

A person becomes a slave to his ego when he thinks of selfish gains. A selfish person dwells in a state of doubt since his conscience constantly reminds him of his wrong attitude. On the one hand, he is pulled by his selfish desires, and on the other, he is alarmed by his inner voice. He is torn apart by these two forces.

Do not ever condemn yourself in any way. Learn to appreciate and admire yourself, but see that you do not feed your ego. It is the arch enemy on the path, though it can be polished with some effort.

Acknowledge your weak points, let the power of discrimination counsel your ego, and make a strong resolution to overcome your weaknesses. While working on the removal of weaknesses, you have to be very vigilant. Ego does not want its weaknesses exposed. The more you hide your weaknesses, the more they grow. Remind yourself that you are on the path of inner purification and self-discovery. It requires great courage. Stand firm during this internal battle, and support your Atman, even at the cost of dismounting the ego and all its retinue.

A human being is miserable if he fails to unfold and use his inner potentials. In order to unfold his inner potentials, he must purify the ego or surrender it to the higher Reality. After renouncing slavery to the ego, he can emerge from the confines of body, senses, and mind.

Only a profound method of meditation can help to purify the ego. A purified ego does not create barriers.

By practicing diligently, one may attain concentration of mind, one may speak the truth, and one may serve others, but one cannot realize the Truth unless one surrenders one’s ego to the higher Self. Only after rising above egocentric awareness, can one find the universe within. Only then can one learn to love all and exclude none. One who does not love one’s fellow beings, cannot love God at all.

The most important step toward self-transformation is to shed one’s ego, to surrender it to the higher Reality, and thereby attain the light of discrimination and pure faith.

Once ego surrenders itself to the highest Truth, you have attained victory, and spiritual illumination is yours. Soon after the victory over ego, all other virtues, such as humility, love, selflessness, compassion, and kindness, spontaneously unfold. These virtues are prerequisites for self-transformation. When these virtues blossom, a human being becomes a saint. These saintly qualities send a silent invitation to the Lord of Life.

"Hanuman didn't for a moment looked at other vanaras and thought proudly, “See only I can cross, not you people”. No!, certainly he did not do that. He only bowed to all and stretched his two hands, folding his two legs, twisting his long tail once, opening his mouth wide open, with the force, he jumped saying “Jai Sitaram” and climbed up to highest peak of the Mahendra promontory, and stood like a pillar supporting the vault of the sky. Then poising himself for flight, with hands and tail outstretched in air, his neck drawn in, his legs bent, and his chest contracted, he pressed down his feet and rose sheer into the sky and clove through the air towards Lanka".

"Hanuman pierced into the Akasha....." 

stating this the Messenger again went into silence... then suddenly with thundering blooming voice, he said, "Bolo.. Jai Ram Ji Ki,... Bolo, Jai Ram Ji Ki".......

I too joined.... 

Jai Ram Ji Ki.....

Jai Ram Ji Ki.....

Jai Ram Ji Ki.....

(To be contd..)

-'Bansuri'

(Please note that the views expressed in this fictional story series are the views of the author's own imagination taking reference from various sources which includes but not limited to Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, Hanuman chalisa along with Swami Rama & Guruji Pattabhiram's teachings. If you find any text inappropriate, the author seeks humble apologies.)