Three Things Rama Wasn’t Compelled To Do

“Today, being graced with Your presence, I have obtained the results of my penances and austerities. Today, my birth has been made fruitful and my spiritual masters have been well honored.” (Shabari speaking to Lord Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 74.11)

Download this episode (right click and save)

Shri Rama is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He stands strong and fearless, with bow and arrow in hand. He enhances the stature of the Raghu dynasty, the family of rulers in which He appears. He upholds dharma, which is the only way to real happiness. Like bad weather threatening the outside of a home, adharma is always around, ready to bring down the pious and innocent in its path. From time to time the Supreme descends to provide added security.

“In order to deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I advent Myself millennium after millennium.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.8)

It is not surprising that the Supreme Lord would be able to protect against the strongest enemies the world has ever known, but there is the question of why. If He is above everyone else, doesn’t a lack of responsibility accompany that standing? Otherwise, He would be under pressure like the rest of us.

In fact Bhagavan is atmarama, or self-satisfied. He has nothing to do, but for the pleasure of the devotees He is willing to do anything.

1. Give salvation to Shabari

Sita Devi had gone missing. Shri Rama, the husband, immediately went on a search. The younger brother Lakshmana was with Him. The brothers somehow made their way to the hermitage of a female ascetic. Long ago, when society organized differently than it does today, women still had the freedom to pursue a higher goal, paramartha.

Shabari was an ascetic who followed the guidance of her spiritual teachers. They told her that one day Shri Rama would visit her. By offering Him food to the best of her ability, being hospitable, she would win salvation.

Those words proved to be true during this chance meeting. Shabari had nothing but berries to offer, but Rama gladly accepted them. He was not unhappy in the least. Shabari praised Him as deva vara, or the chief of the gods. In this way she subtly referenced Rama’s position as Bhagavan, higher than anyone else.

This meeting wasn’t required, but the devotion of the devotees never goes to waste. As the Supersoul within the heart, Bhagavan already travels everywhere, so what is going to a hermitage in the forest to Him?

2. Help Sugriva get the kingdom back

Shortly thereafter, Rama made friends with Sugriva. This was the former king of the Vanaras, now exiled due to a feud with his brother Vali. Sugriva could help Rama search for Sita, as there were many Vanaras [monkey-like residents of the forest] who would do anything for their leader.

Rama helped Sugriva first. He shot Vali in the back, while the two brothers were engaged in conflict. Lakshmana’s elder brother is known as the protector of dharma, but this went against protocol. Combatants are not to be attacked while engaged with another fighter.

In essence, Rama broke the rules. He makes them, after all, so there is no harm in deviating from them when the occasion calls for it. Here again the reason was the desire of a devotee. Through Vali’s death Sugriva took the kingdom back. He enjoyed in a royal manner, not attracting any sin from accepting his brother’s wife. This was because Rama washed away any negative reaction. Full surrender to Him carries this bonus.

3. Install Vibhishana on the throne of Lanka

It was the Rakshasa named Ravana who had taken Sita, against her will. Since she refused his advances, he was torturing her on the island of Lanka. Time was running out. The location became known through the heroic efforts of Hanuman, the chief minister who had arranged the friendship between Rama and the king of Vanaras.

In the course of events Ravana’s brother ended up switching sides. Vibhishana was always pious and he tried his best to correct Ravana, who had done many horrible things. Surrender to Rama would have forgiven the offenses. Ravana wouldn’t listen, and so Vibhishana left for Rama’s side.

As so many asuras throughout history have learned the hard way, time is undefeated. In this case time arrived in the beautiful form of Rama with His bow and arrows. To Ravana this was terrifying, a ghastly image. Upon his demise, the throne of Lanka became vacant.

Not holding any grudges, Rama asked Vibhishana to perform Ravana’s funeral rites. Then Vibhishana became the new king. Rama did not have to do this. In the material estimation, Vibhishana was the greatest traitor. A non-Rakshasa could have been put on the throne instead. For the devotees, Rama is willing to do anything, for even a little service offered to Him is never forgotten.

In Closing:

Since in kama’s fever set,
Quickly good deeds to forget.

But not with Shri Rama so,
From His time on earth know.

Like when to Shabari’s ashrama went,
That meeting to higher world sent.

For Sugriva shooting violation of dharma blatant,
Vibhishana taking throne by Ravana made vacant.

Three Criticisms Devotees Don’t Mind Hearing

“Knowers of the Vedas deride me as someone who simply holds a japa mala. Jnanis tell me that I am without knowledge, that I don’t know how to even perform rituals. Giving up the three paths, Tulsi humbly approaches Shri Rama’s door.” (Dohavali, 99)

karama।tha ka।thamaliyā kahaiṃ gyānī gyāna bihīna |
tulasī tripatha bihāi go rāma duāreṃ dīna ||

Download this episode (right click and save)

The Supreme Personality of Godhead is above the three modes of material nature. When He appears the form visible before the eyes is sometimes described as saguna. Literally translating this Sanskrit word, the meaning is “with qualities.”

Gunas typically refer to material qualities, belonging to the categories of goodness, passion or ignorance. Gunas also refer to ropes, and the two meanings are linked. Material qualities are binding; they keep a person tied to the cycle of birth and death.

Gunas are also a factor in determining a person’s varna, or occupation. When Bhagavan in the original form of Shri Krishna descended to this earth, adversaries sometimes had a difficult time determining His varna. In youth Krishna lived in the farm community of Vrindavana, where He tended to the calves. In adulthood He was the king of Dvaraka, the city of gates in the sea. Krishna’s foster parents were in the vaishya varna, while the birth parents were from the kshatriya group.

As a way to put Krishna down enemies would sometimes make fun of Him for having tended to animals when He was younger. Others would declare that Krishna was crooked since His occupation couldn’t be determined. Though criticisms, these were actually tremendous compliments, pointing to the transcendental nature of the delight of mother Yashoda. In a similar manner, those trying to become servants of Krishna don’t mind hearing certain criticisms.

1. You’re not properly building karma

One way to advance materially is to follow karma. This Sanskrit word has several different meanings, but all relate to work. Karma can mean prescribed work, those things which should be done for advancing further. The phala, or fruits, from karma may not arrive until another lifetime.

The devotee doesn’t mind hearing this criticism since they are not interested in karma. The goal is release from the cycle of birth and death. Whether high or low, rich or poor, tall or short, the only desire is to continue in service.

2. You are lacking proper jnana

Another option is the path of jnana. This is especially suited for the human being, who has a higher potential for intelligence. Not just jnana about anything, gain knowledge specifically about the difference between matter and spirit and everything incorporated within that discipline of study.

The devotee of Krishna is not so interested in jnana. They understand that God is a person, that He is the supreme proprietor, that He is everyone’s best friend, and that He should be served with love and devotion. What else is required?

3. You are not meditating properly

Saints like Goswami Tulsidas carry a japa mala with them. This is a string of beads, used specifically for reciting the holy names, like those found in the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

The person who is into meditation may consider this to be a waste of time. They seek proper meditation, as defined by the goal of merging into the spiritual energy and diminishing the influence of the inhibiting material body.

Devotees don’t mind hearing this criticism since the japa mala is there to help them stay connected to God. Tulsidas remains a surrendered soul, in a poor state, at the gate of Shri Rama, who is the same Krishna but appearing slightly differently.

These criticisms are actually compliments, showing that achievements in material life are no longer considered important. Those goals are something like winning the lottery in a dream; the experience is real but nothing will last. Devotional service, bhakti-yoga, is supported by the strong arm of Shri Rama, and so it is like an eternal wish-fulfilling tree, ready to give the servant infinite opportunities for service, continuing into every future lifetime.

In Closing:

That strong arm with bow to see,
Acting like wish-fulfilling tree.

For bhaktas humbly at the door,
Getting chance for service more.

That others to criticize problem not,
Since not proper understanding got.

From the material disinterested evasion,
On service to Rama now the concentration.

Good For Nothing

“Knowers of the Vedas deride me as someone who simply holds a japa mala. Jnanis tell me that I am without knowledge, that I don’t know how to even perform rituals. Giving up the three paths, Tulsi humbly approaches Shri Rama’s door.” (Dohavali, 99)

karama।tha ka।thamaliyā kahaiṃ gyānī gyāna bihīna |
tulasī tripatha bihāi go rāma duāreṃ dīna ||

Download this episode (right click and save)

It’s a legitimate argument to make. It comes especially from those who are unfamiliar. Seeing a new hairstyle, clothing, and overall way of living, everything is strange. And then it’s for a specific purpose, but where is the evidence that the purpose is being met? How to gauge that there is progress? If I’m travelling to a certain destination, if my car is stuck it means that the entire endeavor is useless. At least if I have gone halfway there was something positive from the experience.

There is a certain look to the person following spiritual life descending from the Vedas. Goswami Tulsidas references the japa mala. This is a string of beads that are considered sacred. The specific substance isn’t that significant; it is more what the beads are used for. On each one a mantra is chanted, such as the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

The mantra delivers the mind. It is proof of the amazing potency of spiritual sound. Repeating “water” over and over will not produce water, but with the holy name the sound is as good as the person it represents. If the spiritual seeker has nothing else, the japa mala alone will save them. This is because in any situation they can chant the holy names and be connected with God.

It is interesting to note that even those supposedly embedded within a spiritual culture may not understand the mind of the saint. They may think that a person is wasting their time. Here Tulsidas remarks on how those who are expert in the Vedas think that he is not making any progress.

The word referenced is karma, which means “fruitive activity.” The Vedas dedicate significant time to karma, which is something like advancing materially, without achieving liberation. In this sense the criticism is correct. Tulsidas has no interest in karma; he is not interested in advancing materially.

The jnanis deride the saint, as well. They say that he doesn’t have any jnana, or knowledge. Learn about the difference between matter and spirit. Quote from shastra, or scripture. Become familiar with Vedanta philosophy, which literally means “the conclusion of all conclusions.”

Tulsidas gets criticized for not being properly into meditation, either. He just says the name “Rama” over and over. Rather, he should focus on mysticism. Follow the procedures laid down in the Bhagavad-gita. Go to a remote place. Sit properly and meditate on the formless Absolute Truth.

“To practice yoga, one should go to a secluded place and should lay kusha-grass on the ground and then cover it with a deerskin and a soft cloth. The seat should neither be too high nor too low and should be situated in a sacred place. The yogi should then sit on it very firmly and should practice yoga by controlling the mind and the senses, purifying the heart and fixing the mind on one point.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 6.11-12)

Actually, the saint has no interest in any of these paths. He gladly accepts the criticisms. If I have no interest in buying cars and someone makes fun of the car that I drive, will I really mind? In one sense they are complimenting me through their harsh words.

In the same way Goswami Tulsidas is only interested in surrender to Shri Rama. He does so at the Lord’s dvara, or door, and in a poor state, dina. This doesn’t necessarily mean wanting things from the Supreme Lord. The idea is that everything is left behind. There is no interest in advancing materially. There is no desire to merge into the formless aspect of God. There is no intention to become knowledgeable to help in solidifying renunciation.

There is full surrender to the Supreme Lord, and that is sufficient. Let others say what they may. What difference does it make? Rama protects the surrendered souls. That is His promise. Material nature makes no such guarantees. A person can advance to heaven through karma, but the stay is not permanent. The jnani and the yogi look for something else once they achieve success. Meanwhile, the devotees stay peaceful and content, ready to serve their beloved, lifetime after lifetime.

In Closing:

“Let others say what they may,
While at Rama’s door I will stay.

In the poorest of state,
Not for salvation to await.

Nor in jnana hoping to merge,
Nor with fruitive results to converge.

Just life after life in bhakti exercising,“
Tulsi caring not others criticizing.

Doing Something About The Unknown

“Something can only be known when an attempt to know is made. Otherwise, how to know? Hearing this, Tulsi says to call Shri Rama, holding bow and arrow, to your heart to understand Him.” (Dohavali, 98)

jāneṃ jānana joiai binu jāne ko jāna |
tulasī yaha suni samujhi hiya' ānu dhareṃ dhanu bāna ||

Download this episode (right click and save)

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada says that one of the purposes of pious activities is for avoiding becoming an atheist. In addition to gaining a positive, active engagement, wisdom is slowly acquired. Without these activities, once bad fortune arrives it is easier to conclude, erroneously so, that there is no supreme controller.

“Without pious activities, if a man is in a distressed condition he becomes an agnostic, communist or something like that. Because he does not firmly believe in God, he thinks that he can adjust his distressed condition by totally disbelieving in Him.” (The Nectar Of Devotion, Ch 3)

It starts with a desire. There is something that I want. In order to get it, I give the required effort. I go above and beyond, too. What is the end result? Sometimes people succeed; of this there is no doubt. In this case I failed. The sting is too much for me to take. I start to wonder:

“How can there be a God? He wouldn’t allow this to happen. Forget my personal failure for a moment. What about everyone else that suffers? There’s no way that He exists. He must be fantasy, in the category of the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.”

In the above referenced verse from the Dohavali, the opinion of Goswami Tulsidas presents a truth that is rather obvious, but often overlooked. In the task of trying to know something, an effort must be made. How did I learn what water was? A fish doesn’t know, even though it can’t live outside of it. Other animals can distinguish water from land, but it is not like they know what to call the substances.

The human being has the highest potential for intelligence, and from the initial quest knowledge increases. Someone taught us about water, though we also studied for ourselves. If I want to buy a new television, I don’t expect it to just fall in my lap. Neither can I guarantee that any random purchase will satisfy my desires.

There is research. Read reviews. Compare specifications. Become familiar with the industry to some extent. Then make an educated decision. We don’t simply condemn the unknown to forever remain that way.

Tulsidas says that to know the Supreme Lord first call Him to your heart. The form of choice is the one holding a bow and arrow. This is Shri Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. He is the husband of Sita Devi, the goddess of fortune. He is the elder brother of Lakshmana and the one served lovingly by Shri Hanuman.

Such facts and more are known about Rama through the chance encounter with the saintly person. Tulsidas is one such person, and so he freely offers this advice. The idea is that we can’t know God on our own. The only way is through the descending process, where knowledge is passed down through the generations. Since it is the most valuable knowledge, it is treated with respect and care. The sadhu does not share the wisdom of the ages with just any person.

The person carrying the knowledge looks for others who are interested. Only then will they have the chance to understand. If they are mired in fruitive activities and behavior that will keep them bound to the cycle of birth and death, of what use will the image of Shri Rama be?

On the other hand, if they are sincerely inquisitive, wanting to know why things happen the way they do, then there is the chance the meeting with the Supreme Lord will do good. In fact, any person keeping the image of Rama holding the bow and arrow close to them will be benefitted.

Pious activities increase the benefits. Otherwise the mind will move on to something else. That sacred image will soon leave the heart, though God is always close by. He is with both the sinner and the saint. The difference is that the former doesn’t take advantage of His presence, while the latter does.

In Closing:

To see standing beautifully with bow,
First desire must be to know.

Only then proper understanding to come,
Otherwise wandering with direction none.

So from saintly person getting the chance,
From knowledge intelligence to enhance.

Then with care and attention to stand,
In mind ready with bow in hand.

Three Things To Be Greedy For

“Remembering Shri Rama, being His devotee and recognizing Him as the supreme authority - the person who does not have greed for such a reward will be in want every single day, says Tulsi.” (Dohavali, 97)

sumirana sevā rāma soṃ sāhaba soṃ pahicāni |
aisehu lābha na lalaka jo tulasī nita hita hāni ||

Download this episode (right click and save)

It’s understandable to be greedy. Though we don’t like to see that quality in others, it must be admitted that it arises at the personal level from time to time. There are trigger words. “Limited edition.” “For a limited time only.” “Once in a lifetime opportunity.” Originating from the seller, the words might cause “a run” on a product, where suddenly so many people want to buy it.

Another cause of greed is envy. I see that someone bought a new house. It is very nice. Now I want the same thing, if not better. Previously, I was doing fine, sitting at home, enjoying life. Then everything changed.

Another cause is the temporary nature of this world. I might be successful today, but that is not guaranteed to last. There is competition lurking around the corner. There is technology, innovation, and shifts in consumer spending habits. One slight adjustment and I could be out of business altogether. Better to gain as much profit as I can in the moment.

In Vedic teachings greed, known as lobha in Sanskrit, is one of the obstacles standing in the way of enlightenment. Lobha is grouped with such things as kama [material desire] and krodha [wrath or anger]. That excessive greed is not helpful is common sense. In his Dohavali, Goswami Tulsidas remarks that greed for certain things will actually do a person the most good.

1. Remembering Shri Rama

How can I be greedy to remember? Is memory something we buy at the store? Is there a machine that helps us to remember? Actually, in the course of the day so many thoughts run through the mind. There is focus on the task at hand and then concern over what needs to be done in the future. Thus it is very easy to forget, even something that is so dear to us.

Shri Rama is the Supreme Lord, God in a specific transcendental form. Remembering Rama means thinking back to the events described in the Ramayana and other Vedic texts. It is contemplating His teachings, which mostly came by way of deeds, setting the proper example for others.

“Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.21)

The more a person remembers Rama, the more they stay connected to Him. The more they are connected to Him, the happier they will be. It is as simple as that. The secret behind the transformation is beyond our understanding. But then again, does a hungry person really need to know the science behind food and how it works to satisfy hunger?

2. Serving Shri Rama

The word used by Tulsidas is seva. This is service, and in connection with Rama it is devotional service, which is synonymous with bhakti-yoga. The person who is greedy for seva to Rama essentially wants to remain a devotee. They want more and more service to do.

As an example, the service may begin with a routine of chanting the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. After a while, though the routine takes significant time to complete each day, there is a desire to serve more. Maybe the next step is to prepare palatable dishes from scratch and offer them to Rama. This is not only allowed, but recommended. The deity or authorized picture facilitates the process.

“If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.26)

Such service qualifies as bhakti-yoga, but with greed there is a desire to serve more. Shri Rama is already pleased with any heartfelt offering, but the person greedy for seva thinks that there are ways to increase the Lord’s pleasure. Perhaps speaking about Him. Maybe hearing more about His glories and those of His dear associates, like Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman.

3. Recognizing Rama as the supreme authority

The word used by Tulsidas is sahiba. In general conversation this refers to a boss, the person in charge. We meet so many throughout the course of life. There are the parents in the home, the teachers in school, the superiors at the office, and later on maybe the spouse.

A person should be greedy for recognizing Rama as the supreme authority. The idea is that no single person can be the ultimate authority. Everyone is beholden to someone else. Even the CEO of the successful company has to watch what they say. The customers can change their habits and take their business elsewhere.

Rama is always in transcendental pleasure. He is not compelled to listen to anyone, though for the devotees He is willing to do anything. Greed for recognizing that God is a person is helpful because otherwise the search will continue among mortals for a person with the same characteristics.

That search will always fail. Without greed for the three aforementioned things man will always be in need. They will be guided by desire after desire, and no success will be for their ultimate benefit, hita. The saints are like a broken record in constantly stressing the need for bhakti-yoga, but such repetition is necessary.

In Closing:

With desire after desire to feed,
Not helpful when consumed by greed.

But Tulsidas recommending three,
For struggle no more to see.

That keeping Shri Rama in mind,
And eager more service to find.

As the boss on the highest scale,
Search in any other direction to fail.

Confessions Of A Flawed Human Being

“Tulsi says that one should confess to the merciful Shri Rama about the good and the bad. In so doing the burden of sorrow will diminish, and in that full surrender to the supreme strength will increase and one will become fully satisfied.” (Dohavali, 96)

tulasī rāma k।rpālu soṃ kahi sunāu guna do।sa |
hoya dūbarī dīnatā parama pīna santo।sa ||

Download this episode (right click and save)

Man is not perfect. To err is human. Even the most sober person, keeping strict attention on right and wrong, pious and impious, is bound to fall victim to desire every now and then. Such as at a gathering where pizza is ordered, the fair thing to do is allow each person the same number of slices. After you’ve had a few, however, you want more. While no one is looking, you take two extra. No one knows the culprit, except you.

Then there are times when a good deed occurs, but no one is around to see it. While seated on the subway, a lady enters with several small children. She is in a lot of distress. It’s a packed car. Though your stop is a long way down the line, you decide to get up and offer your seat. No one else did the same, though there was ample opportunity. The woman is very appreciative.

Goswami Tulsidas advises that whatever good and bad we do, the Supreme Lord should hear about it. Shri Rama is described to be kripalu, which means “merciful.” The person studied in Vedic philosophy will detect a contradiction. One of the features of God is Paramatma. This is the Supersoul residing within the heart. Paramatma is antaryami, or the great witness. He sees and hears everything already.

“I am seated in everyone's heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas am I to be known; indeed I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 15.15)

If Rama already knows everything, what is the benefit of confession? For starters, the guilt from a bad deed automatically diminishes when others are told. That is only natural. Some people hold on to a transgression for years. When they finally tell someone, it’s like a huge weight is lifted off their shoulders.

Secondly, closeness towards Rama increases. He is actually the best friend of every living entity. Not the type of friend that simply asks for things, looking to take advantage. Not the friend who is made only through a shared interest. Not the kind of friend who forgets past favors done for them and only remembers the most recent failure to help.

By sharing the good and the bad, the best well-wisher that is Rama gives inner-strength. The process turns into surrender, where there is humility. The living being has a very difficult time shedding ahankara, which is false ego. When the greatest person hears about our good and bad, humility is bound to increase.

Increased closeness with Shri Rama leads to a sense of peace. The Sanskrit word santosha also means “complete satisfaction.” The idea is not to simply confess and then revert to bad behavior. That is taking advantage of the merciful nature of the Supreme Lord and very little good results. Still, any approach made towards God the person is beneficial.

Similar confessions to anyone else may not yield the same results. Friends and loved ones will look at you differently if they know your darkest secrets. If they find out about the good things you have done, jealousy may arise. There is always a risk, as each person in this world is flawed to some degree.

The Supreme Lord removes the burden of sin, which carries a negative reaction. He rewards good behavior, and the more one confesses, the more chances they have to tell Rama about positive aspects to their daily life. One of the best times to develop this closeness is through the meditation of chanting the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Since flawed to some degree,
Risk from your confession to see.

Advantage from there taking,
Or good deeds a jealous friend making.

With Shri Rama not the case,
Foolish pride His company to erase.

More humble, to Him closer become,
Then complete peace sure to come.

My Body Aches From Mistakes

“The many past births you spoiled can be rectified right now, today, if you start chanting Shri Rama’s holy name and renounce bad association, says Tulsi.” (Dohavali, 22)

Download this episode (right click and save)

Friend1: Have you ever been burned by a politician?

Friend2: Literally? As in did they light a match and chase after me?

Friend1: You know what I mean. Where you invested faith in them. You endorsed them, made phone calls, tried to persuade people to vote. Others tried to warn you against getting so involved.

Friend2: Yeah. Don’t get into politics. These people thrive on lying. Duplicity is dharma for their business. Honesty is adharma. I always compare it to professional basketball.

Friend1: How so?

Friend2: Complaining about lying politicians is like complaining that the players in professional basketball are tall. The rules of the game are such that shorter or average heights are punished. The taller you are, the closer you are to the basket. The better you will be able to get off shots and rebound misses.

Friend1: In politics if you are honest you will get skewered.

Friend2: It takes just one sound bite. Congress proposes a fifty percent increase in spending for the poor. You honestly question the decision. Do we need to spend that much? Can it fit within the budget?

Friend1: Right away you get labeled as being against the poor. You are cruel-hearted. You only care about the rich.

Friend2: Exactly. That’s why there is something called political correctness. People say they hate it, but they reward it at the same time.

Friend1: I was thinking that people get burned quite frequently, and not just by politicians. Someone was your friend for years. Then they betray you.

Friend2: Divorce is the same way. You had such a close relationship that there are children. You would think people would stay linked forever as a result.

Friend1: Not the case. The trust extended in these instances was obviously a mistake. Mistakes that caused pain later on.

Friend2: That is the effect of kama. Not only is there the potential for heartache, but so many reactions gather up. Kama and karma are linked. One drives the other, and then the roles switch. I engage in so many fruitive activities to satisfy a desire. While engaged in those activities, new desires may spring up, as well.

Friend1: Is there no other solution than bhakti-yoga?

Friend2: Why look for something else? You already have the answer. There are many aches and pains from past mistakes. Those mistakes aren’t limited to the current lifetime, either. Goswami Tulsidas says that the mistakes from many past births can be rectified immediately, today, right now.

Friend1: I get it. Through chanting the holy names?

Friend2: And renouncing bad association. Put full faith in Shri Rama, the Supreme Lord. Stay attached to Him through the name, which can be chanted regularly through mantras: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Try to associate with people who have similarly given full faith to Him. It’s a great thing, if you think about it. It doesn’t matter how many mistakes we’ve made. It doesn’t matter how many births we have spoiled. The option is there to be taken advantage of.

In Closing:

From many mistakes making,

Body and mind constantly aching.

Despite so many in the past,

Acting solution there is fast.

Bad association first renounce,

Holy names with clarity pronounce.

Bhakti increasing, Rama rescue giving,

Into better situation forever living.