Did Ravana Lack Common Sense

“Neither the demigods nor any exalted personalities were there helping Rama, for He acted alone. You should not entertain any doubt on this matter. Indeed, Rama shot feathered arrows, plated with gold, which turned into five-headed serpents that devoured all the Rakshasas. The Rakshasas were oppressed with fear, and wherever they went and wherever they turned, they saw Rama in front of them. In this way, O spotless one, have your Rakshasas been destroyed in the forest of Janasthana by Rama.” (Akampana speaking to Ravana, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 31.18-19)

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नैव देवा महात्मानो नात्र कार्या विचारणा।
शरा रामेण तूत्सृष्टा रुक्मपुङ्खाः पतत्रिणः।।
सर्पाः पञ्चानना भूत्वा भक्षयन्ति स्म राक्षसान्।
येन येन च गच्छन्ति राक्षसा भयकर्शिताः।
तेन तेन स्म पश्यन्ति राममेवाग्रतः स्थितम्।
इत्थं विनाशितं तेन जनस्थानं तवानघ।।

naiva devā mahātmāno nātra kāryā vicāraṇā।
śarā rāmeṇa tūtsṛṣṭā rukmapuṅkhāḥ patatriṇaḥ।।
sarpāḥ pañcānanā bhūtvā bhakṣayanti sma rākṣasān।
yena yena ca gacchanti rākṣasā bhayakarśitāḥ।
tena tena sma paśyanti rāmamevāgrataḥ sthitam।
itthaṃ vināśitaṃ tena janasthānaṃ tavānagha।।

Friend1: One thing I noticed in the Ramayana story, which is an account of historical events put to beautiful Sanskrit poetry by Maharishi Valmiki, is that Ravana, the main villain, received ample warning to not mess with Shri Rama.

Friend2: Who is the prince of Ayodhya. This is the one exception, the loophole, if you will, to Ravana’s boons.

Friend1: Explain that.

Friend2: The demoniac always think they can outsmart the laws of the universe. For instance, if there is gender determined by birth, simply go through a medical procedure to change that. It doesn’t really do anything, but if anyone dare challenge you, it is easy to suppress their opposition.

Friend1: Through name-calling, threats of physical violence, and so forth.

Friend2: In another example, if the laws of nature dictate that every person must die, try your hardest to nullify. Live forever.

Friend1: Which is not possible.

Friend2: But that didn’t stop Ravana from trying. He asked the creator, Lord Brahma, for immunity from so many beings. Immortality in the round-about way. Ninety-nine percent safety.

Friend1: Which is not immortality. As long as there is the slightest vulnerability, you are in trouble.

Friend2: Rama was the one percent. The Supreme Lord is always smarter. Ravana failed to ask for protection against human beings, but he was so powerful that he never thought anyone on earth could match up.

Friend1: God thus descended. Hence the term avatara.

Friend2: Yes. Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu, who is the personal God. He is the same entity that everyone worships to some degree. In some cases, He is the one that receives curses and harsh rebukes.

Friend1: Getting back to the original question, it seems Ravana received sufficient warning. His advisors and eyewitness testimony gave a strong message: don’t mess with that guy from Ayodhya.

Friend2: Absolutely. Look at the incident in Janasthana. Ravana sent fourteen thousand of his men to do away with Rama, who was living in that forest area.

Friend1: No military to support Him. Rama could not go back home and call for reinforcements.

Friend2: Akampana went back to Lanka and told Ravana what went down. The fourteen thousand were defeated. Rama acted alone.

Friend1: No one helped Rama, right? Not even Lakshmana.

Friend2: The younger brother took Sita Devi, Rama’s wife, to a nearby cave. It was literally one against fourteen thousand.

Friend1: Did Ravana lack common sense, then? It doesn’t square with the rest of his behavior, since he would otherwise be considered intelligent.

Friend2: For starters, Shri Krishna declares that a person who worships the demigods for material favors has had their intelligence stolen. The same is said of the lowest among mankind, who do not surrender unto the Supreme Lord:

न मां दुष्कृतिनो मूढाः
प्रपद्यन्ते नराधमाः
माययापहृत-ज्ञाना
आसुरं भावम् आश्रिताः

na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ
prapadyante narādhamāḥ
māyayāpahṛta-jñānā
āsuraṁ bhāvam āśritāḥ

“Those miscreants who are grossly foolish, lowest among mankind, whose knowledge is stolen by illusion, and who partake of the atheistic nature of demons, do not surrender unto Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.15)

Friend1: I see. Wouldn’t this fall into the category of placing your hand in fire?

Friend2: What do you mean?

Friend1: Well, it is one thing to say that a person’s intelligence is stolen. They screwed up. They overlooked the obvious. But this level of ignorance is off the charts. It would be like putting your hand in fire. Everyone knows better, except for maybe small children.

Friend2: Hence the comparison to the lowest among men, naradhamah. The thieves are never perfect in their crimes. They always miss something. In Ravana’s case, he missed a considerable amount of direct evidence. He thought that God didn’t exist. He was fortunate in that he maintained the inimical attitude until the very end, until he was forced to see, as a result of Rama’s arrows targeted directly at him.

In Closing:

Though entirely obstinate to be,
Finally forced to see.

That God in this world found,
Not just to imagination bound.

From destructive defeat earned,
Lesson should have learned.

But Ravana the harder way taking,
Target for Rama’s arrows making.

What Is The Secret To Controlling The Mind

“A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.70)

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आपूर्यमाणम् अचल-प्रतिष्ठं
समुद्रम् आपः प्रविशन्ति यद्वत्
तद्वत् कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे
स शान्तिम् आप्नोति न काम-कामी

āpūryamāṇam acala-pratiṣṭhaṁ
samudram āpaḥ praviśanti yadvat
tadvat kāmā yaṁ praviśanti sarve
sa śāntim āpnoti na kāma-kāmī

“I have detected a character flaw in myself. That should not be breaking news, as to err is human, but this particular conclusion took some time to reach. I would say it is not in your standard category of making mistakes in judgment, messing up a balance sheet, doing math incorrectly, having the wrong judgment of someone’s nature, and so forth.

“The flaw is that I always need something to worry about. It makes no sense, for as soon as something pressing gets resolved, I feel calm and at peace. For instance, it could be the successful medical procedure for a family member. Getting offered that job I wanted. Even finding a job if I am unemployed at the time. My preferred political party winning the most recent election. The government uncovering the massive corruption used in the last election to suddenly switch votes in the early morning hours, after the counting mysteriously stopped in several states.

“Each time there is resolution, I look for something else over which to worry. I guess it is all rooted in the mind. How in the world do we control it? I know Bhagavad-gita covers this topic and others. Is there a specific technique we can use? I think every person, from poor to rich, woman to man, young to old, is looking for peace of mind.”

Arjuna, the bow-warrior who was the recipient of the Bhagavad-gita wisdom delivered by Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, compared controlling the mind to trying to get ahold of the wind and suppress its movement. In other words, it is practically impossible.

चञ्चलं हि मनः कृष्ण
प्रमाथि बलवद् दृढम्
तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये
वायोर् इव सु-दुष्करम्

cañcalaṁ hi manaḥ kṛṣṇa
pramāthi balavad dṛḍham
tasyāhaṁ nigrahaṁ manye
vāyor iva su-duṣkaram

“For the mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krishna, and to subdue it is, it seems to me, more difficult than controlling the wind.” (Arjuna, Bhagavad-gita, 6.34)

His Divine Grace Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura advises to daily kick the mind several times. Metaphorically speaking, of course, but the reminder is there to show just how easy it is for thoughts to run astray, to deviate from the targeted objective.

It is interesting to see that Shri Krishna never advises for the mind to be totally suppressed. The root cause of lamentation, kankshati, is desire, kama, associated with hankering, shochati. The desires will constantly flow in, like the rivers going into an ocean. The person who remains undisturbed is able to achieve peace.

From his many wonderful poetic verses available in the published realm, Goswami Tulsidas says that he is in the unique position of sleeping peacefully. While others have their issues to worry over, he has placed full faith in the Supreme Lord. This includes even those striving to remove desires. The jnanis place great emphasis on vairagya, or renunciation. This means that they must always assess whether or not they are renounced; hence something to worry over.

The “trust God” model may seem too simplistic, but there is more to the process than blind faith. The actual truth manifests in a way of life. Live so that you are always conscious of Him. Even while working, sleeping, resting, or during otherwise inactive engagement, think of the deliverer of Arjuna. Contemplate His words, remember His transcendental activities, realize how He is divyam, or Divine, and automatically become steady of mind: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Worrying situation now,
Desperate for resolution how.

But then later again to find,
Restless in this way mind.

Idea that not fully to suppress,
Bhagavad-gita the issue to address.

That to yoga process be bound,
Everything in Shri Krishna found.

A Friendship Never To Be Broken

“The Blessed Lord said: Many, many births both you and I have passed. I can remember all of them, but you cannot, O subduer of the enemy!” (Bhagavad-gita, 4.5)

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श्री-भगवान् उवाच
बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि
जन्मानि तव चार्जुन
तान्य् अहं वेद सर्वाणि
न त्वं वेत्थ परन्तप

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
bahūni me vyatītāni
janmāni tava cārjuna
tāny ahaṁ veda sarvāṇi
na tvaṁ vettha parantapa

“How should we view God? What is His actual position? At what times should we turn to Him? The general tendency is to look towards the heavens during times of distress. A national crisis, for instance. Demons are on the verge of taking over. They lie, cheat and steal. They even kill, if they feel it necessary. They keep people locked in their homes, for no good reason.

“We know that only the Almighty can save us. But is this the proper way to view Him? Isn’t it selfish? Should not we turn in His direction on a daily basis, regardless of the circumstances?”

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada uses the term “order-supplier” in this regard. No different than the online retail outlet, when we are in need of something we go shopping. Place an order, make sufficient payment, and hope that it gets fulfilled.

Religion often follows the same pattern. Visit the house of worship. Submit a humble prayer. Then wait for it to come true. As desire is something like a raging fire that only grows in intensity with each iteration, the sequence of religious activity repeats.

There are several issues with this process. For starters, someone else could be offering the same prayers, desiring the identical outcome. Yet success on both sides is incompatible. Sort of like the online retailer being out of stock of a particular item, how would the Supreme Lord reconcile the conflict? Is it first-come, first-serve?

The acharyas in the parampara connected to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna, explain that God is indeed a person. He is both personal and impersonal, but the latter is due to the second. Something like seeing only the shadow instead of understanding the sun. Without the sun there is no such thing as a shadow.

In the same way, without the personal as the basis, there is no such thing as the impersonal energy, which is known as Brahman. Without a real, living person, there is no such thing as atheism, which is denial of the reality.

The superior and genuine form of religion is to connect with God the person. In this connection there is potential for a variety of relationships. One of those is friendship, as exhibited by Krishna and Arjuna in Bhagavad-gita. The Supreme Lord explains that both He and His close friend have appeared many times in the manifest world. The distinction is that Krishna can remember each janma, whereas Arjuna cannot.

While this highlights a defect in the individual, it also reveals the eternal nature of the relationship. A friendship with Krishna is one never to be broken. Not even all-devouring time can make a dent. A large sum of money is not required and neither is a specific sacrifice, observed on a repeating basis.

The same desire that previously focused on material objects can create the connection and maintain it. The material desire, kama, merges into devotional service, bhakti. Kama is temporary, while bhakti is eternal. Material desire relates to prakriti, while devotion to God is part of the very definition of purusha, or spirit in a distinguishable identity.

A friendship with Krishna means that we want the best for Him no matter how He treats us in return. He will always be our well-wisher, regardless of the circumstances at present. The friendship is natural, occurring after learning more of Him and staying by His side, upasana.

In Closing:

An eternal friend to be,
Best well-wisher for me.

Past forgetting though,
In future situated so.

When in devotion to sit,
Fearing not body to quit.

Since that bond not to break,
Shri Krishna best friend to make.

Four Ways Krishna Has The Highest Credentials

“Besides this inferior nature, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is a superior energy of Mine, which are all living entities who are struggling with material nature and are sustaining the universe.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.5)

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अपरेयम् इतस् त्व् अन्यां
प्रकृतिं विद्धि मे पराम्
जीव-भूतां महा-बाहो
ययेदं धार्यते जगत्

apareyam itas tv anyāṁ
prakṛtiṁ viddhi me parām
jīva-bhūtāṁ mahā-bāho
yayedaṁ dhāryate jagat

The “experts” say this. According to the “experts,” we must do that. We are force-fed information in a manner intended to shut off the brain. Throw away whatever common sense you have and simply obey. Follow the people with credentials. If you are not in the same category, then be quiet. You don’t have a right to object.

The human being is intelligent for a reason. The Sanskrit aphorism of athato brahma-jijnasa supports the claim. The human birth has an accompanying urgency. “Now is the time for inquiring into spiritual matters.” By extension, now is not the time for obeying what others command, simply because they say so. Now is not the time for suppressing intelligence.

But to whom do we turn? Who is the expert? Should we follow blindly, which goes against our instincts? Or should this be somewhat of an intellectual pursuit? Jijnasa implies approaching an authority source and posing questions.

Based on His explanations found in Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam, Shri Krishna proves to have the highest credentials. We can accept that He has expert status based on the word of saints like Vyasa and Narada. We can confirm based on the principles presented in a question-and-answer session.

1. He explains how the creation comes to be

Not merely a guess. Not speculation. Even if we had forensic evidence available, there is always the ability to cast doubt. Did someone tamper with the recording? What was there moments prior? How to authenticate that this is actually from the beginning, since we know time to be infinite?

It is precisely because of this principle that we know the Vedas are on to something. They explain how time and space are both infinite. The way of living, the nature of the existence, dharma, is without beginning and without end, or sanatana.

We receive word on what happened at the time of creation, in terms of the current timeline. In other words, this is for our understanding only. The mind is incapable of fully grasping infinity, how again and again the world gets created and annihilated.

भूत-ग्रामः स एवायं
भूत्वा भूत्वा प्रलीयते
रात्र्य्-आगमे ऽवशः पार्थ
प्रभवत्य् अहर्-आगमे

bhūta-grāmaḥ sa evāyaṁ
bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate
rātry-āgame ‘vaśaḥ pārtha
prabhavaty ahar-āgame

“Again and again the day comes, and this host of beings is active; and again the night falls, O Partha, and they are helplessly dissolved.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.19)

Shri Krishna, in His four-handed form of Vishnu, lies down to rest in the Vaikuntha planetary system. From His breathing the universes emerge. One breath out and one breath in. In an instant, without effort almost, this amazing creation manifests, remains for a duration, and then vanishes back into the source of everything.

2. He explains how that creation is populated

Again and again the host of beings is active. With every creation there is a subsequent step of population. This isn’t necessarily generating living entities, since every spark of spirit is as eternal as Krishna Himself.

There is the self-born, Lord Brahma, to whom falls the task to get the details of the creation in order. He sets up the various vessels, the body types, also known as species. The sparks of spirit then populate those vessels.

As explained in Bhagavad-gita, the living entities are part of the superior, spiritual energy. In ignorance, they struggle in the material world. They are unaware of their true origin. They take the temporary place, crafted by Brahma and sourced in Vishnu, to be permanent.

3. He explains how the inhabitants fall into illusion

The process of birth is so traumatic that memory gets erased. Amnesia to last a lifetime. Only until the reawakening occurs, through the chance meeting with the spiritual master, can the potential for revival be realized. Without such connection to authority, the parampara system, I move from one interest to the next, desperately seeking transcendence.

4. He explains how we can be rescued

There are many options available, and a few of them are quite simple and straightforward. Understand the transcendental nature to the birth and activities of Shri Krishna. His janma and karma are not like ours. He is not bound to this world, for He is the origin.

जन्म कर्म च मे दिव्यम्
एवं यो वेत्ति तत्त्वतः
त्यक्त्वा देहं पुनर् जन्म
नैति माम् एति सो ऽर्जुन

janma karma ca me divyam
evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ
tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma
naiti mām eti so ‘rjuna

“One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.9)

Krishna has the highest credentials, but even in the presentation to Arjuna there is no insistence on blind allegiance. Arjuna should deliberate on what he has heard and then act accordingly. The Supreme Lord offers the same choice to us, and the wise take hold of the chance and never let go: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

As supreme authority to call,
Explaining how to this world fall.

Universe appearing where,
Then suddenly not there.

How populated with beings,
Brahma process overseeing.

Critical escaping plan,
Potential to understand.

Three Severe Handicaps To Spiritual Life Associated With Birth Placement

“The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.2.6)

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स वै पुंसां परो धर्मो
यतो भक्तिर् अधोक्षजे
अहैतुक्य् अप्रतिहता
ययात्मा सुप्रसीदति

sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhokṣaje
ahaituky apratihatā
yayātmā suprasīdati

The human life is meant for inquiring into the Absolute. We are all part and parcel of the same energy. In Sanskrit the name is Brahman. I am Brahman and so are you. So is the cow, the elephant, the dog, the tree, and so forth. A wise person is able to see this.

विद्या-विनय-सम्पन्ने
ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि
शुनि चैव श्व-पाके च
पण्डिताः सम-दर्शिनः

vidyā-vinaya-sampanne
brāhmaṇe gavi hastini
śuni caiva śva-pāke ca
paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ

“The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste].” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 5.18)

No time like the present. Don’t spoil this birth. Procrastinate because there are certain feelings you want to avoid, but don’t wait too long. Take the chance. Make the effort. The reward will be fulfilling. Don’t be afraid of the future.

This is the recommendation of shastra, the sacred texts flowing down from like a mountain of time, reaching the present day. The Vedic texts are for our enlightenment. In other births we lacked the potential for understanding. In the human stance there is the urgency for reform.

The issue is there might be handicaps over which we have no control. It is how we were born. They may be related to our surroundings, such as with the family.

1. The family scoffs at the idea of showing compassion to innocent animals

“My entire family is against me. They think it’s silly that I read these books that they describe to be ‘Eastern’ in nature. ‘New age’ or other derisive terms they throw around. I thought family is supposed to support one another. It is almost like my sudden interest in genuine spirituality is a threat to them.

“One of the aspects of the teachings I am learning, through the acharya named Swami Prabhupada, is that we should show compassion to animals. He explains that real religion is not defined by the name, the country of origin, the language spoken, or even the book of choice. Rather, there should be four accompanying qualities to the practice, at a bare minimum.

“Honesty, cleanliness, austerity and compassion. You cannot really be religious if you think it is okay to slaughter innocent animals by the millions. When I first came upon this teaching, it made sense to me. I was relieved that finally someone was teaching this. People are so afraid to speak out against ingrained practices in society that we let sinful life continue without opposition.

“Well, my family does not like this. They should not care what I eat, but apparently they do. They want to know why I won’t eat animal flesh, all of a sudden. They blame the books I am reading, and it’s getting a little difficult to deal with their resistance.”

2. The family is appalled at my lack of interest in acquiring money and enjoying the senses

“There is a success track. Everyone is expected to follow. Take birth. Go to school. Gain entry into a prestigious college. Find a good job afterwards. Get married. Have kids. Then wait for death. I don’t want to do the same. Not that I am against moving forward in life, but there has to be more.

“I am not really interested in acquiring so much money. Sense enjoyment has its limits. It is almost like the years repeat themselves. Everyone is desperate for a higher taste, but no one dares openly acknowledge their shortcomings. I have finally found it and I am not about to give it up.”

विषया विनिवर्तन्ते
निराहारस्य देहिनः
रस-वर्जं रसो ऽप्य् अस्य
परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते

viṣayā vinivartante
nirāhārasya dehinaḥ
rasa-varjaṁ raso ‘py asya
paraṁ dṛṣṭvā nivartate

“The embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, though the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.59)

3. The family thinks my bowing before a qualified and featured depiction of the Supreme Lord to be akin to worship of the devil

“This criticism hurts me the most, I must admit. God is one. There isn’t a specific Almighty Being for a certain set of people. His existence is not based on realization from outsiders. Just like the sun shining in the sky. A child might not know what it is. They make guesses, but they have yet to receive formal education on the matter.

“Yet the lack of understanding has no bearing on the sun itself. The same applies to the Supreme Lord, who the Vedas describe to be a person. Bhagavan is one of the Sanskrit words used to identify Him. Bhagavan is a person full of features. He possesses opulences simultaneously and to the fullest extent.

“He is kind enough to allow worship of Him through the deity. Not that He is limited to a statue or painting. Not that people simply conjure up an idol and lose their intelligence. The deity is a symbol of mercy. I am not wise enough to understand what nirguna really means, so Bhagavan offers some assistance to move me along the path of purification of consciousness.

“Well, my family is really appalled by this. It is like I have spat in their face, totally rejected their religion. That is not the case, but my pleading has made no difference. They are on the verge of kicking me out of the house. That is how disgusted they are with something that has made me happier than anything I could describe.”

…

Shrimad Bhagavatam explains that bhakti-yoga, at the highest levels, is ahaituki and apratihata. It is unmotivated and uninterrupted. This means that I no longer want anything from the Almighty. I am serving only out of a loving spirit. I also will serve without interruption. No one will be able to hinder my progress.

While the circumstances at home might not be ideal, Bhagavan will support me. It may be a difficult road ahead, but the austerity is a way to further realize His greatness, for our love increases the more dedication we have to chanting the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Family completely against,
Out of shape are bent.

That away from religion turning,
Generations of tradition spurning.

But something real I’ve found,
Higher taste in sound.

Finally understanding complete,
No threat can make me retreat.

Three Extraordinary Abilities In Lakshmana

“O Rama, for as long as You shall stand before me, even if it be for one hundred years, I will always remain Your servant. Therefore You should be the one to choose a beautiful and appropriate place for the cottage. After You have selected a spot, please then command me to start building.” (Lakshmana speaking to Lord Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 15.7)

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परवानस्मि काकुत्स्थ त्वयि वर्षशतं स्थिते |
स्वयं तु रुचिरे देशे क्रियतामिति मां वद ||

paravānasmi kākutstha tvayi varṣaśataṃ sthite |
svayaṃ tu rucire deśe kriyatāmiti māṃ vada ||

The Ramayana describes how the four sons of King Dasharatha came to this world. That pious leader had everything going for him. Healthy, happy and protected citizens. Beautiful queens. The trust of the people. Faith from the suras, the demigods in heaven. Dasharatha earned his name from the amazing ability to defend against enemies approaching from the ten directions simultaneously.

In old age, there was one thing missing: an heir to the throne. Through a chance meeting with Rishya-shringa, the leader prepared a special yajna. This sacrifice yielded a kind of pudding that was then distributed to the three queens. Half a portion went to Kausalya, and the other half was divided amongst Sumitra and Kaikeyi.

That half portion to Kausalya led to the janma of Shri Rama, who is thus considered a full incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This is the personal God. The same Almighty Being worshiped since time immemorial and known to varying degrees by the many faiths in practice, the image of Vishnu removes ambiguity, giving a clearer picture of the person to whom we share attributes but also remain distinct.

Three other sons were born from the remaining portion of the prasadam distributed to the queens. One of those brothers is named Lakshmana, and he is considered an incarnation of Ananta Shesha Naga, who is an eternal associate of Vishnu in the spiritual realm of Vaikuntha. It is therefore not surprising that Lakshmana would exhibit amazing abilities Himself.

1. Can go without sleep

The Ramayana describes that the four brothers essentially paired up. This began from childhood. Bharata and Shatrughna were close, and Lakshmana was always with Rama. Lakshmana would wait until Rama had gone to sleep to do the same. Similar behavior with regards to eating.

Lakshmana can be likened to a number one protector. A voluntarily-enlisted bodyguard. Someone who will do everything for Rama, without being asked. If anything negative should happen to befall the eldest brother, Lakshmana will try his best to share in the misfortune.

This explains the behavior in the forest, where the brothers happened to find themselves for a long time. In adulthood, Rama was banished from the kingdom as a result of family infighting. Lakshmana refused to stay in Ayodhya. He insisted upon accompanying Rama, and his mother, Sumitra, gave her blessings to the decision.

Sita Devi, Rama’s wife, insisted on the same. Just as obstinate, Rama could not deny her choice for service. Thus the three roamed the forest together, going from place to place, trying to essentially run out the clock set for fourteen years.

Amazingly, during that time Lakshmana would not sleep. He would maintain a watchful eye at night. As the brothers were of the kshatriya order, it was in their blood, so to speak, to defend the innocent against injury.

This lack of sleep was not a hindrance on ability. Lakshmana was just as vigilant during the daytime. He maintained a watchful eye on Rama’s interests, to the best that his abilities and circumstances would allow.

2. Can build a house from scratch

Each individual has their own kind of genius inside. One person may be skilled at composition, another at singing. One person can write code for a computer program, while another is great at any kind of work involving hands. This means that we can certainly find individuals who can build a house on their own, when given the proper materials and tools.

But what about building a hut from scratch, without any supplier nearby? Living in the wild, no screwdrivers, no saw, no drill, and no planks of wood. Lakshmana can do it, and the resulting dwelling is fit enough for the Supreme Lord to live in.

Lakshmana is not bothered in the least by such a task. He openly admits that if Rama were to assign such duties for one hundred years straight, Lakshmana would remain just as eager. This embodies the spirit of the guru, who is the spiritual master representing the interests of Vishnu.

3. Can deliver timeless wisdom when needed

The exile to the forest was not the end of the tragedies for the group. Eventually, Rama lost the association of Sita. She was taken away in secret, after a deceitful plot was implemented by the king of Lanka. A man-eating ogre, Ravana enlisted the help of his trusted servant, Maricha, to take Sita without a fight.

In the immediate aftermath, Rama was so upset that He was ready to destroy the entire world. Revenge for the wrong committed against an innocent person. Vishnu has this ability, as destruction is already destined to take place, enacted by Lord Shiva at the appropriate time.

Lakshmana helped talk Rama off the ledge, so to speak. He delivered timeless wisdom that he readily admitted was previously given to him by Rama. The guru follows the same behavior. They hear from their teacher and they also assimilate the principles. It is for this reason that they are able to rescue others from despair, recommending the method of liberation for the present age: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Appropriate for time and place,
When this difficult age to face.

That towards liberation bound,
Rescued immediately by sound.

Message from guru confidently delivered,
In mood of Lakshmana considered.

Who without sleep at night,
Diligent to dangers in sight.

How Were The Pandavas So Patient While Getting Cheated

“From anger, delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.63)

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क्रोधाद् भवति सम्मोहः
सम्मोहात् स्मृति-विभ्रमः
स्मृति-भ्रंशाद् बुद्धि-नाशो
बुद्धि-नाशात् प्रणश्यति

krodhād bhavati sammohaḥ
sammohāt smṛti-vibhramaḥ
smṛti-bhraṁśād buddhi-nāśo
buddhi-nāśāt praṇaśyati

Friend1: We don’t cover this topic enough, so I will give it some attention today.

Friend2: What is that?

Friend1: The Pandavas getting cheated out of their kingdom by the Kauravas.

Friend2: As explained in the Mahabharata, an ancient Sanskrit work of epic length, in which is also found the famous Bhagavad-gita, the song of God.

Friend1: To give a quick summary, the two groups are related as cousins. The Pandavas are five brothers and their mother. They get their name from the father, Pandu, who unfortunately passes away early in life. The Kauravas descend from Kuru.

Friend2: The contest is over control of the city of Hastinapura.

Friend1: Which at the time, some five thousand years ago, was like having dominion across the entire world. Not that you were the sovereign of each and every land, foreign and domestic, but others agreed to your authority.

Friend2: That is why it is called Mahabharata. It refers to the history of the world, which was known as Bharata at the time.

Friend1: The Pandavas are the rightful heirs to the kingdom in Hastinapura, but they get cheated out of it by the Kauravas.

Friend2: How so?

Friend1: Think of it like someone occupying your home after you have gone away on vacation. You see exactly what they are doing. They block you from entering. Then if you object, they claim you have no evidence to support the accusation.

Friend2: Sounds like standard thief behavior.

Friend1: There are so many instances of the theft. It’s really ridiculous. I want to know how the Pandavas kept their cool. Take the incident of the dice game. Yudhishthira, the eldest of the five brothers, got cheated in the game. The end result was humiliation of Queen Draupadi, followed by exile from the community. For a long time, I might add.

Friend2: Cheating out in the open. It is crazy that no one from the Kauravas stepped up to correct the wrongs. They sat by, silently. Thankfully, Shri Krishna at least saved Draupadi from being disrobed in front of the assembly.

Friend1: That is something which would infuriate me. The Pandavas had power. They had influence. Why did they not retaliate immediately? How were they able to remain calm while this injustice was taking place?

Friend2: It is in the nature of saintly people to behave that way. They bide their time. They strike at the opportune moment. They are also aware of the universal truth of dharma delivering the appropriate results at the right time, as beautifully explained by Shri Rama in the Ramayana:

अवश्यं लभते जन्तुः फलं पापस्य कर्मणः।
घोरं पर्यागते काले द्रुमाः पुष्पमिवार्तवम्।।

avaśyaṃ labhate jantuḥ phalaṃ pāpasya karmaṇaḥ।
ghoraṃ paryāgate kāle drumāḥ puṣpamivārtavam।।

“Just as a tree starts to blossom during the proper season, so the doer of sinful deeds inevitably reaps the horrible fruit of their actions at the appropriate time.” (Lord Rama speaking to Khara, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 29.8)

Friend1: Okay, I get that. I believe in the principle, trust me. Everyone must succumb to death. That is evidence enough. For the grossly sinful, who think that no one watches their horrible deeds, such death is extremely painful. But what about the anger part? How do you control the outrage?

Friend2: You can find the answer within Bhagavad-gita. Shri Krishna explains that uncontrolled lust, kama, leads to anger. From anger you lose intelligence and so forth. Thus there is really no benefit to acting off the anger. You can indeed be upset. That is natural. Hanuman burned the entire city of Lanka in anger. It happens.

Friend1: Right.

Friend2: In the case of the Pandavas, they knew they had Krishna overseeing affairs. They were properly aligned, on the side of dharma. It takes time for the proper results to manifest. It is not like the Pandavas just sat back and prayed for good, but they stayed within the bounds of dharma and did not act hastily. A lesson for us all to follow, to have faith in the process, and to always stay with the Supreme Lord through His holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Pandavas house burned to the ground,
Repeated trouble from Kauravas found.

Insult upon insult sustaining,
How their composure maintaining?

Always along dharma to reside,
Since Krishna on their side.

Delivering at appropriate time,
Justice eventually to find.