How Could Betrayal Take Place Within Ayodhya

“Being under the control of passion and lust, Rama’s father, Maharaja Dasharatha, wanted to fulfill Kaikeyi’s cherished desire, thus he did not go through with Rama’s installation ceremony.” (Sita Devi speaking to Ravana, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 47.12)

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कामार्तस्तु महातेजाः पिता दशरथस्स्वयम्।।
कैकेय्याः प्रियकामार्थं तं रामं नाभ्यषेचयत्।

kāmārtastu mahātejāḥ pitā daśarathassvayam।।
kaikeyyāḥ priyakāmārthaṃ taṃ rāmaṃ nābhyaṣecayat।

“I understand it outside of that place. It makes sense in the present day, within the world that we live. Everyone is driven by kama, after all. Unfulfilled desire leads to wrath, which then causes loss of intelligence. This explains why these domestic agitator/terrorist groups attack innocent women and children in plain sight. They don’t even worry about getting arrested, such is the sad state of law enforcement.

“The Rakshasas of Lanka were similar. Shameless in their aggression. Attacking innocent sages in the remote areas of the wilderness. Spoiling sacrifices and observances dedicated for the pleasure of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Their leader, Ravana, once killed and ate a messenger he didn’t like, if I remember correctly.

“We find these historical accounts in the Ramayana poem of Maharishi Valmiki. We learn that some of the gravest injustices took place in Ayodhya, as well. That is where I am puzzled. For instance, Queen Kaikeyi turned against her husband. She was jealous of the other wives. This happened in a few minutes. That is to say, under the normal condition there wasn’t envy.

“Kaikeyi turned so wicked that she demanded Shri Rama, the eldest son of the king, born to the womb of Queen Kausalya, be banished from the kingdom. We know that Rama is an avatara of Vishnu. God the person descending to the land of birth and death for our benefit. The all-attractive one in the role of ideal leader, to set the standard to be followed.

“How could this infighting occur within God’s presence? I thought Ayodhya is the spiritual world, that wherever you find pure devotion you lose the otherwise unwanted qualities and characteristics?”

Goswami Tulsidas references similar defects in highlighting how reputation can never be perfect. In another avatara of Vishnu, there is jealousy within the kingdom to the point that some people suspect Shri Krishna of theft. This refers to the Syamantaka Jewel affair.

Later in Rama’s pastimes, someone in Ayodhya is critical of the new queen, Sita Devi. They criticize Rama for taking her back, after she spent time in another man’s home. This was against her will, of course, and she also passed the fire test of chastity.

The acharyas of the Vedic tradition explain that there are two kinds of illusion found in this world. One is called maha-maya. This is the energy that causes me to forget my true identity as spirit soul, aham brahmasmi. Through the influence of maha-maya I think that I can stay here forever, that I can permanently establish a life of enjoyment, while disregarding the constant onslaught of time against my very existence.

The other illusory energy is yoga-maya. This is the beneficial kind of illusion. This energy works directly under the supervision of the Supreme Lord for the fulfillment of higher objectives. Yoga-maya is at work in Ayodhya when Shri Rama is present in this world.

It is through such an energy that Kaikeyi suddenly turns foe. Goddess Sarasvati inspires the servant named Manthara to use the words necessary to cause a change in disposition. Without Kaikeyi’s envy, Rama would never leave the kingdom and the sages of the Dandaka forest would not gain relief from foreign attack.

The historical account is also symbolic of a truth we experience on a daily basis. In a split second we can forget about the Almighty. Even while seated in a house of worship, gazing directly at the archa-vigraha, contemplating the transcendental features and planning future excursions into devotional excellence, we can forget.

Thus the reminder for due diligence. Make plans to remember. Create a lifestyle so that even should we forget, we quickly get back on the right track, the one leading towards liberation. Be protected through numerical strength, in always chanting the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Travelled long in wrong direction,
But reminder for correction.

By numerical strength supported,
Clarity in vision otherwise distorted.

In a second forgetting where,
Despite in front standing there.

That for His pleasure this life meant,
And in bliss only precious time spent.

Bhagavan Is Also The Fastest

“Then I, resembling a cloud and having molten-golden earrings, made my way into Vishvamitra’s ashrama, for I was very proud of my strength due to the boon given to me by Lord Brahma. As soon as I entered, Rama quickly noticed me and raised His weapon. Though He saw me, Rama strung His bow without any fear.” (Maricha speaking to Ravana, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 38.16-17)

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ततोऽहं मेघसङ्काशस्तप्तकाञ्चनकुण्डलः।
बली दत्तवरोदर्पादाजगाम तदाश्रमम्।।
तेन दृष्टः प्रविष्टोऽहं सहसैवोद्यतायुधः।
मां तु दृष्ट्वा धनुस्सज्यमसम्भ्रान्तश्चकार सः।।

tato’haṃ meghasaṅkāśastaptakāñcanakuṇḍalaḥ।
balī dattavarodarpādājagāma tadāśramam।।
tena dṛṣṭaḥ praviṣṭo’haṃ sahasaivodyatāyudhaḥ।
māṃ tu dṛṣṭvā dhanussajyamasambhrāntaścakāra saḥ।।

Parashara Muni is kind enough to give a definition to the Sanskrit word ‘bhagavan.’ Though it is sometimes used to address a saintly personality such as Narada Muni or an important heavenly being such as Lord Brahma, it is most appropriate for describing the one who is commonly referred to as God.

For that word, the closest Sanskrit equivalent is ishvara. A great controller. A Divine being. Ishvara refers to God in the generic sense. At least in terms of how it is accepted. With Ishvara no sectarian distinction is implied. Ishvara is for everyone.

Bhagavan is just as appropriate, though with a more specific definition. Parashara Muni says that this word refers to the Supreme Lord possessing six opulences simultaneously and to the fullest extent. Beauty, wealth, strength, fame, wisdom and renunciation.

While we can identify these attributes, they cannot accurately be measured. This gives rise to another Sanskrit word: Adhokshaja. Bhagavan is a person whose features do not register on blunt instruments. Take weight, for instance. The Supreme Lord is the heaviest person in the world. He is heavier than the heaviest, which is also one of the siddhis of mystic yoga.

You could ask Him to stand on a scale, but the instrument itself would fail to register a weight. The same applies in the opposite direction. Bhagavan is simultaneously lighter than the lightest. Place Him on the scale and it would defy logic. He is on top of the device, but the needle does not move. No weight registered.

Embedded within the list of opulences is nuance and detail. For instance, Bhagavan is also faster than anyone else. He can rush to any place in an instant. He can also detect intruders without much notice. Case in point the attack in the forest described by Maricha in the Ramayana.

The Rakshasa demon from Lanka was expert at changing shapes. Pouncing on innocent victims in the dead of night, nishachara. Carrying wicked intent, to spoil a yajna from the brahmana community. Throwing blood and pus onto the fire; in other words, making a mess of things.

For this one attack, Vishvamitra prepared beforehand. He brought Shri Rama with him. The eldest son of King Dasharatha, though only a youth, was already skilled in the military arts. He noticed Maricha approaching. Without hesitation, Rama fitted an arrow to His bow.

The arrow struck the target. Before Maricha knew what had happened, he was thrust some eight hundred miles away. The demon was spared on that occasion, and he pressed his luck again at a later time. He wouldn’t escape alive, as Rama swiftly caught the enemy again.

Time is quickly dwindling in this short, but important human birth. There is immediate urgency for relief. The highest court in the universe, the ultimate deciding factor, Bhagavan, can remedy the many wrongs committed over countless lifetimes. He can both hear my appeal and solve the problem in mere moments.

In Closing:

Uncertain afterlife fearing,
So hopefully my appeal hearing.

Like when Maricha demon caught,
When terror to yajna brought.

Rama quickly arrow fitted,
Strike the demons befitted.

So now looking for rescue me,
That not again this world to see.

Five Characteristics Of Rama's Arrows

“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।।

As His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada describes, with the vision of the personal God known as Vishnu, there is a corresponding item for each of the four hands. Though two of the items symbolize peace and the other two punishment, in the eyes of the devotee the auspiciousness is equal.

The club and the disc are equally as beautiful as the conch and the lotus flower. The same can be said of the vision of Vishnu’s avatara of Shri Rama heroically combatting night-ranging aggressors in the forest of Janasthana. The arrows He releases are as beautiful as the garland of lotus flowers around His neck.

1. They uphold righteous principles

What kind of person sends fourteen thousand military men to take on a single foe? What person raises hostilities in an undeclared fashion, when no act of aggression has occurred? When there was no violation to begin with, why apply overwhelming force?

The Supreme Personality of Godhead was not bothering anyone. He was living peacefully with His wife Sita Devi. Rama’s younger brother Lakshmana was also with them. He had an equal ability to defend, but Rama sent Sita and Lakshmana to a nearby cave during the attack.

Rama’s arrows uphold the principles of righteousness. It is easy to give a speech on the need to adhere to the rule of law. It is easy to castigate a violator during a hearing of the legislature. But position papers, court rulings and fiery speeches can only do so much. Eventually, there needs to be some force applied against the aggressors.

2. They maintain a level of sanity in an otherwise insane playing arena

In what kind of a world does a shape-shifting ogre attack people in a remote forest? Why even bother? What is to be gained? Why not stay in Lanka, which is full of gold? The leader of the ogres, Ravana, had countless beautiful queens, with every kind of enjoyment available in the palaces.

जनस्थाने हतस्थाने निहते रक्षसां बले।।
अशक्तेन त्वया रक्षः कृतमेतदसाधु वै।

janasthāne hatasthāne nihate rakṣasāṃ bale।।
aśaktena tvayā rakṣaḥ kṛtametadasādhu vai।

“O Rakshasa, when your Rakshasa army had been killed in Janasthana, turning it into Hatasthana [land of the dead], being powerless you committed this wicked deed.” (Sita Devi, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 21.29-30)

The field of Janasthana, which refers to the living beings, became hatasthana, or the land of the dead. This is a neat play on words spoken by Sita Devi at a later time. Though generally kind in nature, Rama is fearless in defense of morality and virtue.

3. They highlight Rama’s amazing dexterity, intelligence, and strength

The arrows enabled Rama to fight multiple attackers at a single time. Such dexterity was in the family, as King Dasharatha was known for his ability to defend against attackers coming from the ten directions, simultaneously.

The son of Dasharatha embeds intelligence into His weapons. As Akampana testified to Ravana later, the arrows followed the enemy. The targets could not find relief. The arrows showed the face of a five-headed serpent at the end. This force was overwhelming; the fourteen-thousand expert fighters did not stand a chance.

4. They pay homage to spiritual guides like Vishvamitra

Vishnu does not require a teacher. He is the original spiritual master of this universe; the adi-guru. Yet in order to show the proper way to advance the human condition, as a human avatara He accepts spiritual guides for instruction in the areas necessary for success.

The arrows released by Rama honor the spiritual guides. Vishvamitra gives to Rama sacred formulas to be used in augmenting the potency. The arrows become something like nuclear weapons; such is the power of sacred sound, shabda.

5. They rescue the entire world

Nothing can be more beautiful than this. The husband of Sita stands tall in victory. He is ready to protect the saints at any moment. Today, the onslaughts continue, from the enemies of good qualities, virtue, and devotion. We call upon the same hero to protect us through the sound of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Targets intelligently tracking,
Repelling army attacking.

Nowhere to hide or run,
By own sinful deeds undone.

Punishment by arrows delivered,
Extension of His potency considered.

To Rama this life surrendering so,
Safe in His shelter to know.

Where Does Intuition Come From

“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)

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सर्वस्य चाहं हृदि सन्निविष्टो
मत्तः स्मृतिर् ज्ञानम् अपोहनं च
वेदैश् च सर्वैर् अहम् एव वेद्यो
वेदान्त-कृद् वेद-विद् एव चाहम्

sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo
mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca
vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo
vedānta-kṛd veda-vid eva cāham

“People are amazed at the birth of a child, and rightfully so. Out of nowhere, a brand new life. We share the same point of origination. Though we are accustomed to being alive, to knowing the people around us, there was a time when people didn’t know who we were. This is because we had yet to emerge from a womb.

“Then the miracle happened. Someone to love. Hopefully, caring and attentive guardians on the other side. Not everyone enters in the same circumstances, but the miraculous nature of the appearance is universal.

“Taking the appreciation further, we see how the child already knows how to do certain things. It can move around a little bit. It knows how to drink milk from the breast of the mother. No one taught the child this, precisely because there was no interaction prior. Bunched up within the womb, who would penetrate the barrier to provide the instruction?

“You see similar miracles in other species, such as how the horse gallops away or the calf sucks milk from the cow. The bird knows how to return to its nest. The fish swim on their own, finding food wherever it may be.

“Scientists attribute this phenomenon to intuition. Something internal within the living being. It guides them, and they don’t need to search for it. It comes standard with the purchase, so to speak. After-market modifications are not necessary.

“I am fine with that identification, but what about attribution? We know there is intuition, but what is the source? Can that be identified?”

Bhagavad-gita provides the answer in a single verse. The source of the intuition is also responsible for forgetfulness. I can’t remember what I ate for breakfast a week ago. I know that I had some intense dream while sleeping last night, but it evades my memory at the moment. I recognize that person in the dairy aisle at the supermarket, but I can’t remember where I know them from.

The intuition is from the Supersoul. Known as Paramatma in Sanskrit, the correlated entity is atma. You and I are individual soul. Atma can also refer to body or mind, but in the general sense it is the distinguishing feature in a living being.

This means that atma is not limited to the human species. This individual kind of atma is also not dependent on the type of body. There is a dividing line between matter and spirit, also known as prakriti and purusha. The presence of atma means there is purusha, or person.

The same kind of atma is there in the cow, the dog, the elephant, the tiger, and so forth. A wise person can see this because they have been trained in the science. They make no distinctions between the locations of the instances of atma, since they understand the amazing characteristics of spirit.

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)

Paramatma is of a different category. This is a singular identity, but present with every instance of atma. Soul and Supersoul are always together in the material world. Paramatma represents the Supreme Lord. This means that God and I are always together.

He accompanies me on the journey to the top of the profession. He is there when I celebrate the victories, and He witnesses my lamentation due to heartbreaking loss. He is inside when I commit a sinful act, trivial or significant. He watches when I do something nice, when no one else is looking.

As He is the source of intuition and forgetfulness, there is sort of a knob or dial that I can configure. The meaning is that I have some control in how that intuition operates. I can get rid of the forgetfulness in the specific area that matters most.

यो मां पश्यति सर्वत्र
सर्वं च मयि पश्यति
तस्याहं न प्रणश्यामि
स च मे न प्रणश्यति

yo māṁ paśyati sarvatra
sarvaṁ ca mayi paśyati
tasyāhaṁ na praṇaśyāmi
sa ca me na praṇaśyati

“For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 6.30)

If I take up a life of devotion, if I am always interested in pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then I will never forget Him. He will never be lost to me, nor I to Him. He controls forgetfulness, after all, so He can assure my safe passage to the imperishable land in the afterlife, triggered by the perfect consciousness at the time of death.

In Closing:

Witnessing the intuition,
But to what the attribution?

That calf towards cow going,
And sucking the milk knowing?

Atma inside but not to see,
As Paramatma present is He.

The Supreme Lord my companion steady,
To help in safe passage ready.

Is The Dream Real

“For one who has taken his birth, death is certain; and for one who is dead, birth is certain. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.27)

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जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्
ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च
तस्माद् अपरिहार्ये ऽर्थे
न त्वं शोचितुम् अर्हसि

jātasya hi dhruvo mṛtyur
dhruvaṁ janma mṛtasya ca
tasmād aparihārye ‘rthe
na tvaṁ śocitum arhasi

Friend1: I like the comparison to a dream, with respect to the living experience in the material world. I think Goswami Tulsidas says that it is Rama only, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who gives reality to this dream.

Friend2: The one thing of substance. That which lasts beyond the changes. Of course, we are reality, as well. You and I are experiencing the dream. We were here before and we will be around afterwards, as Krishna confirms in Bhagavad-gita.

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्
नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः
अजो नित्यः शाश्वतो ऽयं पुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे

na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin
nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ
ajo nityaḥ śāśvato ‘yaṁ purāṇo
na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre

“For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.20)

Friend1: Then there is the statement from the Mayavadis. Brahma satya, jagan mithya. The impersonal spiritual energy, Brahman, is truth. The rest is false. In other words, the dividing line is between Brahman and maya.

Friend2: “That which is not.” This is one translation for maya. Brahman would be, “That which is.”

Friend1: Okay, so do you not see a conflict? An incompatibility.

Friend2: Where?

Friend1: What is the difference between the followers of the personal God and the Mayavadis, then? We are confirming that the material world is something like a dream. They are saying everything is false. We are in agreement, then?

Friend2: You referenced Tulsidas earlier. He says that Rama is the lone reality. This is God the person. He is more than Brahman. You could say, Parabrahman. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada also explains the dreamlike experience differently.

Friend1: How so?

Friend2: That the dream is not false. The objects we see have no lasting substance to them, but the experience is real.

Friend1: Hmm, that is interesting.

Friend2: He is correct, if you think about it. The dream is a meaningful experience. We wake up sweaty. We could be frightened. We might experience tremendous bliss. Those are factual.

Friend1: Okay, but if I dream about flying through the sky, that is obviously not the case in real life. The setting of the dream is false.

Friend2: But we don’t know that while sleeping. In the same way, we don’t realize that everything will be gone in this world one day. We will be forced to exit. We arrived at some time. We stick around, doing some work. We then leave.

Friend1: What is the harm in thinking that this world is false?

Friend2: Because there is value to be gained from the experience. The human birth is everything. Our best chance to not have to live the dream again. We can use what is around to change consciousness. That is further evidence of the reality. If everything were false, then there would be no hope.

Friend1: I see.

Friend2: It is hopeless if I intend to keep enjoying. If I want to stay in the dreamlike experience, it is a fool’s errand. However, if I want to shift the consciousness towards the transcendental realm, through realizing Brahman and beyond, I have made the best use of this temporary stay. Follow the way of the saints through the chanting of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Everything not what it seems,
This experience like a dream.

Then what of it to make,
Of any substance to take?

That consciousness can shape,
And world of illusion to escape.

Since Bhagavan the reality lone,
Through Him the truth is known.

Aren't Parents Justified in Being Afraid To Show The Vedas To Their Children

“Thus I have explained to you the most confidential of all knowledge. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.63)

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इति ते ज्ञानम् आख्यातं
गुह्याद् गुह्यतरं मया
विमृश्यैतद् अशेषेण
यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु

iti te jñānam ākhyātaṁ
guhyād guhyataraṁ mayā
vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa
yathecchasi tathā kuru

“I think this is unique to the Vedic culture. At least I have never heard of the same thing occurring within families inheriting a different kind of faith. I’m sure it takes place, but not nearly as often. There doesn’t seem to be the same level of desperation on the opposing side.

“I am speaking of children taking an interest in spiritual life, serious to the point of dedicating full-time efforts towards it. If someone wants to study theology or even become a priest, I am not sure that parents will freak out. The decision may be peculiar. It may stand out from the rest of the children in the community, but there isn’t this overwhelming level of sadness.

“Contrast with Vedic culture. Parents are so afraid of what might happen to their children that they hide books like Bhagavad-gita, Shrimad Bhagavatam, and Ramayana. They want their offspring to be interested in dharma, to follow righteousness, honor, duty, truthfulness, dedication, and so forth. Take an interest, but not too much of one.

“The overarching fear is giving up on life and becoming a full-time ascetic. I must say, think of how well that speaks to the philosophy presented. Bhagavad-gita must be really powerful if someone will just renounce the world and dedicate themselves to God after reading it. Maybe that philosophy needs to be shared with many people, if it can make such a dramatic impact.

“Aren’t parents justified in their concern? There is a story within Bhagavata Purana itself describing a similar situation. The sons of Daksha have a chance meeting with Narada Muni. The saint speaks to them in a way that the sons decide against family life. Daksha wants to grow the population, and since Narada is the reason his sons changed their mind Daksha becomes so angry.”

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada gives a nice response to this concern. If following genuine spiritual life, with a true understanding of the distinction and similarity between the individual and the Almighty, then the concern over abruptly renouncing the world is unfounded.

He gives the example of Arjuna from Bhagavad-gita. The message came directly from the source. No intermediary. No empowered representative. No middleman. No prophet travelling from place to place to save the world.

Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, guided Arjuna while both were on the chariot in the middle of the battlefield. The Kurukshetra war would have to wait. Arjuna needed some doubts settled first. He needed to understand things properly.

At the end of the presentation, which involved question and answer, Arjuna had the choice. It was up to him on how to proceed. Krishna did not compel the disciple. Arjuna had to think for himself.

The warrior reached the decision to proceed forward. Remain in the occupation suited for the nature of the individual, but maintain a consciousness, a link to the Divine, while carrying out prescribed duties. Arjuna did not become a sannyasi. He was a family man and remained so.

Thus it is not guaranteed that a person assimilating Vedic culture, sanatana-dharma, will automatically renounce the world in a formal way. Informally, they will certainly lose interest in the pounds and schilling concern, in the competition to beat others towards a post that remains for a very short amount of time.

They will become fully dedicated to the Supreme Lord, who is the primary source of bliss, who is always standing by, ready to guide from within. They will make the dedication in guidance and protection of the parents fruitful. In other words, the best way for a child to honor their parents is to become a pure devotee of Bhagavan. Every time such a person chants the holy names so many others benefit simultaneously: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Parents should be delighting,
Each time children reciting.

Holy names in chanting steady,
Showing that for liberation ready.

Not guaranteed work to relent,
Or that on sannyasa life bent.

Like Arjuna in war to proceed,
With Krishna’s presentation agreed.

How Could So Many Horrible Things Happen To Shri Rama

“Being under the control of passion and lust, Rama’s father, Maharaja Dasharatha, wanted to fulfill Kaikeyi’s cherished desire, thus he did not go through with Rama’s installation ceremony.” (Sita Devi speaking to Ravana, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 47.12)

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कामार्तस्तु महातेजाः पिता दशरथस्स्वयम्।।
कैकेय्याः प्रियकामार्थं तं रामं नाभ्यषेचयत्।

kāmārtastu mahātejāḥ pitā daśarathassvayam।।
kaikeyyāḥ priyakāmārthaṃ taṃ rāmaṃ nābhyaṣecayat।

“It is difficult to use outside reference points in trying to explain the Ramayana to people. It is not merely a book belonging to a particular faith. It is not some type of mythology. It is not just a holy text to be relied upon by the followers.

“Valmiki presents that great history in poetry form, in the Sanskrit language. The original sounds persist to this day. You can try to translate to the best extent possible, but the verses themselves have so much potency. Just as Rama would fire amazing arrows empowered through incantations, so the shakti in the shabda of the verses describing Rama and His journey can bring liberation.

“The Ramayana is a way to connect with God. Plain and simple. We cannot understand nirguna. We don’t know what it means to be without material qualities. We have no way to gather enough clothes to cover the entire universe and more. We don’t have enough time in this birth to adequately glorify the one whose glories know no limit.

“He is kind enough to appear in this world, every now and then. Rama is the avatara who is supposedly human, which fits perfectly into the lone vulnerability in the powerful Rakshasa named Ravana. What strikes me is the nature of difficulty Rama endures. As this tale is about the Supreme Lord, one would expect boundless bliss, optimism, kindness, friendship, and triumph.

“In fact, there is much heartache, sorrow, loss, tragedy, and duplicity. Some of the things Rama has to endure are unimaginable to the common man. Being kicked out of your community. Losing your wife. Having no friends anywhere. Witnessing someone else’s torture. Selfless sacrifice on the part of others, all for your benefit.

“Do you not find any of this incompatible with the idea of God? I understand that the story ends well, but so many bad things happen. Some of them are too difficult to relive, if you ask me.”

The Supreme Lord shows through His example, as the best person, Purushottama, how difficult the journey through material life is. Things don’t always work out as planned. You could be surrounded by friends and family, and their desires could end up killing you.

King Dasharatha had no reason to feel concern. He had three beautiful and capable sons. The kingdom would remain in good hands. Yet everything changed in an instant. Through the desires rooted in envy of his youngest wife, Kaikeyi, Dasharatha lost what was most dear to him.

The king had to change his mind. Instead of Rama ascending the throne, it would be Bharata. That transfer would take place sooner than expected. Dasharatha could not live with the separation from Rama. The pious ruler quit his body while longing for the association of the one most dear to him.

Such tragedies have taken place since time immemorial. Though things may appear bleak today, with the worst in society rising to prominence, crushing any semblance of religious practice in public, the struggle between good and evil has been ongoing since before anyone can remember.

The only light in this world is the shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That lesson stands out from the Ramayana story. Darkness does not remain for long. The transcendental effulgence of Rama is so strong that enemies quickly scatter. Rama’s arrows chase them to wherever they flee; there is no relief.

In Closing:

Amazing beyond belief,
Enemies not finding relief.

The arrows like missiles to chase,
Threat of danger to erase.

From Shri Rama the source,
Following proper course.

Such that tragedy corrected,
By God again directed.