Chapter
12(b)
The Coronation
"Brother! Of all
righteous acts, help rendered to those needing
it is the most righteous. Of all evil acts,
there is nothing worse than causing harm to
others. Know that this is the essence of the
teachings of the Vedas and the Puranas. This is the ideal,
held forth by good men everywhere. Those who are
benefited by birth as men, and yet indulge in
injuring others, are degraded into lower bestial
levels and have to be born and die as those
beings. Or, when born again as men, they commit
further evils through their ignorance and the
blindness it causes. For such, I am the
meter-out of karma-consequence and it is only
after a long passage of time during which they
have to struggle out of the darkness, that I
vouchsafe a vision of Myself. I throw them again
and again into the vortex of life and make them
experience the ups and downs so that they might
be educated."
"Bharatha! The
gods, the sages and the great personages do not
engage themselves in acts involving dualities;
they are ever engaged in adoring Me in a
dedicated state of mind. They engage themselves
in activities without any desire or attachment
to the consequence of those activities. If
austerities are taken up in order to gain some
ends, if activities are undertaken with a view
to earn the fruits they yield, people have to be
born with bodies so that they may be awarded the
good and the bad which those activities deserve.
When the fruits are not craved for, and acts are
still done sincerely and rightly and correctly,
they don't bind; on the other hand, they confer
wisdom on the doer. The person will have his
devotion and dedication advanced a great deal.
And as a result, he will be nearer to the
Supreme and mergence in the Supreme. When you
are able to distinguish between the good and the
bad on the basis of these characteristics, and
act accordingly while choosing company, you will
be able to extricate yourselves from the coils
of the sea of change, the Samsara Ocean. Brother! Know
that all distinctions between good and bad are
basically the result of attachment and
development, due to your considering the world
as real, while it is neither real nor unreal.
Those who have escaped this 'illusion' and this
duality are the Mahatmas. They have realized
that their reality is the unchanging Atma. They know that there
are no two; they experience always only the One.
Others are the ignorant lot."
The brother and
others who listened to this clarification
attained equanimity. Their hearts were delighted
with the upsurge of love. They acknowledged the
kindness of Rama by gratefully prostrating
before him. This they did for each point that
was clarified. Hanuman felt the ecstasy more
than all others. Later, Rama proceeded to the
palace, accompanied by the brothers and Hanuman.
This became the normal routine every day -
conveying counsel and then, the carrying on of
the duties of administration.
One day, Rama
desired that the citizens of Ayodhya assemble in
the palace, with the Preceptors and the Brahmins. They all met at the
Durbar Hall, and were provided comfortable
seats. Rama came into the Hall and addressed
them thus:
"Citizens!
Preceptors and Brahmins! Prostrations to you.
Listen to my words in peace and to the very end.
I am not discoursing to you in pride or selfish
conceit. It is also not to declare that I am
your monarch. Nor is it to lead you to journey
along evil paths. If My words appear good to
you, then, follow the path I indicate. But, I
must say this: Those who listen to my words and
walk accordingly, those alone are dear to me.
They alone are my brothers. If I utter anything
wrong, point it out to me instantly, without
hesitation. Well. Birth as a human being is
hailed in the Vedas and Puranas and by wise men
of all lands as the rarest chance of all. The
human birth cannot be achieved unless a great
deal of merit is built up in many lives previous
to this. Even gods yearn for the chance and find
it hard to get born as men. Birth as a human
opens the door to liberation. It provides wide
opportunities for undergoing Sadhana and benefiting by
them. The human body is to be used not for
enjoying sensual pleasures. It is not to be
treated as an instrument for reaching heaven and
delight in heavenly toys and joys. These
pleasures are all momentary. They bring you back
again into the tangle of change, the toil of
birth and death. Therefore, these pleasures
bring about sorrow. Only fools will be led away
into the pursuit of these sensual pleasures.
Such pleasures are as poison to man; is it
proper to seek poison, in preference to nectar?
Those who crave for poison cannot be good men.
They are like the fools who discard the
wish-fulfilling-gem (Chintamani) and prefer a
bead of glass. Being endowed with the human
body, if a person does not use it for crossing
the ocean of illusory existence (Samsar) he is
indeed to be pitied as unfortunate and of dull
intellect. He is indeed the slayer of his own
self, the enemy of his own progress. Therefore,
those who are born as men have to realize that
God resides in all men as the Atma within and to serve
everyone as Divine, and regard that service as
the most proper worship of God. Observe the
dictates of God with full heart. Carry out all
activities as if you are dedicating them to
God."
"Citizens! Those
who yearn to be happy here and hereafter! Listen
to my words. Have them as your guides and your
goals. Follow this path. Of all paths that lead
to God and Self-realization, the path of
devotion (Bhakthi) (*) is the easiest, it is
a path full of delight for the mind. The path of
discrimination and elimination of illusion (Jnana) (**) is fraught with
difficulties and packed with obstacles. It is
well-nigh impossible to extinguish the mind.
And, even those who travel along the hard path
of Jnana, can become dear to me only if they
have devotion and love in their hearts. There is
nothing equal to Bhakthi. Bhakthi is not bound,
it is free. It endows man with all joys and
delights. And, it must be emphasized that you
can progress in Bhakthi only when you seek and
stay in Satsang, good company."
Continuing His discourse to the assembly Rama
said, "Listen, O people of My Kingdom! I wish to
tell you one very important truth, often not
clearly grasped by you. Do not attribute any
distinction between Siva and Kesava. Believe that God is
one. The Name and the Form are distinct, but,
the Divyatma (the Universal Absolute Entity) is
the same. That Divyatma is in everyone in equal
potency".
Hearing these
nectarine teachings from the lips of Rama, the
citizens bowed their heads in reverential
homage. One of them came forward to express
their gratitude. He said, "Lord! We are attached
to you more than to our own lives. Our bodies
are healthy and hardy because of you. Our homes
are resonant with joy and happiness because of
you. It is all due to your Grace. You have rid
us of sorrow and drawn us near you. Maharaja!
Who else can teach us so lovingly as you do? Our
own fathers and mothers seek from us the
fulfillment of their selfish desires; that is
all. Of what use are we for you? But yet, you
train us for attaining the bliss of heaven. This
gives us full contentment. You and your
excellent followers have done magnificent
service to the world, by destroying the demonic
race. We can never acquire a Lord, a Friend, a
Father, as kind and considerate as You". The
people expressed their joy and the sense of
enlightenment plentifully before Rama. Rama
brightened at their loyalty and eagerness to
learn more about spiritual matters. The citizens
took leave of Rama and returned to their homes.
They reminded themselves of the valuable truths
they had been taught.
In the City of
Ayodhya, every house had a flower garden
attached to it. The residents tended the garden
with love and care. It was perpetual spring in
Ayodhya, for, the plants were heavy with fruits
and fragrant with blooms throughout the year.
Clusters of bees hovered over the blooms and
their murmur could be heard all over. A cool
breeze, heavy with the scent of flowers, greeted
every one. Children of the city had many species
of birds as pets; their songs, twitters and
chirps mingled to make charming music to the
ear.
The wealth and
prosperity of the citizens under the benign
reign of Rama cannot be adequately described by
even thousand thousand-tongued Seshas. This was
the result of the righteousness (Dharma) which
Rama fostered and guarded. Rama celebrated many
an Aswamedha Sacrifice. Millions
and millions of Brahmins were granted generous
gifts and they were made happy and contented.
Rama, the promoter of Vedic rites and
ceremonials and the Guardian of the codes of
Dharma, (but yet, above and beyond all
obligations and attributes - Gunathitha), as
well as Sita, replete with all auspicious
attributes and intent on helping all who craved
to fulfill their beneficial obligations - were
both vigilant in their task of keeping
themselves and their subjects on the path of
Dharma. Physical illness, mental anxiety and
moral downfall were totally absent, when Rama
ruled. People had deep love and affection for
each other. Every one stuck gladly to the duties
and rights sanctioned by the Vedas to the
community and the profession. Austerity,
charity, sacrifices, spiritual ritual and
studies continued unabated and even
enthusiastically all over the land. Sinful
thoughts dared not peep into minds of people,
even in their dreams. Women, men, old persons,
children - all were at all times reveling in
thoughts of Rama. There was no calamity or
natural catastrophe evident anywhere. During the
Rama age, there were no poor, no grief-stricken,
no one humbled or crestfallen, no one cruel or
hateful, no one ugly or ghastly to behold.
Everyone had all the marks of charm. No one hurt
another with his pride and pomp. No one envied
another. All were versed in Atmic wisdom; all
were eager to practice and protect Dharma, all
were compassionate and intent on serving others.
Each one was eager to extol the good qualities
of another; no one gave room for egoism in his
heart.
The entire Globe,
with its seven Dwipas (***) bordered by the
Oceans, [see also Prasnottara
Vahini] was under the shade of the single
Umbrella of Rama's sovereignty. Over this entire
region, Rama was the sole undisputed Lord. In
this imperial domain, people enjoyed mutual love
and mutual help; there was no trace of faction
or fight; apart-ness and the big stick were not
evident at all. Of course, distinction came to
the fore in dance and the arts. The stick was
evident in the hands of ascetics and monks.
Fighting was to be seen only when used against
the senses by Sadhakas. Attachment (raga,
also meaning, tunes) could be noticed as raga
only in music. When no one had any enemy, how
could 'killing' be done? But, people killed the
vagaries of the mind instead and won victories
over their own lower natures.
A view on the
Yamuna
The City and
environs shone with incomparably attractive
wells, lakes and tanks. O the pure waters! O the
beautiful landing places! Their sublime charm
drew admiration from sages and seers. They
blamed themselves for being so attracted. The
lakes and tanks had lotuses of many colours
blossoming on their surface. Many birds were
singing on the trees growing thick on their
banks. Parrots, peacocks, and others clustered
on the branches and made merry. The City was
more splendid than even Heaven and people were
wonder-struck at its uniqueness.
One day, Vasishta
entered the Palace in order to see Rama, the
Grantor of prosperity in all fields. Rama
received him in true traditional style, washing
his feet and offering sanctified water as drink.
He raised his folded palms and said, "O Ocean of
Compassion! I have a request to make. I have
been watching most delightfully your 'play as
man'. I am beset with a big doubt, now. Your
potency is limitless. Even the Vedas do not know
fully your Nature. Lord! How can I describe You,
or decipher You? This profession of Family
Preceptor or Priest is rather derogatory. The Vedas, Sastras and Puranas declare that
priesthood is inferior in status, since it is a
mean occupation. He has to officiate at all the
ceremonies in his master's household, both
auspicious and inauspicious. Therefore, it is
contaminated. First I did not agree at all to
enter this profession; but Brahma saw me and understood
my plight. He told me, 'Son! You do not know
what lies in the future. Accept the profession,
without demur. You stand to gain enormously in
the coming years. The Parabrahma will incarnate in the
Raghu dynasty'. Hearing this, I bowed my head to
this profession and became the Family Priest of
the Raghu dynasty. I have now, as a result of
that decision, attained that Supreme Principle,
which can be won only by means of countless
years of Japa, Thapa, Meditation (Dhyana) and Yoga, besides the
performance of many Yagas and Yajnas, without putting
myself into the hardship involved in these. All
those good Karmas have as the goal to be won,
and I have won you".
"What better work
have I to do than the one I have chosen? Lord of
Lords! Japa, Thapa, Yajnas, Yagas, Vows, Rites
and Ritual rules have been laid down in the
Vedas. Through the cultivation of wisdom,
compassion towards living beings, and virtuous
conduct, Your Presence and Grace can be
attained. Lord! I am praying for a boon. Grant
me that in your infinite mercy. Shower your
Grace on me from the corner of your
compassion-filled eye. Let my devotion for You
be undiminished, however many lives I have to
live hereafter; this is the boon I crave for".
Later Vasishta returned to his residence, taking
leave of Rama.
The subjects of
the kingdom spent their time singing the
thrice-holy captivating story of their Ruler,
Rama. One might have achieved success in Yoga or
performed many ritual vows but, if one has no
love in his heart, he could not get Darsan of
Rama. The wise man, the ascetic, the hero, the
poet, the scholar, the accomplished, no one of
these were afflicted with greed in Rama's
empire. No one strayed into wrong, urged by
pride of wealth. The intoxication of authority
did not render anyone deaf. Where was the young
man who suffered from the fever of Youth? Or,
where could be found the man who lost his fame
through yielding to the pull of selfishness?
Where was the man tainted by enmity? Where was
the man suffering from the paralysis of grief?
Where was the man bitten by the serpent anxiety?
There was none such - Rama himself standing
above and beyond these, as an example for all to
emulate. He is the Atmaswarup, God
Himself.
The redoubtable
armies of Maya are roaming allover
this world. The soldiers are the passions, lust,
greed etc. Pride, unbelief etc. are the
commanding officers. But, the same Maya is the
bond slave of Raghunatha, Rama. She is
'un-real', but, yet, unless you have the Grace
of Rama, you cannot escape from capture and
bondage. The Grace flowing from the corner of
His eye alone can liberate you from her grip.
Maya 'possesses' all movable and immovable
things in the universe; no one can be free from
her hold. She imitates the earthly glory of the
Lord and like a skilled actress, she enacts her
role with lust, greed and others as supporting
cast. Rama, however, as the embodiment of Sath-Chith-Ananda, as the
personification of the Deep Blue that
characterizes the Sea and Sky, the Phenomenon
that has no Birth, as the Paramatma Itself, has no trace
of Maya in Him.
In the City of
Ayodhya, every day was a new festival, every
festival was marked out with some novel features
of entertainment. Each day, Rama gave away
riches as charity. It was laid down that no one
should blame another or scorn another. No bad
word should be uttered. In every home, there
were daily readings of the Vedas and the
Puranas. No community of people looked on
another or considered another as inferior. Each
carried on its traditional occupation and
respected the norms laid down. Therefore,
compassion and affection towards the subjects
grew quick and large in Rama's heart. Observing
the devotion and dedication with which wives in
Rama's kingdom served their husbands, even the
Gods grew envious of men. The husbands too shone
as persons deserving such service; no one
brought a single tear from the eyes of those
wedded to them. Husband and wife had the feeling
that each was half the body of the other and so,
they got on as one, desiring each other's best
interests and devoted to their realization. In
Rama's time, no one attempted to have recourse
to falsehood under any circumstance. Boys and
girls honored the commands and directions of
parents and preceptors. Every one was as happy
as the Lord of Gods in Heaven, Indra. Grain and
riches were as plentiful in every home as in the
place of the God of Wealth, Kubera. The Chakora birds
were glad as if they were looking on at the Moon
in Autumn, Sarathkala. Women watched Rama from
behind the doors of their enclosed apartments
and were delighted. Bharatha, Lakshmana and
Satrughna were thrilled continuously in mind,
filling their eyes with the Divine Charm of Sri
Rama. The entire world was filled with full
splendor while it was being ruled by Rama. There
was no trace or mention of 'sin'. The monks and
ascetics wandered about fearless in the wildest
woods. The mutual affection between the King and
his subjects grew more and more from day to day.
The earth shone with Love and Light. The forests
were shimmering in perpetual green. Birds and
beasts had lost their instinctive hatred for one
another. Not even an iota of hatred was to be
found anywhere, nor was there even a whisper
indicating its existence. All were bound by the
thickest of comradeships. Every individual
evinced great enthusiasm in describing the
excellences and achievements of Rama.
One day, Rama was
on his throne, in the Audience Hall, along with
his brothers. A Brahmin entered the Hall in
great distress. He spoke many harsh words and
pleaded angrily for redress. "Alas!", he cried,
"the fame of the Solar Dynasty has ended today.
I remember the glory of the great kings of the
past Sibi [RRV-10b, BV-32, Sathya Sai Vahini], Raghu, Dilipa [RRV-2, RRV-7a, RRV-7c], Sagara [RRV-7a, RRV-7c, BV-32]; for, such iniquities
would not have happened when those Kings were
ruling. Will a son ever die during the life-time
of the father? Can such a disaster happen if the
ruler is good? But, this day, I saw this thing
happen." Rama, who is omnipresent, was able to
know what had taken place; he was affected by
the words spoken by the Brahmin. He probed
within himself the reason for the death and
assured his mind that it had not occurred as a
result of any administrative fault. He was aware
that it was the consequence of evil thoughts and
so, he set about prescribing limits and
regulations which would prevent such thoughts
from arising in people's minds. Rama paid great
attention even to such small matters and
designed measures to prevent their recurrence.
He laid aside all concern about Himself and
sought to realize the goal He had set before
Himself, viz., the happiness of his people. He
cared for his subjects as if they were as dear
to Him as His own body. The people too valued
the affection and happiness of the King; he was
to them as dear as his heart. The Ruler never
worked against the wishes of the people. They,
too, did not overstep even by a hair's breadth
the orders given by Rama. The Ramarajya of those
days was resplendent thus for many years. Rama
was Narayana Himself. So, his reign
redounded to the glory of the earth and its
history. For, truth and righteousness are the
real guardians of mankind.
(*)
Bhagavad
Gîtâ of Order, Ch. 12.
(**)
Bhagavad
Gîtâ of Order, Ch. 13.
(***)
Srîmad
Bhâgavatam, Canto 5: The Creative Impetus, Ch.
16: How the Lord can be Comprehended as a
Matter of Fact.
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