The Ramayana is the very form of the Vedas that have come down to us from the heavens to the earth. The Vedas are divided into four parts, viz., Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda. Lord Rama is the embodiment of Rig Veda, Lakshmana, the Yajur Veda, Bharata, the Sama Veda and Satrughna, the Atharvana Veda. The four Vedas became the four sons of Dasaratha and played at his palace. The Rig Veda and the Yajur Veda consist of Mantras which are related to Yajnas and Yagas. That is the reason why Sage Viswamitra took Rama and Lakshmana along with him to safeguard his Yajna. While Rama was in exile, Bharata left Ayodhya and stayed in a village called Nandigrama, all the time singing the Divine Name of Rama for 14 long years. It is for this reason that Bharata is described as the personification of Sama Veda. It was Satrughna who safeguarded the places of sacred rituals like Yajnas and Yagas from the invasion of evil spirits and demons. Do not think that the Ramayana is different from the Vedas. In fact, it is the very essence of the Vedas.

Rama exemplified three kinds of righteous behaviour (Dharma), namely, the Dharmas relating to 1) the individual 2) the family and 3) society. To uphold these three-fold Dharma, Divinity manifested in a triangular flow, in the form of the Trimurtis (the Triune form). The Ramayana manifested to elaborate the human values. The period of the Mahabharata was well over 5000 years ago and the Ramayana was enacted aeons earlier. Even after the passage of countless ages, if it is still occupying the hearts of the people at large, you can well imagine its importance. There are two kinds of messages dominating Ramayana: One pertains to Rama and the other to Ravana.
Sathya (Truth) is the very form of man. Dharma (righteousness) is the innate propensity. Sathya and Dharma are the two eyes of man. These eyes are the very forms of all the scriptures. Rama's message to humanity is to uphold Dharma and Sathya, to stay in the path of these and fulfil one's life. On the other hand, the two principles of Sathya and Dharma are the very opposites of Ravana's propensities. At the point of death, Ravana sent the following message to his people, "Oh my people, do not follow my example. I am the personification of all evil qualities. Falling into excessive desires, I have lost my progeny. Instead of establishing a good name for myself, I have destroyed my entire kingdom. Ultimately, I have ruined myself. Rama achieved universal fame and I have ended up accumulating ill-fame."

Fame and disrepute are cognates. There is no Rama without Ravana or Ravana without Rama. It is the bringing together of Rama and Ravana that is the Ramayana. Good and evil are always present side by side. Pitch-black hair surrounds a moon- like face. What is the inner significance of this? The shining forth of righteous fame is intensified by the surrounding darkness of evil. It is necessary for you to recognise the inner significance of the events of the Ramayana.

The Ramayana has very subtle truths embedded in it. The epic, first of all, expounds the duties of the individual. In the everyday world, any person's form is termed as the individual. The duties of the individual taught by Ramayana are not relating to this external form of the individual. The Unmanifest, immanent and hidden human values are the essence of the Ramayana. The inner reality and the divinity resident in the heart constitute the true individuality. Individual does not mean the form; the individual in action is the true individual. Rama was exemplifying such individual values to humanity. To uphold the promise of his father, He went through the inconveniences of forest life, but He did not look on these hardships as hardships. In this way, He upheld His family traditions also. It is well known that the scions of the Ikshvaku family do not swerve from their promises. Under any circumstances, to uphold the values of one's parents, relatives, wife and children constitutes this three-fold Dharma. How has Rama done this?

Wearing bark clothes, He came to Kausalya to take leave of her. Kausalya was astonished at the attire of Rama, who was about to be crowned as the emperor. Smilingly Rama told Kausalya, "Today I have been commanded by My father to become the ruler of the forests. To rule the forests is also part of our family tradition." As this conversation was in progress, Lakshmana arrived there in a furious state. He said, "Mother, this is not what happened. Father, compelled by the words of Kaikeyi, has caused this situation. I am only waiting for Rama's command. Let Him just give me permission, I will go immediately and destroy Manthara and Kaikeyi and restore Rama as the king. I am not constrained even by the words of father." Rama rushed up and physically closed Lakshmana's mouth. He said, "Lakshmana, this evil way is not in keeping with our family tradition. Our family tradition is the upholding of Dharma. We have to uphold the individual and family tradition. Nothing happens in this world without a cause. Father wouldn't give Me such an instruction without proper reason. Please keep your emotions under control."

On hearing Lakshmana's version, Kausalya fainted. Later, she said, "Rama, is it not a son's duty to equally obey father and mother ? Do I not bear half of your father's rights? Therefore, You have to fulfil your mother's orders also. So, I shall also come along with You to the forest." Then Rama pleaded to His mother, "Father is highly distressed because of separation from Me. In this condition, it is not proper for you to desert him. You carry half his burdens. It is your duty now to support, sustain and protect him. The duty of a wife is to serve her husband first of all." Sita, who was standing by, heard this conversation. She asked Him, "Rama, You seem to be changing words according to persons and place. You have asked me to stay back and look after father and mother, but to Your mother, You are telling that serving the husband is the prime duty of a wife. Is not my husband, my God? Are the norms different for the wife and the mother?" Rama was pleased that Sita understood her duty well.

When Lakshmana used abusive words against Kaikeyi, Rama advised him, "Kaikeyi loves Me even more than Bharata. Such a mother should not be abused like this. Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava (revere the mother and father as God). This is our family tradition. I am obeying the words of My father implicitly. I respect all My mothers." In this manner Rama expounded Dharma to different people appropriate to the circumstances.

In the forest, Lakshmana cut off the nose and ears of Surpanakha. She went and complained to Ravana. Then Ravana invaded the forest with a huge army. At that time, Rama called Lakshmana and said, "You have to support Me as per My instructions. I shall go and face this army of Rakshasas alone. You take Sita to a secluded place and keep her concealed in a safe haven." But Lakshmana refused to accept this. He said, "Is it proper to face this huge horde of Rakshasas alone? My duty is not to protect Sita alone. My prime purpose is to serve You. Being Your brother, can I standby and safely preserve my life while You are in grave danger. So, I shall not go leaving You alone." Rama replied, "In the multiple duties of man, many such situations arise. You have to act according to circumstances without transgressing Dharma. Are you not aware that I can face alone any number of opponents singly? Therefore, you only take up the job of protecting Sita." In such soft words, He mollified Lakshmana and made him agree to stay back and look after Sita. He whispered the secret of the appropriate Dharma in the ears of Lakshmana. Then Lakshmana agreed and conducted Sita to a safe place. From their safe haven, Lakshmana and Sita could hear the loud clamour and bright flashes of the fierce battle. It was difficult for Lakshmana to keep his mind tranquil. Sita also in her anxiety urged Lakshmana with even abuses to go in help of Rama. She said, "Lakshmana, why are you abandoning your brother alone? You also go to His support ", she insisted. Then Lakshmana said, "Mother, my prime duty is strict obedience of Rama's instructions. Rama is capable of winning over all the enemies by Himself. He is omnipotent and omniscient. What is my strength compared to His! I shall not leave you and go." He was pacifying her in this way and he was waiting. Rama released a thousand-headed weapon against the enemy, and the Rakshasas were all destroyed. When Rama returned, He was happy to see that Sita and Lakshmana were safe and sound.

How is it that Rama could destroy the Rakshasa hordes singly? Really Rama is not a single person. He has got many forms.

A mere sight of His presence was enough to reduce the Rakshasa hordes to unconsciousness.
 

Lakshmana said to Sita, "It is even possible to count the waves in the ocean, but there are no words to describe the manifold powers of Rama. In Rama, there are transcendental powers which transcend the Trigunas. We are mere instruments. Rama is the omnipotent One. It is enough if you merely pronounce the syllables 'Rama'."

All the Dharmas (righteous duties) are no different from the Dharmas contained in the Vedas. Dharma is frequently defined as a two-way path. One is Pravritti and the other is Nivritti. All activities relating to the external world are Pravritti Dharmas. Pravritti tells you, when you are hungry, "My child eat." Nivritti tells you on the other hand, "Child, merely because you are hungry, don't eat everything that you get hold of." Nivritti tells you what, when and how, you should eat. Pravritti confuses the mind. Nivritti purifies the heart. That which is pertaining to external objects is Pravritti and that which concerns your internal needs is Nirvritti. All the things that you are experiencing through your eyes, ears, mind, etc., are only related to Pravritti. Nivritti transcends the sense organs such as eyes, ears, etc. Rama taught such a path of Nivritti. This is the main theme of the Vedas.

Rama was born as a child of Dasaratha. He was not born from the womb of Kausalya, but actually from the fire of sacrifice. In fact, the Vedas are personified by the Yajnas (sacrifice) and Rama is the very personification of Yajna. This is not related to objects of nature. The Rama principle transcends the mind and the intellect.

Kaikeyi was, in fact, more fond of Rama than Bharata, but Manthara intervened. If you start enquiring, what is the principle behind the actions of Manthara, you will discover that this is also part of the Vedic principle. Once when the King of the land of Kekaya was going out hunting, he aimed an arrow and killed a male deer. The female deer went to her mother and said, "Mother, the King of Kekaya has killed my husband. Now, what is my fate?" That mother had the device (Yantra) by which dead persons could be revived. So, the mother deer said, "My child, don't cry, I shall revive your dead husband." The mother deer went to the King of Kekaya and told him, "O king, it is not a proper action that you have done, killing the husband of my daughter. You should not indulge in such actions which create separation. Just as I am suffering now by the loss of my son-in-law, you will suffer the loss of your son-in-law. I shall see to it that this event takes place."

That mother deer was born as Manthara and was the cause of the death of Dasaratha and the consequent loss of son-in-law of Kaikeyi's father. If you look closely into the various events in the Ramayana, you will discover several truths which are enshrined in the Vedas. Vedas, Shasthras and Puranas are all inter-dependent, indispen-sable to each other and should not be studied as independent works. It is not proper to separate them as unconnected works. The so-called scholars apply worldly standards to these works and make all kinds of studies by separating them as different (such as Veda, Sastra and Purana). Good and bad are intricately mixed and it is not possible for anybody to entirely disentangle them. The same kind of connecting and contrasting relationship that exists between a bright face and a crown of black hair exists between good and evil. If Ravana never existed, Rama's reputation cannot be so popular and widespread amongst people. Ravana was no ordinary person. He had studied all that Rama had studied, but he did not put any of his knowledge into practice; hence suffered indigestion of knowledge. Whereas, Rama fully put into practice all His study, digested it properly and uplifted his people thereby.

There are two kinds of study: Inward looking and outward looking. The stuff that you learn by rote and disgorge into your answer paper is the outward looking study. On the other hand, taking your studies into your heart, feeling its fullness and experiencing its bliss is the inward looking study. These have been differentiated by the terms: Education and "Educare". Your aim should be for acquiring "Educare" and not mere education.

Manthara never forgot her past resolve and therefore decided to poison Kaikeyi's mind against her natural affection and her duties towards Dasaratha. Outside Kaikeyi's palace, there was fanfare, trumpeting and joyous noise of some procession. It was actually Dasaratha coming with all his regal paraphernalia to inform Kaikeyi about his decision to crown Rama. The hunchback Manthara looked out of the window to see what the noise was about. The glory of Dasaratha was distasteful to Manthara. As Manthara was coming down, she encountered Kausalya's servant-maid. She was on her way to Kaikeyi to show off all the dress and fineries that Kausalya had given her. Manthara asked her wherefrom she got all this finery. She replied, "Kausalya's son Rama is going to be crowned as king and in the joy of that news Kausalya has given all of us her servitors, fine clothes and jewellery, etc." Manthara was infuriated by this. She was even jealous of the fact that none of it was coming her way also. Even that rankling was persisting in her mind. Immediately, she went to Kaikeyi and asked her, "Wherefore are you decked out in all these fineries?" Kaikeyi did not pay any attention to Manthara's words. Manthara went near Kaikeyi and told her, "You simpleton, you are under the false impression that Dasaratha loves you more than anyone else. But it is really deceit. You will see what happens to you in the future. Just listen to me." So saying, Manthara tapped on Kaikeyi's shoulder. By this mere contact, all the evil seething inside Manthara entered into Kaikeyi.

It is very dangerous to cultivate association with anyone with evil habits. Even a little contact with them can pollute you with their qualities. Kaikeyi who was so fond of Rama till then turned against Him in a moment. Manthara told her, "Remember, you had rendered a lot of help to Dasaratha on the occasion when he was fighting with Sharadushana. When the retaining peg of the axle tree of Dasaratha's chariot got loose and the wheel was about to fall off, you put your finger in the place of the lost peg and retained the wheel in place until Dasaratha was able to vanquish his enemy. At that time, Dasaratha in his joy, granted you two boons and you had told him that you would ask for the same at some future date, and the king had promised you that he would keep up his word. Now is the time for you to ask for the boons. (Bhagavan here mentioned that if the husband and wife remain separated for more than thirteen years, the relationship between them ceases to exist). So, you ask Dasaratha to banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years and insist on the coronation of Bharata immediately. See Dasaratha is coming. Take off all your ornaments, throw them pell-mell on the floor. Get into your Hall of Anger, lie down on the ground like a withered creeper."

Kaikeyi followed her advice. The king came, asked where Kaikeyi was and got no reply. Manthara came forward and told him, "Go and see for yourself ". Dasaratha was horrified by the sight he saw inside the chamber. He asked gently, "Kaikeyi, why are you acting in this manner?" There was no reply. Dasaratha exhorted further, "Kaikeyi, this is not an occasion to behave in this manner. Rama is about to be crowned and this is a very important event in my life. On such a happy occasion, you should not put on such a sorry face. Whatever you want, palace or ornaments or anything else that you want, just mention and it will be yours." Kaikeyi replied that she did not want any of these things. Then she expressed her demands as tutored by Manthara. On hearing this, Dasaratha fell unconscious. In a fit of jealousy, Manthara pushed Kaikeyi into this plight. Anyone possessed by the demon of jealousy will not be spared. Dasaratha pleaded with Kaikeyi, saying, "Why are you afflicted by this fit of jealousy? This will only bring you ill-fame." But Kaikeyi stuck to her stand. Bhagavan keeps telling you,

Don't associate with anyone who is afflicted with jealousy even at the cost of losing your life.

Manthara was the personification of jealousy. Her jealousy was so potent as to change the great motherly love that Kaikeyi had for Rama. Any amount of persuasion from Dasaratha was fruitless. Just then Rama entered, all dressed-up ready for coronation, to pay His respects to His parents. Looking at the situation there, He asked Kaikeyi, "Amma, what is the problem?" Kaikeyi did not reply, but Manthara told Him about Kaikeyi's boons. She told Him, "Your father promised that day, but is now going back on his promise." Rama after hearing everything in full, told Kaikeyi, "Mother, I shall uphold the words of father. One should never go back on the promises given. Such an act will bring great dishonour on the Ikshvaku clan. So, I shall depart for the forest immediately." At once, Manthara came in with bark clothes for Rama to wear. Jealousy is so ready when it decides to act. Rama changed His clothes right there. Rama saluted His father, but Dasaratha was unaware of all that was happening. Kaikeyi then told Him, "Rama, do you look on Your father and mother differently? As a mother, I am telling You to go to the forest straightaway." Rama complied without demur.

The Ramayana gives examples of Ravana and Manthara as both had evil propensities in them. Ravana was slain in the battle but Manthara is alive even today in the form of jealousy. There is none who can destroy this 'Manthara'. We have to ignore this 'Manthara' and carry on with our duties. When Lakshmana wanted to kill her, Rama stopped him, saying, "One should not kill a woman." Jealousy is the worst of all evil qualities. Three-fourths of the world is ruined because of jealousy. Jealousy has no limits whatsoever. People are jealous of other's prosperity, beauty and education, and try to cause their downfall. One should not speak bad words, listen to bad things and indulge in evil activities. This is the main teaching of Ramayana. Manthara indulged in evil talk and Kaikeyi paid heed to her. What happened to them ultimately? They were put to disrepute. Today, do you find any woman bearing the name of Kaikeyi or Manthara? You come across women having the name Kausalya, but not Kaikeyi or Manthara. Keechaka cast evil looks on Draupadi, and consequently met his doom at the hands of Bhima. Do you find anybody having the name Keechaka? None. All those who indulge in evil talk and evil actions should be banished from this world. The Ramayana shows us the way to lead an ideal life. That is why people of all countries and all languages hold the Ramayana in high esteem. This sacred epic is ever new and ever inspiring. Its glory has not diminished even a bit with the passage of time. It has stood the test of time because of the sacred ideals it stands for.

Once Anjana Devi, mother of Anjaneya, visited Kausalya at her residence. Kausalya enquired who she was. Anjana Devi introduced herself saying, "I am the mother of Anjaneya, who could cross over the mighty ocean in a leap." After some time, the mother of Sage Agastya also came there. On being asked, she introduced herself saying, "I am the mother of one who swallowed the entire ocean in one gulp." Then Kausalya said to them, "Your sons could accomplish such stupendous tasks because of the mighty power of my son, Rama's name." As they were conversing, Rama appeared there and asked, "Mother, what is it that you are discussing?" Kausalya replied, "Son, we are discussing the glory of Your name." Then Rama said, "Mother, it is not because of My name, but because of My Will that they were able to perform such mighty tasks. There are many who chant My name, but are all of them able to reap its benefit? Purity of heart is very essential."

The one with noble qualities of purity, patience and perseverance is verily God. You should have the determination to uphold good and remain peaceful in the face of adversities. Don't aspire for name and fame. Keep your heart sacred. Have strong determination to do good. This is the Sadhana you are supposed to do.

Describing the greatness and grandeur of Rama's Divine power, Thyagaraja composed a beautiful song, "Oh Rama, without Your Divine power, would a mere monkey cross the ocean? Would Lakshmi Devi, the goddess of wealth become Your consort? Would Lakshmana worship You? Would the intelligent Bharata be subservient to You? Words are inadequate to describe Your Divine power."

People have been celebrating Rama's birthday for the past thousands of years, but are not able to give up their evil tendencies. Celebration of any festival becomes meaningful only when there is transformation in your heart.

Students!

You are young and have a long way to go. Society is like a train and all elders are bound to get down soon, but you have yet to travel a long way. So, keep your 'compartment' clean and have a comfortable journey. Keep your goal in mind and be the recipients of Divine grace. Chant the Name of Rama wholeheartedly. Install Him in your heart and sanctify your lives. Rama is present in every heart in the form of the Atma. That is why, He is known as Atma Rama. Atma is changeless and that is your true form. Develop the faith that you are Brahma (Aham Brahmasmi).

Embodiments of Love!

As you are aware, Prasanthi Nilayam is a part of Rayalaseema region which is known for its hot summer. Though you are very happy here, your body may not be able to bear this summer heat. It is but natural in this season. So, those who wish to go may do so. No one needs to wait for Swami's permission. Go happily and come back happily in the month of June.

Bhagavan concluded His Discourse with the Bhajans, "Rama Rama Rama Sita…" and "Rama Kodanda Rama…"