Arjuna said, “O Krishna, You praise and speak of renunciation of actions and again you praise and speak of Yoga that is the performance of obligatory and customary duties and actions. Tell me for certain, as the one intended by You, that one which is more commendable or recommended between these two.” The Blessed... Continue Reading →
Knowledge and Renunciation of actions – Chapter 4 – Slokas 4.01 – 4.42
The Blessed Lord said, “In the beginning of creation, I imparted this imperishable Yoga to Vivasvān, the Sun and he taught this to Manu and Manu imparted it to Iksvāku, his own son who was the first king. The rajarshis knew this Yoga which was thus received through the successive generations. That Yoga is lost... Continue Reading →
Karma Yoga – Chapter 3 – Slokas 3.01-3.43
Arjuna said, “O Janārdana, if it be Your opinion that Wisdom that is Yoga of Wisdom which is equanimity practised along with Yoga of Knowledge with the single-pointed conviction of the Supreme Goal is superior to action then, why O Kesava, do You urge me to do this horrible and cruel action that will cause... Continue Reading →
The path of knowledge – Chapter 2 – Slokas 2.01 – 2.72
Sanjaya as a witness to this discourse narrated as he saw in Kurukshetra, “Madhusudhana (Krishna) uttered the following words to him (Arjuna) who had thus been filled with pity and whose eyes were filled with tears which showed distress and who was in deep sorrow after seeing the great assembly of mighty warriors who were... Continue Reading →
The assembly of armies – Chapter 1
The scene was set to witness the greatest war fought by the most exemplary and skilled warriors the universe had ever seen. The war as ordained by the Supreme Creator left no one in doubt of its inevitable result. Bhagavad Gita starts with the conversation between Dhrutharashtra and Sanjaya who was blessed with Divine Vision... Continue Reading →
Poems from Rhyme and Rhythm
The poet Mahabharata was woven by Vyasa Valmiki filled the cup with Ramayana rasa! Beauty against beast their topics The tragic tale of two epics! Rishis perceived Reality Ultimate Their literary creations fascinate The readers and writers alike To keep Consciousness awake! Epics shed light on Light of Light Critics see That as... Continue Reading →
Foreword to Rhyme and Rhythm
Foreword to "Rhyme and Rhythm" by Ihaparasowbhagyavathiseshanadarupini Brahama-rishi Smt. Umadevi Amma (reflecting the Inner Voice of Sadguru Sree Seshadri Swamigal) There is rhythm in everyone’s birth.There is rhyme in one’s everyday life. So the forces of rhyme and rhythm are with us always! we can witness rhyme and rhythm in the Parabrahman’s blessings on... Continue Reading →
Chapter 30 – Sita above Suspicion: Conclusion
Sita’s abduction, the killing of Ravana, the redemption and recovery of Sita, the suspicions against Sita who was irreproachable, her rejection by Sri Rama – all provide by far the greatest lessons in enlightenment for man and clues to permanent and impermanent values in human life. The undercurrent of thought is the Leela of the... Continue Reading →
Chapter 29 – The philosophical significance
The purpose of writing great epic of Ramayana, according to the author Valmiki himself, as is obvious from the 4th Sarga of Balakanda, is mainly to convey the philosophy of the Vedas to the public at large and for the dissemination of the Vedic tattva among all: “Vedopabrihmanaarthaaya thaavagraahayataha prabhuhu” The essence of... Continue Reading →
Chapter 28 – Vagaries of public suspicion
As the day dawned, Lakshmana and Sumantra left their camp on the banks of Gomathi river and proceeded towards Ayodhya. By afternoon their chariot reached the captivating city of Ayodhya. As they were approaching Sri Rama’s palace, Lakshmana was overcome by a new wave of sorrow. “What should I submit at the lotus feet of... Continue Reading →
Chapter 27 – Divine Will
Lakshmana sought to know from Sumantra what transpired in the past. Sumantra proceeded to recount what Durvasa had told Dasharata: “Lakshmana!” said he, “Once in the past, Durvasa, son of Atri Maharshi, chose to spend four months of austerities in a rainy season in Vashishta Maharshi’s ashram. At that time, your reputed father... Continue Reading →
Chapter 26 – Banishment cruel, says Lakshmana
Lakshmana saw from a distance Sita migrating to Valmiki’s ashram. The helpless one found the whole episode agonizing and he could not bear Sita’s predicament. Sumantra, the minister and the charioteer was engaged in conversation with Lakshmana. “Sarathi!” said Lakshmana, “Imagine Rama’s plight in getting estranged from Sita. What more sorrow can he... Continue Reading →
Chapter 25 – Valmiki : Sita Above Reproach
Valmiki Maharshi came to know directly from the ashramites that a great virtuous woman looking like the veritable Lakshmi was crying and that she needed protection and shelter. He was able to know from his inner vision the identity of the dame in distress. He left the ashram immediately to meet her on the banks... Continue Reading →
Chapter 24 – Sita’s distress
Lakshmanasya vachaha srutwaa daarunam Janakaatmajaa, Param Vishaadam-aagamya Vydehee nipapaataha (U. Kan. Sar: 48 Sl; 1) Sita’s reaction to what Lakshmana said is obvious from the above sloka. It was so distressing to swallow them that she lost her balance and fell down. A little later, she recovered from the shock she sustained and said to... Continue Reading →
Chapter 23 – Sita banished to the forest
Swastwam prabhaate Soumitre Sumantra-adhishtittam ratham, Aaruhya Seetaam-aaropya vishayaante samut-srija (U. Kan. Sar 45; Sl. 16) At the height of sorrow, Sri Rama said: “Lakshmana! As the day dawns tomorrow, take Sita in the chariot driven by Sumantra and leave her outside the border of our kingdom. On the other side of the river Ganga, there... Continue Reading →
Chapter 22 – Discussion on suspicion
Seated among the brothers with down-cast eyes was Sri Rama sporting only a place face. He said to Lakshmana and others: “Sarve srunuta bhadram vo maa kurudhwam mano-anyathaa, Pouraanaam mama Sitaayaam yaadrishee vartate kathaa.” (U. Ka 45 – 2) “Brothers!” he said, “God bless you! Without diverting your mind and attention on other matters, know... Continue Reading →
Chapter 21 – The agony
After he came to know about unpleasant and uncharitable words about Sita from Bhadra and others, Sri Rama thought over what he would do and what steps he should take to silence the critics. He sent for his brothers. Clad in white dress, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna arrived immediately. As they entered Sri Rama’s... Continue Reading →
Chapter 20 – Cobra of suspicion raises its hood
In the Central Hall of the palace, Rama sat surrounded by several friends known for their humour and talks in lighter vein. Prominent among them were Vijaya, Madhumatta, Kashyapa, Mangala, Kula, Suraaji, Kaaliya, Dantavakra, Sumaadha and Bhadra. They were all delighted with the turn of events leading to Rama adorning the Ayodhya throne and winning... Continue Reading →
Chapter 19 – Sita’s pregnant desire
Valmiki describes in Uttara Ramayana that one day Sita, adorned with all the jewels and a palatial dress, went to Sri Rama just as Shachi Devi would go to meet her consort Indra. As she was approaching him, Rama noted noticeable features of pregnancy in Sita. He was immensely delighted. “Devi!” said Rama to... Continue Reading →
Chapter 18 – Dasharatha extols Sita’s purity
Rama did exactly as he was told; with Lakshmana he offered prostration to Dasharata seated in the Vimaana. “Raghava!” said Dasharata warmly embracing Rama, “Let me tell you the truth. Neither the heavenly happiness nor the honor conferred by the devatas can make up the distressing gap of separation from you. You have conquered... Continue Reading →
Chapter 17 – Maheshwara praises Rama
“Etat-srutwaa shubham vaakyam Raaghavenaanubhaashitam, Tataha shubhataram vaakyam vyaajahaara Mahesawaraha (Sar. 119; Sl: 1) Valmiki records that Maheswara, pleased by what Sri Rama said on the suspicious occasion, spelt out words of divine blessing: “Pushkaraaksha! Mahaabaahu! Vishaalavaksha! Paramtapa! Great among dharmaatmas!” said Maheswara, “you have achieved the unique task of inflicting death to Ravana... Continue Reading →
Chapter 16 – Sri Rama accepts Sita
After Sita emerged more effulgent then ever before from the raging fire along with Agni, in accordance with the wishes of all including Brahma and Agni, Sri Rama accepted Sita and won the encomium of all those who had assembled there as it was a very courageous move on his part to allow Sita to... Continue Reading →
Chapter 15 – Sita above suspicion
Etat-srutwaa Shubham vaakyam Pitaamahasameeritam Ankenaadaaya Vydeheem utpaata vibhaavasuhu (Sar. 118; Sl: 1) Brahma’s words were receptive to all; They were auspicious. The lord of fire, Agnideva was so much pleased that he came out of the fire with Sita on his laps. He pushed some of the pieces of wood and emerging with Sita... Continue Reading →
Chapter 14 – Devatas question Sri Rama
According to the lords and protectors of the Universe, Sri Rama appeared to neglect the dangerous and tragic step that Sita took in falling into fire. They felt such neglect and indifference were common traits of ordinary human beings. Naturally, they questioned him about the propriety of remaining silent to act of self-immolation by Sita... Continue Reading →
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