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March 28 - July 8, 2025
It was an age when men lived in the understanding that they were eternal souls, passing from life to life towards a state of final emancipation.
Ravana would thus create for himself a karmic destiny which would soon result in his own destruction.
Take care that no one is disrespected at any time, even under the impulse of passion or anger.”
Take particular care of the celebrated king Janaka, the heroic and truthful ruler of Mithila. With my inner vision I can see that he will in the future become intimately related to our house.”
“Give freely to all. No gift should ever be made with disrespect or irreverence, for such begrudging gifts will doubtlessly bring ruin to the giver.”
As a guest, you are as good as God to me,
“Although capable of destroying those Rakshasas with a curse, O king, I will not do so, as a condition of my sacrifice is that I do not give way to anger. My mind must remain steady and controlled.
You always remain firm in your vows and are famed as being fixed in truth. Summon strength from within yourself now. If you fail to redeem your promise, you will lose all the merit that has accrued to you from the performance of pious acts.
The two resplendent boys added luster even to the shining sage Vishvamitra, as the two gods Skanda and Ganapati adorn the immortal Shiva.
the sun approaches the eastern horizon! Rise up now and perform your ablutions.
Having descended in the line of Kusha, Vishvamitra was also known as Kaushika and he had an elder sister named Kaushiki.
the success of a gift depends upon the way it is given.
Dasarath wanted to ensure that the marriage ceremony was performed carefully according to scriptural codes. He did not want any ill fortune created by neglect of sacred rituals. Such errors would blight the marriage and create future difficulties for the couple.
They were gentle and kind, but firm when necessary.
He was always tranquil and softspoken, not retorting even when someone spoke harshly to him. He recognized the smallest of services rendered and did not take to heart any wrongs against him. Rama had conquered anger and was full of compassion.
did not engage in frivolous talks and always sought the good in others.
He was as tolerant as Mother Earth, as wise as Brihaspati, and as valorous as Indra.
But the gods so arranged that Dasarath, in his haste, neglected to invite King Kushadhvaja. Thus neither Bharata nor Shatrughna came for the ceremony. Dasarath realized too late his omission, for it was a journey of some days to Rajagriha. Nevertheless, he considered that his two absent sons would soon receive the delightful news of their elder brother’s installation. He felt sure they would be overjoyed and would not take offense.
if you consider that some other course should be taken, then speak out. Perhaps you may find me overly attached to Rama, choosing him when a better choice could be found. The views of the dispassionate are always to be sought when deciding a difficult issue.”
“I have enjoyed a long life and have always protected the people to the best of my ability. In thousands of religious ceremonies, I have bestowed abundant charity. By sacrifice, worship and charity I have repaid my debt to the gods, the brahmins and the forefathers. I have also fully satisfied myself through the enjoyment of numerous pleasures. All that remains for me to do is to install you as my successor.”
Dasarath revealed his concerns to Rama, telling him of the malefic stars. He also told his son of the many bad dreams he had recently experienced.
With her heart hardened by Manthara and her intelligence confused by the gods, she was fixed in her evil determination.
Do you not recall the many occasions when your forebears were prepared to sacrifice everything, including their own lives, in order to protect the honor
I expect that Bharata, whose virtues compare with those of Rama, will not even reside in Ayodhya without Rama, far less accept the throne.”
What had made Kaikeyi imagine this to be possible? Could it be the hand of the gods? But what purpose of theirs would be achieved by denying Rama the rulership of the world?
Surely the whole world would condemn him for sacrificing his sinless son for the sake of a sinful woman. This terrible turn of events could only be the result of his own wicked acts in some previous life.
He prayed to Nidra, the night goddess, to stay forever. How could he face the dawn, bringing as it would Rama’s departure? Dasarath sat weeping, continuously repeating Rama’s name.
“Bound with the strong cords of morality, I am helpless. My judgment fails me, and in this evil hour I seek the refuge of Rama. Bring my gentle son before me.”
May the great deities Indra, Yamaraja, Varuna and Kuvera, the guardians of the four quarters, guard you from every side.”
Truly it is said that everlasting happiness cannot be had in this world. I hope I have not offended anyone dear to the king.
“I have no desire to live in this world as a slave to material gains. Like the rishis I am devoted only to righteousness.
Please bear with me only as long as it takes for me to take leave of my other mothers and to gain the agreement of Sita.
Despite his renouncing the rulership of the world, no change of mood could be perceived in Rama, any more than in a perfect yogi who has completely transcended all dualities.
By mastery over his mind and senses Rama controlled his own agony upon seeing the people’s sadness. He exhibited his normal peaceful demeanor and approached Kaushalya’s apartments.
What I am going to tell you will cause you unprecedented pain, even as it will my beloved wife Sita. I am about to leave for the forest;
“All this should be seen as the will of Providence, which can never be flouted. No blame should be attached to Kaikeyi, for it was Providence alone who moved her to make her request to our father. How could she have ever decided to send me away? She has always treated me exactly as has my own mother, Kaushalya. Surely she was prompted by Providence to say to the king those terrible words, giving him such grief. I know her to be gentle and kind. She would never, like a vulgar woman, utter words intended to torment both myself and our father.” Rama felt no anger towards Kaikeyi and he did not
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“That which cannot be foreseen or understood must be accepted as the will of Providence alone. What man can ever contend with destiny? Joy and sorrow, gain and loss, birth and death—all of these come one after another by the arrangement of Providence or destiny. None can avoid them nor can anyone alter the strong course of destiny. When even the best laid plans go awry without any apparent cause, it is undoubtedly the work of Providence.”
Destiny was surely supreme in a world where one like Rama must retire to the forest.
Sita assured Rama that he could take her anywhere with confidence. She would live happily under his protection and would prefer forest life with him to residence in the richest palace or even heaven itself without him.
Raised in a line of warrior kings, the princess was not easily disturbed by difficulty.
“Has my father Janaka obtained as my protector a woman in the form of a man? How, in your absence, could I tolerate the people falsely saying, ‘It seems that strength and valor are lacking in Rama, as he could not protect his own dear wife’?
Always affectionate, devoted to virtue and firm on the right path, you are my constant and most valued companion.
“Please leave with an undisturbed mind, O Rama, and may your journey be a safe and happy one.”
“I swear to you that I never wanted this to happen. I have been obliged by Kaikeyi, who has abandoned virtue after long concealing her evil intentions. Your willingness to accept even this terrible order, simply to save me from sin, proves beyond doubt your greatness.
He asked the king to be firm and free from sorrow.
What joy would she derive from ruling the empty earth, which was earned through sin?
“O great king, of what use to me is an army and all your riches? I have renounced the kingdom; how then can I take its wealth? He who has parted with an elephant yet seeks to retain its tether is simply a fool.
Will you stand by and watch as this highborn lady leaves for the forest, wearing the coarse garments you prepared? You did not ask that she be exiled along with Rama! These tree barks are not meant for her. Excellent garments and jewels should be brought by you for your daughter-in-law.
He explained that according to scripture the wife was her husband’s own self. They were one and the same person. As such Sita should therefore rule over the kingdom, even if Rama himself could not.
He turned to Kaikeyi and rebuked her for making Sita wear forest garments, but the queen remained silent.
