SSR Day 6 by HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji – January 6, 2014 – Mysore
Sri Ganeshaya Namaha !
Sri Saraswathyai Namaha !
Sri Pada Vallabha
Narasimha Saraswathi
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha !
Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Sadgurubhyo Namaha !
Asato Ma Sadgamaya !
Tamaso Ma Jyothirgamaya !
Mrutyor Ma Amrutangamaya !
Om Shanthih Shanthih Shanthihi !
We are in the important episode of Sundara Kaanda. Yesterday, we spoke about the first sarga. In that, Anjaneya Swami’s complete valor was discussed. He always keeps thinking of Rama and due to this he has druthihi – courage, with that courage, he does tasks with Mathihi – intellect, and with Dakshyam – competency he is able to do anything.
Buddhir balam, Yasho dhairyam
Nirbhayatva arogataam
ajaadyam vaakpatutvamcha
hanumath smaraanaath bhaveth
We say this because he has all these with the grace of Rama and he blesses us with all these eight siddhis.
On this occasion, we also received a message from Pujya Sri Swamiji that He would be Ushuaia very soon. From there He will reach Argentina tomorrow. Once He reaches Argentina, there is no scarcity for telephone calls from Him. He will tallk to somebody and we all can know about Him. So I feel that this Sundara Kaanda has given us Karya Siddhi. We all have a wish that Appaji may come to Mysore for Vaikunta Ekadashi. Let us all pray for this. May we all have Guru Govinda Darshan on Vaikunta Ekadashi.
Yesterday, Anjaneya went from Mahendra hill for Rama’s task. When went form there, He went with His original form. He promised everyone there that He will find out the whereabouts of Sita. Some people there felt that how will He cross such huge ocean with such a small form. Hanuman comes to know about this and says, this doubt is natural. ‘I will answer your doubts’ says Hanuman. This is not in Valmiki Ramayana but is there in other Ramayanas.
Prana Prayana Samaye
Yasya nama sakrut smaran
paamaropi bhavambodhim
apaaranthu tarishyathi
kim punasthasya dhootoham
kinchatan mudrika yuthaha
When Rama nama is chanted during the last breath, even an ordinary man can easily cross the samsara and get liberated. ‘I’m His messenger and more over carrying His ring. Why can’t I cross this small ocean’ – Says Hanuman.
During the last moments of life, it is very difficult to remember God’s name. That’s why Saint Tyagaraja during his last days stopped talking completely. He lived for 90 plus years and completed 13 crores of Rama Japa. He reduced talking on his 60 years and even more reduced after crossing 80 years and completely stopped talking after 90 years. Because he felt that if he talks only those words are remembered. So he continously chanted Rama nama. Else how would he complete so much of nam japa ? It is not a kids play. He did sadhana like this to remember Rama nama during his last days.
Hanuman likes to be called with the names Ramadoota, Rama Banta… Do you know why ? Nobody knows the name given by his mother. Since he is Anjani’s son, he is called Anjaneya. Since he has swollen jaws, he is called Hanuman. Vayu Nandana since he is son of Vayu. These cannot be called his names. They are clubbed with his mother’s or father’s names. But Rama doota, Rama dasa or Rama Banta has the name of Sri Rama in it. That is why while mentioning the names of disciples, Guru’s name also should be mentioned like ‘Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji Kara Kamala Sanjata – Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji’. I liked to be called like that only. With out mentioning Swamiji’s name, it is a great sin to be called with disciple’s name. The one who says and the one who listens, both will be sinful. Hanuman shows Prabhu Bhakthi – devotion towards Guru.
Later how Hanuman went to Lanka and how he crossed all the hurdles we spoke yesterday. Why did Hanuman go to Lanka. To Sita only. He never wanted to see Ravana. He never had a thought too that Sita might be there with Ravana.
Hanuman searches the entire Lanka. Lanka is built by Vishwakarma and praises its glory. Hanuman thinks that only few people can come here but not everybody. Even if they come, how to fight with Ravana ? Ravana’s troops are protecting Lanka at all the times. Thinking so, Hanuman searched entire Lanka for Sita. He search in everyone’s house. He checked in Indrajith, Prahastha and all Ravana’s relatives. He could not find Sita and felt disappointed. Where to search ? Where else ? As he thinks he he finds a huge building. He wanted to enter that building and waits for a moment and observes it and realises that it is not a building and it is an aircraft of Kubera. He recollects Sugriva’s words. The aircraft is so huge and it flies just by mere sankalpa of Ravana. Hanuman enters the aircraft. It is not an ordinary aircraft. It itself is a huge kingdom.
Hanuman keeps searching for Sita. This represents that the yogi is searching crossing lamba parvata, visuddha is trikuta parvata – hill, and then Sahasrara. Reaching Sahasrara is not that easy. Having Sita mata darshan as Raja Rajeshwari in the sahasrara is to be done slowly. There you will have all kinds of thoughts. That’s why first Hanuman keeps moving in the pushpaka aircraft. Like our brain as many parts inside it, the pushpaka aircraft also has many buildings as layers in it. All that happens is represented in Sundara Kaanda. He enters the palace. He sees many women in different forms. Hanuman had to see all these. Ravana abducted many kinds of women and kept there. Finally he sees one huge bed at a huge place. On that bed he finds one huge, dark complexioned body lying on the bed. His body is full of wounds as if hurt in many wars. He is taking breath as if he is inhaling the air in the entire universe. Hanuman recognises him as Ravana. His hands are like anakonda. His body is like wild elephant. Yet Hanuman finds him with great lustre.
Hanuman keeps searching for Sita and in this process had to see all women lying there. For a moment he thought is it correct for me to stare at other people’s wives ? Am I committing any sin by this ?
Sometimes we never know how a Sadguru comes and protects us. He need not come in a physical form. A thought that flashes in our mind as a response to our question also is the form of Sadguru. Similarly, Rama & Surya responded to the thoughts of Hanuman as another thought. So Hanuman felt I was searching for Sita and in this process found these ladies. I never intended to see them. So, no sin is gained.
Matruvath sarva bhuthani
I’m seeing everyone like mother and my mind is not excited by seeing these women. I’m just search for Sita mata. That’s all. Hanuman continues to search for Sita and finds a bed in one corner. On that bed lies a beautiful woman who is like a brilliance of moon. Seeing her, Hanuman started jumping out of joy thinking her to be Sita. After some time, He stops and thinks that amongst so many women and Ravana, it is not possible that Sita could sleep so peacefully. It could be Mandodari, wife of Ravana. It is said that Vayu also helps Hanuman in Sundara Kaanda.
We are talking so much about Pushpaka vimana – the aircraft of Ravana. But there is no much description of this aircraft in Ramayana as if it is a tiny thing to talk about. Once there was a college and all the students planned to go for a picnic in an aircraft. All the students, lecturers and principal boarded the flight. Captain announces that the flight would take off and that the flight was designed by the students of that college. Immediately lecturers and professors tried to run out of the flight out of fear. But the principal sits confidently. A professor asks him as to why he was not moving. The principal replied saying this flight is designed by our own college students and I’m sure it would not take off. Today we talk so much about designing of aircraft but in those days itself aircraft was a very casual thing. Scientifically we are moving forward. In this occasion let us pray Vayu putra that our satellite sent to Mars be successful. It is proud for the nation.
Hanuman does not find Sita. He searches for her again and reaches Vibhishana’s house. He finds a Tulasi plant in front of the house. That was the only house he finds shanka, chakra and other symbols of Vishnu. There was Rama nama going on there. Hanuman changes his form and starts singing Rama Nama.
Vibhishana comes out sees Hanuman in a different form and requests him to show his true form Hanuman shows his true form and both Vibhishana and Hanuman sings Rama Nama together now. Then Vibhishana introduces himself as Ravana’s brother and asks Hanuman if he is eligible to sing Rama nama as he is born as a demon. Hanuman says, there is no need to have that doubt as Hanuman, being a monkey is being blessed by Rama. Vibhishana feels happy and both comes to an agreement that Vibhishana will show Mother Sita to Hanuman and Hanuman will show Father Rama to Vibhishana.
Vibhishana says Sita is in Ashoka Vana. That is a place where no other male can go and that Hanuman should go and find. Sita mata in the form of Raja Rajeshwari is there in the Kadamba forest. Our body is Lanka. In telugu Lanka means island. Out body is full of water. Sita mata is the form of Parashakti in our body. Sri Rama is Paramatma. Anjaneya is sadhaka. Thus Sundara Kaanda is a yoga shastra.
Hanuman still couldnt find Sita. He sits on the compound wall and gets disappointed. What should I tell Rama ? The dead line of one month is over. What should I tell Rama ? If I tell Rama that I couldn’t find Sita, both Rama’s dynasty and Sugriva’s dynasty will ruin. So I would not return back. But here, I cannot do anything here. So I will kill myself. But Suicide is a great sin. Suicide here is not killing the body but killing the atma. Being alive, I do not achieve anything. So, I will fast without food and die. This is approved by sages too. I can jump into the sea but that is prohibited. So I will keep chanting Rama Nama and will die. Hanuman then realises that since he has not prayed properly, all this has happened and he is unable to find sita. So Hanuman starts praying.
Namostu Raamaya Sa Laxmanaaya
Devyaicha Tasyai Janakatmajaayai
Namostu rudrendra yamaa nilebhyaha
namosthu chandrarka marudganebhyaha
Thus praying, Hanuman opens His eyes and finds Ashoka vana right in front of His eyes. We think everything happens because of us. But Sadguru Chaitanya – the consciousness inside us is making us move is that we dont realize. This happened to Hanuman too. We must never forget that chaitanya. That Chaitanya is paramatma. The idols are after that chaitanya.
Antarmukha samaaradya bahirmukha sudurlabha
For those who worship internally, external things become easy.
Hanuman prays Rama again. Demonesses are protecting that Ashoka vana. Hanuman takes a tiny monkey form, climbing from one branch to another enters Ashoka vana. He still doesn’t know where Sita mata is. He thinks that where ever she is, during sunrise and sunset she would definitely come to the river bank for offering ablution. Hanuman was so confident and even Sita, how much ever trouble she is in, she would perform her duties. Hanuman decided to stay there and climbs simshupa tree and covers himself with betal leaves. That is why Hanuman is is fond of betal leaves. That was sunrise time. The golden rays of sun falls on Hanuman and he glows. Hanuman is called Swarna Shailabha deham. It started from there. He waits for Sita and is surprised to see a bright glow under a tree. With out his knowledge he bows down to that glow. Sita Maha Laxmi ki Jai !
Asyaad deha yadaa roopam
Hanuman thinks of how to identify Sita. Then he notices that the piece of saree found at Malaya hills is the same saree that Sita wore now. The jewellery that was thrown there the second pair was hanging to the tree where she was sitting. Only by Guru’s words you can make out if your experience is true or maya. Similarly Hanuman is trying to compare. The jewellery of Sita here are Guru’s words. Guru’s words are truly ornaments.
Asyaa devya manasthasmin
thasyacha syaam prathishtitham
theneyam sacha dharmatma
muhurthamapi jeevathi
Hanuman thinks that Sita’s heart is with Rama and Rama’s with Sita. That’s how they both are still alive even when separated for so long. Rama does not have the capacity to bear the separation of Sita and vice versa. They both were interchanged and hence could survive.
Hanuman keeps waiting to talk to Sita mata. In the mean while he heard some sounds near the entrance and finds a mountain like shape walking and coming. That was Ravana. Seeing his valour, Hanuman thinks if Rama could fight with him or not and immediately thinks that Rama can definitely fight because Rama has dharma on his side and Ravana has adharma.
Hanuman thinks why should Ravana come at that hour to Sita ? Ravana had a dream in which a monkey comes and sets Lanka to fire and to confirm that he had come to ashoka vana even without having bath. Ravana was scared of this dream but is not showing it up and is searching all around for a monkey. Hanuman, covering himselve with betal leaves is not visible in his tiny form. This was told in other Ramayanas.
Ravana threatens Sita and asks her to marry him. He says he will make her the queen of not just lanka but of all the three worlds. There is no comparison between Rama and Ravana except the first letter ‘Ra’. This ‘Ra’ indicated agni – fire and this agni is chidagni – the fire of pure consciousness and this bestows knowledge. . The fire that is there in Ravana is Chitaagni – fire of pyre.
Ravana scares Sita. Sita with utmost calm, throws a strand of hay at Ravana. Many narrations are given about this. This is an episode that shows the power of a woman. Sita mata shows the grass to tell Ravana that he is an animal. Another meaning is, that since Ravana is Veda scholar, she offered dharba – hay, as a chair for this knowledge and at least by its touch, he may thinks wise. Another narration that is given here is that she reminds of Narasimha incarnation. In sanskrit Stamba means hay. That day when Narasimha came out of Stambha – pillar, and today Rama may come out of stamba – strand of hay.
Sita then tells about Rama Tatva to Ravana. Ravana gets furious on Sita and gives two months time to marry him else she would be eaten by demons. Ravana leaves. Demons are scaring Sita and Hanuman is watching all this. In the meanwhile they all heard a loud voice of Trijata. She calls all the demons close and says that she had a dream in which a monkey sets Lanka to fire and that Rama had come and taken away Sita in a chariot. Not just that Ravana was shaved of his hair and is being taken on a donkey vehicle towards southern direction. This is a bad omen and that all those demons who wish to protect themselves should take refuge at the Sita’s feet. Swapna shastra, the science of dreams says that certain dreams that come at certain time should be believed. It is a shastra written by Bruhaspathi acharya. Our weakness also comes as out dreams and hence we must think positive so we have good dreams.
Trijata feels that her dream would come true. Sita says, if Trujata’s dream comes true, she will ensure that the demons present there will be taken care of without being affected by Rama’s arrows. Despite being in such trouble, Sita does good to all those are around her and this is due to Rama.
Sita stands between Simshupa tree and Ashoka tree and thinks that there is no news of Rama and hence would want to hang herself with her long hair. She then could hear Rama nama and checks all around. She finds Hanuman on the tree branch and could only see his eyes. She goes aback for the brightness in his eyes. Noticing this, Hanuman withdraws his brilliance and starts singing the entire story of Rama so Sita can feel that he is close to Rama.
Hanuman sings the entire Ramayan and ends saying that he has come to see Sita in Lanka. If this is all true, may all good happen to you blesses Sita to Hanuman. Hanuman reaches Sita and introduces himself and asks who she is. Sita tells about herself and explains the entire story and asks if he is the one sent by Ravana. Hanuman describes about Rama’s story and His valour only those were known to Sita mata. We may ask how does Hanuman knows ? He is Upasaka – worshipper. Hence he knows. Then Sita believes to some extent and asks how Rama and monkeys became friends. Then Hanuman gives the ring given by Rama. Sita takes that and feels as if she had Rama’s touch.
Sita praises Hanuman for the help that he had done and tells story of a crow which only Rama and Sita knows so that Rama will know that Hanuman had Sita darshan. Sita gives chudamani – her hair ornament to Hanuman to be shown to Rama. Hanuman takes it and ties in his clothes. Hanuman offered to take her on his shoulders to Rama. Sita refuses and says how can you take me with such a small form. Hanuman feels so insulted with those words and shows his huge form. Sita sees that form and praises Hanuman as Panchamukha Anjaneya.
Tvamasmin Kaarya Niryoge
Pramaanam Hari Sattama
Hanuman Yatna Maasthaya
Dukhah kshaya karobhava
This is Sita mata prayer to Hanuman in 38th Sarga.
Hanuman takes choodamani and circumambulates to Sita. Hanuman wanted to show his valour to Ravana. He takes permission from Sita mata to eat fruits that falls from the tree. Except Simshupa and Ashoka trees, he shakes all the trees in ashoka vana and empties the fruits. Demons there run to Ravana and says some monkey had come and emptied Ashoka vana. They try to catch hold of him. Hanuman does not have any weapon. He shakes a building there, sits on the top of its pillar and with a roaring sound says
Jayatyathi balo ramo
laxmanascha maha balaha
raja jayathi sugreevaha
raghavenaapi paalitaha
Victory to Rama, Laxmana and Sugreeva who is being ruled by Rama.
Dasoham kosalendrasya
ramasyaaklishta karmanaha
hanumaan satru sainyanaam
nihantaa maarutatmajaah
Na raavana sahasram mey
yuddhey prathibalam bhavet
silaabisthuh praharataha
paadapaischa sahasrasaha
ardhaitvaam purim lankan
abhivaadyacha maithilim
samrurdhaardho gamishyami
mishathaam sarva rakshasaam
These slokas are mantras given by Sundara Kaanda.
Ravana sends all his army including Indrajith. Hanuman did not want to kill Aksha kumaras. That is why we say
kapeesamaksha hantaram vande lanka bhayankaram.
He kills enemies too with kindness in his heart. Indrajith uses brahmastra on Hanuman. Though it doesn’t hurt hanuman, he wanted to teach Ravana and see him in his court. So he pretended that he is tied with Brahmastra.
Hanuman was taken to Ravana’s court. Hanuman praises Rama and His valour there. Ravana becomes furious with this and orders to kill Hanuman. Vibhishana teaches good words to Ravana saying a messenger should not be killed.
Then what to do ? Remove an organ says. Which organ ? Since tail is important for a monkey, Ravana asks to cut his tail. All the efforts to do so were in vein. Ravana asks his minister next to him to find out from Hanuman as to how His tail will get cut. He asks Hanuman how to cut his tail. Hanuman replies that it is not possible as His is Vajra Kaya. It is a boon. Then what to do ? Hanuman gives the idea to set it to fire. Lot of efforts were put to wrap the tail with clothes and set to fire.
Ullanghya sindho salilam saleelam
Yaha shoka wanheen Janakaatma jaayaaha
Aadaaya tenaiwa dadaaha Lankaa
Namaami tam praanjali raanjaneyam
This is a very auspicious episode in Sundara Kaanda. This gives us lot of courage and belief. Hanuman removes our sorrows and gives them to our enemies.
Hanuman burns the entire Lanka except Vibhishana’s house. Hanuman then realises that the fire on his tail is not burning him. He thinks for a while. Sita mata prays
Seetobhava hanoomataha, Seetobhava hanoomataha !
Hence, he could not feel the heat.
In this context, Hanuman realises that anger is the greatest enemy. He did not think for a while about Sita. May be Sita is hurt in this fire ? In the mean while Siddha charanas moving in the sky talks among themselves that Sita is safe. Hanuman feels happy with that puts off the fire of his tail by dipping the tail in the sea and comes back to Ashoka vana, prostrates to Sita and takes her permission to return back starting from Arishta mountain. In other Ramayanas for fun they say that Brahma at this point of time has come and given a certificate for the achievements of Hanuman in Lanka.
On the way back, he takes rest at a sage’s hermitage near Arishta mountain. Hanuman feels thirsty and asks for water. The sage shows him a river close by. Hanuman keeps the choodamani given by Sita in a pot with the sage and goes to the river. On return, he finds thousands of choodamanis in the pot. Unable to decide which was the original one, he asks the sage. The sage says, he doesn’t know. Hanuman then feels that to remove his ego, Rama himself must have come in the form of the Sage. The sage then replies that this is not one Rama, every eon has one Rama and Sita and in every eon Hanuman had Sita darshana and brought the choodamani and these were the same in the pot. Hanuman prays for the original and sage gives the same.
Hanuman returns with the sound Om Om Om. Everyone surrounds Hanuman and he explains all the happenings. They all then wanted to celebrate the occasion and decides to go to Dadhimukha’s place. Partying first started in Ramayana. We are not far away from Ramayana. This is how we must think. We are inside Ramayana. I too do not want to use such language but this brings us closer to Ramayana. Only then we can have Rama darshana. We know the story. The intention is to take us all to that age and we too must feel the crossing of the ocean along with Hanuman. We too had Sita darshan, We too served Rama… all these feelings should come to us. Else no use.
Angada permitted everyone to Dadhimukha’s garden and they all started drinking honey. Dadhimukha goes to Sugriva and complains of the activities of monkeys in his garden. Sugriva tells Rama that Hanuman must have seen Sita and hence they are celebrating there. Sugriva tells Dadhimuka to send everyone to Prasravana giri.
Everyone assembles there near Rama. Rama asks as to what happened. Everyone gave their own narration. The real hero Hanuman hides himself behind. Rama when asked as to exactly what happened, everyone pushes Hanuman to the front. Hanuman feels shy to tell Rama that he has done the task.
Hanuman prostrates to Rama and says Rama,
Drushtaa Siteti tatvataha – Sita was seen.
Sundara Kaanda ends with this line. Who ever does parayana of this chapter will gain the merit of chanting entire Sundara kaanda. Hanuman explains everything. He did not say that He saw Sita. He says Sita was seen by her grace. This means without the grace of Guru and God, nothing can be accomplished. This is real devotion.
Rama felt very happy. Rama wants to give something to Hanuman and thinks what to give.
Yesha sarvasva daanomey – I’m giving myself
Rama calls Hanuman and embraced him ! Hanuman says ‘Rama, you have given me such a great gift for my small deed.’ Such humble Hanuman is.
tato mayaa vaagbhih adeena bhaashinii
shivaabhih ishtaabhih abhiprasaaditaa
jagaama shaantim mama maithila aatmajaa
tavaapi shokena tathaa abhipiiditaa
Sundara kaanda starts with ‘Ta’ and ends with ‘Ta’ representing ‘Tat’. In the end the word Shanti is used by Hanuman. This means that who ever reads Sundara Kaanda, who ever listens to it and donates the book will gain Manas shanthi – Peace of mind, Parama Shanthi and Atma Shanthi. We have listened to such Sundara Kaanda. Tomorrow, we will talk about Yuddha Kaanda. Tomorrow is the last day of this Ramayana Saptaha. Some will talk about Uttara Kaanda and some will not. On 8th, Rigveda homa maha purnahuti is there. This saptaha is done especially for Appaji’s Antarctica trip. The main purpose of this trip is completed today. So I feel that the task is accomplished. Jai Bolo Sadgurunatha Maharaj ki Jai !
Rama Rama Jaya Raja Ram !!
Rama Rama Jaya Sita Ram !!
Compiled by Bala Aati