Peace in Asia

 Hari Aum.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

This is a post that I must admit I had hoped that I would never have to write. Those of you who follow the news would be aware that there is currently is a major escalation of hostility between the governments of India and Pakistan.

The situation there is complicated and messy-- there has been simmering discontent for decades. However, the current escalation seems to be one of the worst in recent times. It is one thing to have clashes between two militaries. It is quite another for armed individuals or terrorists to attack unarmed civilians as in this case. 

Terrorism has many shades and has increasingly spread all over the world. The recent terrorist attack in Kashmir, India is heartbreaking, especially because it occurred at a time when there had been a de-escalation of tensions and an increase in peace and prosperity in the region. Sadly, all the progress that had been made in recent years now appears to be threatened as a result of this heinous incident.

I have close family and friends in India with whom I am regularly in touch. And, while it may not be particularly popular to admit this at present, I do have friends in Pakistan (whom I met years ago in Europe). I do therefore feel a sense of deep concern for people in both nations. 

There may be some significant differences, but I do know that the people of India and Pakistan also have much in common-- especially food, music, movies, sports and many other things that bring us joy. 

This makes it all the more tragic that peace eludes us. Why must there be this needless death and destruction? Let us not allow the terrorists to create hatred between our people-- because that will grant them victory. This hatred is exactly what they want; they revel in bloodshed and violence. Let us refuse to give this to them. 

Let there be no division in the country due to this tragedy-- let people remain united. I would specifically like to request avoiding the burning of any flags, joining violent protests or engaging in any act of civilian violence. This is completely counterproductive. Let us not sink to the level of others but stick to our own spiritual principles.

I know the pain in India today is great (and I feel this myself)-- not only because of this appalling and horrific incident, but because of the decades, and even centuries, of violence that has been experienced. There is a feeling that this is the last straw, that this cannot be allowed to continue.

However, the response needs to be sensible and measured (and I am hopeful that it will be as the current leadership has shown maturity over the years). War will only cause more pain. And we know, that violence only begets further violence. 

It is absolutely right for countries all over the world to take steps to protect their citizens and to respond appropriately when there is a terrorist attack. I hope and pray that the response in this case will be a measured and reasonable one. And that a full-fledged war in Asia with suffering on both sides can be avoided.

I feel a sense of fatigue in saying this but I will say it nonetheless-- please can we continue to pray for peace. Hopeless though it seems sometimes, and helpless though we may feel, this is the advice of our Gurus. We must trust and obey them-- this is our duty as spiritual seekers (and it is not as though we have many other options at present). And let us always remember that spiritual forces are much more powerful than material ones.

I particularly want to recommend the recitation of mantras (such as the ashtakshara of Narayana and the Navarna of the Goddess) and deity 'kavachas' (or 'shields') for our armed forces as they prepare to act for justice -- may the Divine inspire them to act with restraint, with maturity and grant them protection. 

May good people on both sides of this unfortunate conflict be protected by the Divine. May war-mongering and wicked forces on both sides be controlled and defeated. May God bless all of us and our planet with peace.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Om Sri Durgayai Namah.

Om Namah Shivaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

P.S. I have today heard a very sad account of the impact of this tragedy on the family of one of the victims of this horrific attack (as they are known to a close relative of mine in India). It is utterly devastating. There can never be any justification for attacks on civilians in any country. We must pray and recite mantras daily for peace on our planet in accordance with the advice of our Gurus.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Bala Kanda Part 10: Encounter between two avatars

 Hari Aum.

I hope all readers have had a wonderful Rama Navami celebration. I attended a Sita Rama kalyanam event for the first time and found it wonderful-- would highly recommend attending one if you haven't so far (I hope to participate in these again in the future).

Let us return to our study of the Valmiki Ramayana. I wanted to write this post a couple of weeks ago but, like this time last year, I am once again grappling with material for an upcoming dance examination in a few months (now that I am in year two, the syllabus is at least three times what it was last year-- lots of Sanskrit slokas to memorise from the ancient text called the Abhinaya Darpana and some complicated dance pieces-- so I am panicking slightly! I intend to do what I can and leave the rest to Rama-- it is not particularly easy to find time to study in the midst of work and home responsibilities so I will definitely need His help to pass, am keeping my fingers crossed!).

In the last post on the Ramayana, we read about the wedding of Rama and Sita and of their siblings too. It was a very happy occasion and after all the festivities had been completed in Mithila, it was time to return to Ayodhya.

King Dasharatha was in very good spirits as he set off for his kingdom accompanied by his four sons and their brides, the sages and the army. As the father of an avatar, he was blissfully unaware of the many perils that unfortunately lay in wait for him and his son, Rama!

The first of these perils appeared even before they had arrived at Ayodhya. After travelling for some time, Dasharatha and his entourage heard the loud screeches of birds of prey which appeared to be an ominous sign (the behaviour of birds and animals in those days was interpreted to indicate upcoming good and bad events). However, at the same time, a number of deer of gentle appearance crossed the path in front of them from left to right-- this was regarded as a good sign! 

In confusion, the King turned to his Guru, sage Vasishtha, and enquired as to the reason for these mixed signs. What did this mean, he wondered. Why, he asked, did he feel gripped by a strange fear and sorrow. The sage explained that the screaming birds of prey did indeed indicate that grave danger was approaching. However, he said the presence of the deer was reassuring.

As Vasishtha and Dasharatha mulled over this matter, an extraordinary change suddenly took place in the weather. Dark clouds appeared and rapidly obscured the sun. A dreadful wind began to blow with such terrible force that several trees were uprooted and great clouds of dust filled the air. A tempest had begun completely out-of-the-blue!

The entire area was covered by a strange darkness and many people lost consciousness; the only people who remained conscious and standing were Vasishtha and the other sages, as well as King Dasharatha and his sons.

As they peered through the darkness, trying to make sense of what was happening, they saw a shadowy figure approaching. They were able to make out that this was none other than sage Parashurama, an exceedingly fierce avatar of Narayana/Vishnu. 

The purpose for which this avatar had manifested had been for the elimination of evil-minded warriors and kings (kshatriyas) and He had completed His task in full. He had destroyed countless wicked kings and their supporters and had thus made His contribution towards the restoration of dharma/righteousness upon Earth.

Parashurama blazed with spiritual power as He moved rapidly towards them. He held a divine axe in His right hand, and the bow of Vishnu rested upon His left shoulder. In His left hand, He held arrows that flashed like lightning in the gloom. He appeared to be no less fearsome than Lord Shiva Himself when He dissolved the universe at the end of a great cycle of time.

Seeing Him approach, Vasishtha and the other sages immediately bowed and offered Him worship. He accepted this graciously but then, to the great dismay of Dasharatha, singled out Rama for His attention.

Addressing Rama, sage Parashurama spoke the following words:

"O Rama!", He said. "I have heard of Your power and Your feat in breaking the bow of Lord Shiva"

"Here, take My mighty bow and, after fitting an arrow, draw it to full length. After I see You perform this feat, I will challenge You to combat with Me. Take this as an opportunity to prove Your valour!".

Hearing these unwelcome words, King Dasharatha was gripped with a terrible sense of dread. Placing his hands together in worship, he addressed sage Parashurama. He reminded the sage that, having completed His work as an avatar, He had said He would give up all war! He was to have retired to the sacred mountain (known as Mahendra) to meditate and perform austerities for the welfare of the world.

Why then, asked the King, had He come here now! Declaring that the avatar had surely arrived with the purpose of annihilating him, he stated that if Rama were to be slain, it would be as though they had all been destroyed by Him. He therefore pleaded with Parashurama to show compassion and spare his beloved son. 

Parashurama, however, showed no sign of even noticing the King's presence. He addressed Rama again saying that the divine bow He wielded belonged to Vishnu, and that this was equal in power to that of Lord Shiva. This bow had been placed in the care of His ancestors and had been inherited by Him. He again declared His wish to see Rama wield it and to fight Him.

Rama had so far, out of respect for His father, remained silent. However, upon being challenged in this way, He responded.

He said:

"O noble sage, I have heard of the work that You have performed on Earth and I approve of it. You appear to despise Me due to my birth as a kshatriya/warrior and question my power. I accept Your challenge and shall demonstrate My strength to satisfy You!".

Saying these words, Rama extended His hands and accepted the divine bow and arrow from sage Parashurama. As the bow of Vishnu was transferred from one of His avatars to the other, so too was all the divine power. As Rama accepted the divine bow, He seemed to withdraw all the power of Parashurama into Himself.

Rama then proceeded to lift the bow of Vishnu, and fitting an arrow, drew it to full length. He then addressed Parashurama in an angry tone as follows.

"As You are both a sage, and the nephew of Vishvamitra, I must honour You-- I cannot release this arrow at You therefore! However, an arrow drawn upon the bow of Vishnu cannot go without hitting its mark. As an alternative to striking You, I will release this arrow and take away the fruits of Your asceticism, namely the ownership of various divine realms!"

As Rama held aloft the bow of Vishnu for the first time, ready to release the divine arrow, various celestials appeared the heavens above to witness the glorious sight. 

Parashurama too gazed at Rama in wonder and bowing His head, spoke in a low tone. He said:

"O Rama! By Your ability to not only wield My divine bow but also withdraw My power, I know You to be an avatar of Vishnu Himself. May all be well with You! Release the arrow for the purpose You have stated; the loss of My power in Your presence is not a matter of shame for Me as I stand in the presence of the Lord of all the worlds! Upon Your doing so, I shall retire to Mount Mahendra and perform austerities!"

Even as He spoke, Rama released the divine arrow. As He did so, all the darkness lifted and pleasant weather was restored. Parashurama then went around Him as a mark of respect and departed for His abode on Mount Mahendra. 

Rama then gave the bow of Vishnu to Varuna, the demi-god of water, for safe-keeping. Having done so, He greeted His Guru, Vasishtha, and the other sages.

Next, He turned to His father, whom He observed was in a state of deep despair. It appeared that he had not even realised that the challenge was over and that his son had been victorious! Rama approached Dasharatha and addressed him with a gentle and soothing tone:

"Dear father", He said, "Parashurama has departed. Let our army, headed by you, now proceed to Ayodhya".

Hearing these words, Dasharatha started and gazed upon his son. Realising that Parashurama had gone, and that Rama was still alive and well, the King was filled with tremendous joy. He clasped Rama in a loving embrace, feeling as though both of them had been granted a new lease of life.

Dasharatha then conveyed the happy news to his army, and they all travelled rapidly to Ayodhya without any further obstacles! Upon arrival, they received a grand welcome from their excited family and citizens!

This concludes the narration of the most unusual event of an encounter between two avatars of Lord Vishnu!

Om Sri Ramaya Namah.

Om Vishnave Namah.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat

P.S. The birthdays of Hanuman and Parashurama occur this month and are wonderful times for spiritual practice. 

Om Namo Narayanaya.