Rama Katha Rasa Vahini - Post 34

LAKSHMANA TEACHES TO THE HUMANITY ON " TRUE SURRENDER"

Dear All,

After Sage Valmiki recommends the place for Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to make their hut and stay, what happens?

Author is not even going to write any line after he gives the extract from Swami's writing on what happened next. The expression "SURRENDER" finds its fulfillment in what Swami writes further.

Swami writes:

"As soon as Valmiki gave this direction, Rama agreed and receiving his permission to leave, he resumed his journey with Sita and Lakshmana. Within a short time, they saw river Mandakini, and were happy to bathe in its sacred waters, and perform the prescribed ceremonial rites. They rested a while under a shady tree, and ate some fruits, before walking over the grass for some distance, admiring the verdure and the scenery.

Then, Rama spoke to Lakshmana thus: "Lakshmana! I am at a loss to decide on the exact spot where we can erect a cottage of leaf thatch and bamboo for our stay in this place; I do not find it easy to say which place is good and which is not; so, select and fix upon a spot."

No sooner did these words fall on his ears than Lakshmana crumpled on the ground right at the feet of Rama. He was in evident anguish. "What wrong have I committed that you should speak to me thus! Is this a sentence for any sin? Or, are you testing me, and my nature? Or, are you joking and making fun of me?", he asked. He was in great sorrow and he stood with his head bent with fear and anxiety.

Rama was surprised at his behavior. He went near him and clasped him to his bosom. "Brother! What happened now to make you so sad? I cannot guess why you are so heart-broken," he said. "Tell me", he pleaded, "tell me the reason, do not prolong my astonishment and sorrow."

Lakshmana replied immediately. He said, "Brother! I have surrendered everything to you. I have no likes and dislikes. What is pleasing to you is, on that account, pleasing to me. You know that this is the fact. But, yet, you now ask me to select a place which I like and erect a cottage for you thereon! 

My heart received a shock when you directed me to exercise my will. Order me where it is to be raised; I shall do so. Be merciful, do not speak to me in this strain, bless me by accepting the surrender I am offering at thy feet of all of me, the will, the intelligence, the mind, the senses, the body, all with no exception and no reservation. I am your servant, following you in the hope of having the chance to serve you. Use me. Command me, and have the command obeyed and the action accomplished."

When Lakshmana prayed and supplicated so sincerely, Rama consoled him and pacified his feelings. "Lakshmana", he said, "Why are you worried so much on this little matter? Do not take it so much to heart. I gave you that direction in just a casual way. I am not unaware of the loyalty that fills your heart. Well. Come along with me. Right! I shall select the spot myself." And, with Sita by his side, he took the forest track, along with Lakshmana, and shortly, they sighted the northern bank of the Mandakini river. 

That length of bank was curved like a bow; it appeared as if the bow was held by the Chitrakuta peak standing behind it like a hero. 

One felt that the arrows it was ready to let loose were Sense control, Mind control, Charity, Renunciation, etc., and the target they were intended to destroy was the Gang of Sin. Rama described the spot thus and added: "This hero will not withdraw from the fight"! He directed that the cottage be built on that captivating spot.

Love.