Sri Guru Gita – 11 February 2014 – Episode 54

JGD. English summary:

Jaya Guru Datta.
We discussed that King Dasaratha wisened up on Sage Vasishtha’s advice and sent his sons to the forests with Sage Vishwamitra. The two boys served their Guru with utmost devotion and dedication. Even the Gods come to the assistance of those that serve their Guru. Once Rama began serving Sage Vishwamitra, the God of Wind blew gentle breeze over them and soothed their minds.

The two followed their Gurudeva diligently. As Sage Vishwamitra walked, Sri Rama and Lakshmana walked right behind him. The scriptures stipulate that while walking, one must walk a few paces behind the Guru, not ahead of Him. Rama and Lakshmana knew how to walk with the Guru. Pleased with how they were walking, Sage Vishwamitra initiated them into the knowledge of “Bala” and “Ati Bala”. By the power of Bala and Ati Bala, one is protected from hunger and thirst. Sri Rama needed this, you all know what happened in the future. That is why Sage Vishwamitra blessed them with this knowledge so that they never feel hunger or thirst. Demons could never harm them. They got blessed generously by walking humbly with their Guru. As disciples, they observed all the duties stipulated by the scriptures. They never left the company of their Guru. While traveling, they learned a lot about the forests from their Guru. Witnessing the eagerness of the two disciples to learn more, Sage Vishwamitra was excited and blessed them with even more knowledge. He gave them more powers.

While walking with Sage Vishwamitra, they heard a powerful sound. Upon enquiring, Sage Vishwamitra told them that it was “Manasa Sarassu” (manasa = relating to the mind; sarassu = lake).
“Kailasa parvate rama, manasa nirmitam saraha,
brahmana narasaarthula, tene dam maanasam saraha”

Lord Brahma created a lake on Mount Kailas with his mind (will) power. Because it was created with the power of the mind, it was called Manas Sarovar (manas = relating to the mind; sarovar = lake). From that lake was born Sarayu river. Sage Vishwamitra told them what they heard was the Sarayu River. He went on to explain the significant features of Manas Sarovar.

Soon after, Guru Vishwamitra ordered Rama to slay the demoness Tataka to protect the cattle, the learned and the rest of the people. At that time, he imparted knowledge of many weapons including Brahma Astram (astram = weapon), Pashupata Astram etc. Later, Sri Rama protected Sage Vishwamitra’s yagna by teaching the demons Mareecha and Subahu a fitting lesson. Pleased with this, Guru Vishwamitra wanted to bless Sri Rama with Laksmi devi. He purified them by reciting the story of Ganga Devi. He helped Ahalya get relief from her curse. The Guru’s blessings didn’t stop there. Guru Vishwamitra took them to the kingdom of Mithila. There, with the permission of Guru Vishwamitra, Rama broke the powerful bow of Lord Shiva and married Sita Devi.

Who is Sita? She is Lakshmi Devi manifested in a physical form. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu. He got Sri Rama married to Sita Devi. That was Guru Vishwamitra’s will. Like that, every step of the way, Guru Vishwamitra immensely blessed Rama who was an outstanding disciple. He poured all his knowledge into Rama. The conduct of the disciple is very important. If the disciple observes all his duties like Sri Rama did, the Sadgurus bless generously every step of the way like Guru Vishwamitra did, pouring all their knowledge in to the disciples. What we discussed in the previous sloka is explained even better in this sloka.

Jaya Guru Datta.

Jaya Guru Datta Sri Swamiji! _/\_!!

Jaya Guru Datta Pujya Appaji !!

Jaya Guru Datta Appaji.