Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Aranya Kanda – Rama describes the splendor of Bhakti/devotion

Chapter – 15– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Aranya Kanda– Rama describes the splendor of Bhakti/devotion

 

Rama spoke “Oh! Lakshman, ultimately the powerful Maya causes Bandha/bondage and the knowledge of Parmarththa provides Moksha/liberation from the grief of worldly existence.  The destruction of impurities of mind such as Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Mathshcharya, Ahamkara, and Mamakara,  is achieved through the various austerities and vows, Shama, Dhama, Dhanam, Dhaya, Ahimsa, Astheyam, Arjjavam, Thithiksha, Bhramacharya, Bhramavichara, being in the association of learned, noble souls, Santh, Mahathma, growing dispassionate to material matters, of wealth, richness, fame, money, children, wife, companion and relatives, etc.. are the source of Bhakti/devotion, Gnana/wisdom, and Vairagya. Veda emphasizes that the dispassion/Vairgaya brings virtues, the spiritual wisdom comes from Shamadhamadhi, austerities, meditation, results in liberation from the grief of worldly existence. Oh! Dear brother, the Bhakti/ devotion is the one that highly pleases me, it is superior to the practice of Gnana/Paramarththa Thaththva and Vijjana. Bhakti is beyond comparison, it is the source of bliss that can be achieved only with the association of preceptor, noble souls, Santh, Mahathma, hence Bhakti is the easiest way to attain the all-pervasive Bhramam. Whoever sincerely follow the spiritual and religious rites prescribed in the Veda, according to their own Varnna, and whoever honors the Bhramins well-versed in Veda and spiritual rites, grow dispassionate/Vairagya, abandon the interest in worldly matters and pleasures, would achieve Bhakti/devotion which is the easiest way to attain my grace. Oh! Thatha, there are nine kinds of Bhakti/Navadhabhakthi, such as 1)Shravanam/listening to the glorious myths of supreme Lord, 2) Keerthanam/singing in praise of the glories of Lord 3) Smaranam/meditation 4)Padhasevanam/worship of lotus feet 5) Archanam/worship of idol 6)Vandhanam/prostration before the deity 7)Dhasyam/worship of Lord with the feeling of a servant, 8) Sakhyam/worship of Lord with the feeling of companion and finally 9) Athmanivedhanam/complete surrender at the lotus feet of Lord. Oh! Lakshman, mere listening to my glorious myths would cultivate Bhakti in the mind of Jeeva, the selfless service to noble souls, preceptors, Santh, and Mahathma, with body, mind, and deed removes the impurities of the mind. Oh! Thatha, I get highly pleased with my ardent devotees, who envisage me in all the animate and inanimate things, and render selfless service to the preceptor, king, parents, noble souls, Bhramins and deities, finally, whoever remembers me with tears on their eyes, voice choked on the throat, with the rush of thrill through their limbs, would achieve my eternal presence.”

Maya Esa Na Aapu Kaha Jana Kahia So Jeeva | Bandha Moccha Pradha Sarbapara Maya Prerak Seeva ||

Dharma The Birathi Joga The Gyana | Gyana Mocchapradha Bedha Bakhana|| Jathe  Begi Dhravau Mei Bhayi | So Sama Bhagathi Bhagatha Sukhadhayi || So  Suthanthra Avalamba Na Aana | Thehi Adheena  Gyana Bigyana || Bhagathi Thatha Anupama Sukhamoola| Milayi Jo Santh Hoya Anukooola || Bhagathi Ki Sadhana Kahau Bakhani | Sugama  Pantha Mohi Pavahi Prani || Prathamahi Bipra Charana Athi Preethi | Nija Nija Karma Niratha Shruthi Reethi || Yehi Kara Phala Puni Bishaya Biraga | Thab Mama Dharma Upaja Anuraga || Shravanadhika Nava Bhakthi Dhridahi | Mama Leela Rathi Athi Manamahi || Santha Charana Pankaja Athi Prema| Mana Krama Bachana Bhajana Dhrida Nema || Guru Pithu Mathu Bandhu Pathideva | Sab Mohi Kaha Janai Dhrida Seva || Mama Guna Gavatha Pulaka Sareera | Gadhgadha Gira Nayana Baha Neera || Kama Adhi Madha Dhambha Na Jake | Thatha Niranthara Basa Mei Thake ||