ABHIRAAMA STRILOKAANAAM

(English Translation of Marathi discourse given by P. P. Aniruddha Bapu on 27th July 2006 on Ramraksha at New English High School, Bandra)

The Ram who gives Joy, support, peace, satisfaction and contentment to all the three Lokas (worlds) - this Ram is our Prabhu (Lord). How is our Ram? Anybody, however exalted or lowly he is; rich or poor; eminent or ordinary, educated or uneducated; without considering these disparities, the one who follows the path of Bhakti and Neeti (morality), for such a person, in each and every place, in the 3 Lokas, who tries to eliminate unhappiness, sees how he can get support, how he may obtain joy and make life may much more easier; For this the One who consistently endeavors to do so, He is Ram; Abhiraam.

Budhakaushika Rishi while telling us how Ramnaam protects us reaches a stage where he tells us how this Ram is? How can we obtain Him? And what does this Ram do? How? And When? And what should we be doing to achieve Him? Abhiraamastrilokaan am. When we say three Lokas, we remember, One Bhoolok (Earth), one Antarikshalok (Sky) and one Swargalok (Heaven). These 3 lokas do exist. There is no doubt about it. There is Earth, another place like Earth above it and yet another place above it which is Swarga (Heaven). And this I have very clearly stated in the Grantha (Shrimad Purushartha) that there are similar 3 Lokas consistently operating in each person’s life. First one is that which he can perceive through his 5 sense organs, which he is able to see, understand, hear, speak or that which he can clearly see with his naked eyes i.e. the Sthoola Swarup (gross form). The second is the Sookshma Swarup (subtle form) i.e. the things occurring at the level of the Mind. We generally say – ` We cannot understand what is in his mind! He speaks very sweetly, but one can never tell! There are many who have a very sweet tongue but they deceive people. This means, we can know that there may be something else behind what is apparent. Hence, we use the proverb – ‘Appearances are often deceptive.’ HE is the only one who can never be deceived. That which is good, He calls it good. Until it is good, He calls it good only. That which is bad, He calls it bad only. The one who tarnishes the good He calls him bad. See, it is very simple! You bring home God’s prasad and keep it aside to be given to your children in the evening. And in the evening, you notice – ‘Arre! It has fungus on it!’ In such a situation, even though it is prasad, will you eat it? No! What will you do? You will calmly immerse it in the water. It is as simple as that.

Similarly there are 3 levels in a man’s life. The Sthoola Vruti (Gross state) is in the Buddhi. Behind this there is a Mental level, there is a Manasik Lok (Mental world) and beyond that there is a Swarga Lok which is the abode of the Parmeshwar. He keeps watching us. He is definitely going to protect us, in any circumstances He will do so. There is nothing that He does not know. He knows each and everything; and He is always active in our life and in the world too realizing this itself is Swarga Lok, When we go to the temple, do the Upasana, stand in front of the idol of Ram, we say the Ramraksha (Stotra) but we do not know much about Ram. We only know that Ram is the son of Dasharath; Kaikayi’s, Sumitra’s son; Lakshman’s, Bharat’s and Shatrughna’s brother; the Naath (Lord) of Hanumant, and Vibishan’s refuge. Then Bapu tells us the meaning of Ramnaam from some Granths (Holy books) i.e. Ra + Aa + Ma. Right! These three beejas (mystic syllables of origin) together make Ramnaam, etc. But, if we keep all this information and a vast collection of such Granths (Holy books) on Ramnaam on one side, and on the other side the Ramnaam chanted with Bhakti Bhaav (devotion), then we see that the weight of the latter proves to be much more than all those Holy Books, this because He is Abhiram. He always keeps his promises. Then we know about another kind of 3 Lokas, i.e. `Man leaves the Earth and goes to another world, there is one loka in the middle and another above it. Bapu has told us of Saptalok (Seven Worlds). There are 3 such strata, in that we do not know what happens before death or after death; but we are convinced that rebirth exists; and there is something in between one birth and another birth; ‘I am somewhere in between the two’. There is the present, previous and the future births, ‘I am somewhere in between these’. Who can take care of all these 3 places, i.e. the present birth, before the birth and after the birth,? Only Ram can do so.

Another classification of 3 Lokas, occurs to us, i.e. Past, Present & Future. The Past has already occurred. If we are asked a simple question like what we had eaten the previous two days before, we scratch our heads! If we are told to sit and recollect and recount all that we had eaten from last Thursday till date, from morning to evening, the vegetables, dishes, then even after thinking for an hour we shall be able to just recall for 4 to 5 days, that too, today’s, yesterday’s and the day before’s menu will all be mixed up. We can barely remember from morning to evening. Even if we eat homemade meals, we are unable to recall. Then, you ask your wife, you ask your son, the wife will ask the son, the children will ask the father and mother. We cannot remember of just the previous two days then our life which is of say 10, 20, or 40 yrs can we remember each and every day of these years. Only the One who has this memory, can take care of our past. We do not remember the past incidences of our present birth. We cannot tell the day, date of the events that have taken place just 8 days before. Then how can we recall what has taken place in the previous 25 yrs, 40 yrs. Besides this, we do not have the memory of our previous birth at all, i.e. whatever has occurred in our previous birth; who can take care of it in this present birth? HE who knows about these occurrences, He who knows what has taken place in our past, only HE can take care of your future for you - That a certain event has taken place in this person’s birth and now how can we push him ahead, because, each person has a separate path and a separate queue. No one can enter it forcibly and nobody can break our queue.

Here Ram wishes that each one goes ahead in his queue, and that he is not lagging behind and the manner in which aid can be given. Even if he cannot recollect anything of this present birth, still I shall remind him again and again that – ‘You have to go ahead in your queue, you have to progress and develop your life’, who is competent enough to make him realize this? It is Abhiraamastrilokaan aam who has the strength to take care of all the 3 Lokas, He and only He can do so. Ram, who knows everything of not only the past of this present birth, but also the previous birth and the period in between these two. Ram knows not only of the present of the person, but He can also see all of what that person has been in the previous births too. He is aware of everything, and therefore He alone can take care of your past. What is left is the future, then comes the present period, which we will attend to later. Now who knows what is in store for us in the future? What is going to occur the next minute? The Tsunami waves came and went away in a moment! Did anyone know that it would come in a minute and wreak havoc? Did anyone know? Similarly, about good things: When we go out and on our later way back we buy a lottery ticket and on the draw date on checking it we are surprised to know that we have won a prize of one lakh rupees. A minute before the person was running from pillar to post for a job and on the way he meets an acquaintance who tells him of the availability of a good job with a person known to him. He tells ‘Come I’ll take you there, you will get a job’. In the last 2-2.½ years, you are unemployed, knocking at various people’s doors, being at the receiving end of people’s abuses, after having gone around 200 offices, but just this recommendation, and in just one moment, he obtains a high salaried job! All his education is put to use. In one moment, the whole world had changed. This young lad who had started wearily in the morning, from his home in search of a job, tells his father, “Papa, I got a job. Now we do not have to worry.” Did he know this before? No, he didn’t! But who knew of it? ‘That’ Ram knew it.

Shabari was doing penance in the deep forest. Did she publicize about it? No! Did the Rishis accompanying Ram know about it? No! But Ram knew very well that, ‘Here my devotee is eagerly waiting for me. She is old and is living alone. She has no contact with the outside world’. But, Ram went to meet her. And Ahilya! at least Shabari was a living person, breathing, talking and moving woman, but Ahilya had turned into a Shila (stone). Nobody around knew anything about her and the Rishis just knew a story which they had heard long back. But Ram, Himself, changes his route to go to her and tells Bharadwaj Muni. Then the Muni says, ‘Rama this is not your path. You have to go straight ahead’ Ram says, “No, Revered Muni, we have to change our route. Let us go through this path and he goes directly to the Shila (stone) and touches it with his foot. Then this ordinary big Shila (stone) on Ram’s touch turns into Ahilya. Ram had full knowledge of that Shila (stone) and hence He could take care of the Shila, i.e. her complete past, that she was Ahilya who had turned into stone. His Padsparsh (touch of His Foot) in the present changed her whole future. Here, we realize that by just the touch of Ram’s big toe’s in the present (i.e. he touched the Shila with it) could transform in a moment the history of hundreds of years as a stone into a beautiful future.

Abhiraamstrilokaana m.Very often it happens that the exams are approaching, only 2 months are remaining and the children are tensed. It is their Board exams and even the parents are tensed. The schedule is planned for studies before the exams. We keep studying and while studying our schedule get disturbed. We decide to read 100 pages, but manage only 40 pages and then 60 pages are yet left. We once again read and yet 10 pages are remaining. While doing this we get agitated. Then we decide, ‘Lets read for an extra hour, or for 2 hours, or read in the morning for 2 hours, lets read faster, stop watching T.V., or take rest after dinner for only 25 minutes instead of the usual 30 minutes – How much care we take! A ordinary young boy of 15-18 years, for him that exam is equally important. Each person feels that his exam is a big one. How much self turmoil he undergoes, how many changes he brings about in himself; there is a football match on T.V., or a good movie or a World Cup Match, but he brings about changes in himself, he comes out for barely 2 minutes to check the score and again goes back inside to his studies. But he is ready to bring about changes, only for one thing and that is that he should score well in his exams and go to the next higher class. Or if it is his final exam, to get a good degree with good marks and the start life.

But even for this, how much does the 16-17-18 years old boy knows about the world, tell me? But yet, he keeps trying in different ways. And the parents! ‘Is this course good or not? Whether to send him for group tuitions or not; or to put him in a good class? Or send him for special tuitions? Which classes will suit our pocket? How can we provide him with maximum peace in the house? Our house is of 2 rooms and is situated in a chawl, what facility can we provide him for his studies?’ Tell me, how much pains the parents take! The father’s office colleague meets him and tells, ‘Even my son had given the entrance exam and obtained good marks and secured admission in the Medical Stream’. “Oh! Is it so! Then will you do me one favour? Will your son tell my son how to study for the test?” See, how the father has become alert! That father tells his friend, “I’ll send my son to your place. Tell your son to advise him as to how to study. The mother and father call their son and tell him, “My dear, see, he has got good marks. Now do as he says, and study accordingly.” Only one exam! But the mother, father and the son take efforts in their own individual ways.

The mother chants some stotra (hymn), observes vows (Navas) in some temple, does Pradakshina (circumbulation) , takes care of the child’s likes and dislikes, gives milk mixed with Bournvita, gives Gulkand! Have you been awake for long, my child? Gives ‘chyawanprash. In her own way she keeps trying.. Her endeavor is that,”My child should get all comforts, due to which his efforts will increase. And all of them keep contributing their own bit. Even the younger siblings think – “Baapre! my brother’s exams are approaching , now no mischief etc., come let’s play outside”. Even mummy says, “Can’t you see, your brother’s exams are there! Can’t you understand?” Immediately, the younger siblings become quiet. Those young kids too understand that my brother’s exams are nearing, and we should be doing something to help him. For a simple examination, see how much each member of the family is involved, how engrossed they are! And what is reason for all this? They are trying to use their present time for their beloved person’s bright future. Because the future is unknown, and the present is here, now, in front of us. See, the efforts we take to ensure that everything in our unknown future is good and secure! Which means, if we are trying at an ordinary level, then to what extent must we put in our efforts, we must think about this. See. A simple thing like fixing an alliance, generally there is a shrewd person from the girl’s side or the boy’s side. Somebody introduces both the parties to each other. There is a nice boy. The girl’s father says, “I’ll have a look at their family. Everybody has a good opinion, but let’s have a look’. The girl’s parents go to the boy’s house and propose in the proper manner. ‘These are the details of our daughter’. Particularly they check the boy’s family, and come back. How is the boy’s mother? How are the relatives?

I’ll tell you an interesting story. One of my relatives, a lady, was looking out for a good alliance for her son. She used to go to each house; the old lady was very shrewd. She used to chat and while the boy and girl would talk she would ask the mother about her brother-in-laws, she would ask, How many co-sisters? Indeed! Where do they stay? Indeed! How many sisters-in-law? Where do they stay? They must be coming regularly to your place? Who is your family deity? Is it so? Where is the devhara (altar)? I want to offer my namaskaar (obeisance). What was the old woman trying to find out? Whether the girl’s mother had maintained good relations with her in-laws? If the mother did not have good relations with her in-laws, then how will this girl take care of her in-laws? See, how shrewd the old lady was. By seeing the alter she could realise the family’s upbringing. When, after gathering information in this manner, she chose an excellent girl for her son, and this made everyone happy. But that old lady had obtained this shrewdness from her own experiences. She had experienced life, and hence instead of collecting information directly, she was indirectly extracting information; whether this girl’s mother was close only her maternal relatives or were her in-laws also close to her. If she has not maintained good relations with her in-laws, then her daughter too, shall do the same after coming to my house. After coming to my house, she will not give due respect and preference to her in-laws (mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law) . Then I would not like to keep any relationship with such a family.

Fixing an alliance is not so simple a matter, as our whole life depends on it. Whether the partner we have got is good or bad? There you must have seen what care these people take! Many amongst you must have taken these precautions. We check out information about the boy from 4-5 places. How is the boy? How is he at the office? Has he any addiction? Or is there anything else? Is he like this or like that? Information about the girl is also solicited. How is the girl? Is she too fashionable? Is she very boisterous? Does she keep roaming around? And there is nothing wrong in finding all this information. Because the parents have fear in their mind- “Are baba! I am going to give my own (flesh & blood) child? The parents will certainly take care about it. How ever great the father may be, when the daughter starts for her husband’s home (after the wedding rites), he becomes very emotional.

The mother too is filled with anxiety. In such a situation, while sending their own daughter to another house or bringing a new girl into their home, who may turn out to be a nuisance, therefore it is better to enquire about the girl beforehand!. And Yes! Because the mother shall be entrusting her son into her daughter-in- laws hands. Her son, whom she has take pains to nurture for the last 25 years, ‘that dear son of mine, I have to entrust to this girl for life’. The parents are concerned about their son : ‘We cannot last him for him for life. Who is there to take care of them? These two are going to do so and hence the parents from both sides take extreme care in choosing the life partners for their children. But for this which support do they take? They want to take care of their future, hence they make efforts during the present period, taking the support of the experiences of the past. What happened in so and so person’s house? , Or that person’s house? That experience. How did my mother-in-law behave towards me? The lady says, “Baapre! I shall make efforts to behave well with my daughter-in- law!. I do not want any unnecessary squabbles. Which means, learning from our previous experiences, we become more mature and keep on moving ahead. Taking the support of our past, making efforts in the present, only then does our future become bright. But when does this happen? When these efforts are made at the human level, then there are limitations to them. But when it happens due to God’s presence then there are vast differences.

I shall narrate an incident which took place many years ago. A similar matrimonial alliance was being arranged. The girl’s side received a very good marriage proposal. When they checked about the boy, they found that the boy had a good, well paid job, the parents were nice people, and the people around also spoke well of them, they were sociable and the residents of the building, colleagues had good opinion of them. The relatives, boy’s office colleagues also had a good opinion about them. The father’s colleagues opinion was good and the mother was a school teacher, her friends’ opinion was also good, the boy was handsome, good looking, everything was very good. The girl liked the boy, the boy approved the girl. Then, they asked Baba whom they had faith in, ‘Baba, should we go ahead with this proposal?’ The answer came, “Do not proceed in this case.” The girl and her mother were firm in their belief. I have narrated this story before. The girl said, “I liked the boy. OK. But if He has said No, then it means No. Come what may, we will not allow this alliance to take place. My God has told me now not to marry him. In this only lies my benefit.” But the girls father was had a different opinion. “Arre! Such a good boy, such a high salaried job, they have 2 cars, the father’s car, the boy’s car and above it there is the office car too. Why should we say no? The boy is so good looking. The proposal looks good in all respects!”

He started persuading them. After a few days, he decided, ‘Nothing doing! I will not listen to my wife. I will persuade my daughter. I shall tell her you will have to marry him or I will thrash you! Why do you listen to these useless people? He put pressure on his wife and daughter. And just at that time, the daughter fell and suffered a fracture in the leg. In such circumstances how does one proceed? Let the leg heal and it got postponed. Six weeks passed by. After 6 weeks, they got the news that the boy was in the hospital. They came to know from close relatives that the boy had AIDS. And then, the girl’s father got a shock of his life. “Baapre! What was I going to do?” His legs trembled. He then felt, “My wife and daughter decision was truly right. There belief was true. If this had occurred before, then by now my daughter would have got married and because of that useless fellow, my daughter too would be suffering from the same disease and she would be ruined”. But their God, their Ram, their Saviour was all along with them. He said, “I’ll break your hands, your leg, I’ll do everything, but I shall protect you. I’ll not allow your life to be ruined”.

See! All human efforts had been made. All precautions were taken. Information of each and every aspect was collected and checked. But what was not in their hands, that information which they could not have obtained, their God did not try to give them that knowledge (Dnyan). But certain incidences occurred by which a major disaster was averted. See the danger which was in store for you? And how I averted it! This is the level of our God, when I surrender to God, from the bottom of my heart: “O God! O Rama”. We really do not understand anything. We are simple people. We do not know anything. We do Bhakti, but how much we do, or how well we do it or how badly we do it, only you know it, You only increase our bhakti.” We will try from the bottom of our heart, make efforts, strive hard to behave in a more and more better manner and not walk the wrong path. And how much ever goodness we receive, we shall not become egoistic and be the cause our own downfall. How much ever great power comes into our hands, we shall not misuse it. We will not trouble others. Others shall only benefit through us, and even if they do not benefit, they will not be harmed by us. At least we will keep on asking only this, “O Ram! Even if anybody does not gain from our action, it will do, but please do no let anyone be deprived or be wronged by our actions”. Even if this much prayer is offered by you, my dear children, yet God will stand by you, because he knows whether the person speaking is meaning it from the bottom of his heart or not. There must have been many wrong doings occurred in the past years of his life.

When God sees him truly repenting, He says, “Do not worry, my child! I am still standing behind you. You stand up once more. I shall put in all my strength behind you, and once again bring you on the good path”. But when does this happen? When we offer our 3 lokas – `Sharir’ (body), `Mana’ (mind) and Buddhi [these are 3 levels in our Deha], when we surrender these 3 lokas to Ram, only then. Bapu, how to surrender to Ram at these 3 lokas? It is simple. ‘Deha’ means what – Hands, feet, mouth, tongue, Right! Use the tongue to say ‘Ramnaam, use the mouth to say ‘Ramnaam’ say Bhajans (hymns) and Stotras of God. At that time, I may not be able to pay full attention, doesn’t matter, if I can at least say it, then why not? At least I can use the hands: to offer namaskaar (obeisance) to God or to the photo of God. Calmly prostate in front of God, do pradakshinas, hold on to the feet of the idol, hold on to His feet, this we have put our Body to use at the physical level. We have made proper use of our body. Calmly, we are prostrating, calmly making pradakshinas, offering Abhishek, doing Pooja, calmly revering His feet, garlanding Him, looking at Him, uttering His name (naam) with our mouth. Doing Gazar, i.e. in the 3 lokas, we have our body in our hands with which , we must use them in the best manner possible. Not to beat anybody intentionally or thrash anyone, not to give anybody any dirty filthy food. If not anything else, then help the poor. In such a manner, I shall make use of my Sharir (Body) – if any blind person is walking on the road, I shall help him cross the road. If any person is sick, I shall help him, then, really, even through such activities of my Deha, I obtain many good things.

Really, from the bottom of my heart, I am telling you! I used to reside at Parel. At some distance away, there was a low lying chawl, at a distance of say, 5 minutes. There was grocery shop. And I used to regularly go to that grocery shop to get groceries. There were 2 families living there. Let us name them the Jadhav family and the Parab family. The names were actually different. We children used to pass by, playing along the way to a play ground near by. Once a very big fight took place between the 2 families. A Konkani person knows, how he fights, he puts his heart and soul in the fight. They fought very loudly, abusing at each other. And then Jadhav left for his work. He used to go to work beyond Thane. In those days, i.e. 1969-70, there were no facilities available. He left for his work, and in about 45 minutes, Jadhav’s mother got a paralysis attack. His wife came out screaming, ‘Just see what has happened to mummy? What has happened to her?’

In that chawl on the ground floor, there were only 3 houses, Jadhav’s house, Parab’s house and this third house. The family living in 3rd house, had gone to their native place on vacation. Their house was locked. Who was left? Mr. Parab. We used to call them Parab and Parabin (Mr. & Mrs. Parab). Both ran to help them immediately. ‘What happened to mother?’ Lifted here up, put here into a taxi and took her away. And Parab’s mother, took Jadhav’s children to her home, and fed them and took care of them. They were fighting 45 minutes earlier, uneducated folk, mill workers, I am telling you from the depths of my heart, my children, what an excellent example they set for themselves! They used their body for good actions that ‘Our enemy with whom we had a big quarrel, but his mother has fallen ill, and is in a serious condition, the son has gone quite far, the kids are very small, we do not even have any address, or know any relatives!’ Having had a fight just ¾ hour earlier, yet, forgetting all that, all the abuses, Parab and his wife went to help them wholehearteredly. Till Jadhav returned home in the evening, the Parab couple waited with his wife, his wife did not have any money. Parab spent all the required amount from his own pocket – brought all the injections & medicines. And here Parab’s mother, the old lady fed all the 4 children their meals – ‘Do not be afraid, children, your granny will recover soon. Let us chant God’s name. Let us tell Him – You take care of her’. Tell me, in a moment all the enmity had dissolved. Never again did any fight take place between the 2 families. This is a beautiful use of the body. Tell me a simple thing, is there any great spiritualism underlying this story? No. However they were, but the most important thing is that, the Parab family were Waarkaris. They had grown up and were nurtured on Dnyaneshwar Mauli’s, Eknath Mauli’s, Tukaram Mauli’s Abhangas (devotional songs). They had the support of that Vithal. They knew exactly what my Vithal likes! They forgot all the enmity and in one instant, immediately they performed their neighborly duties. This is an extremely beautiful use of one Loka which we know, out of the 3 Lokas. But just think how much blessings they must have received from Parameshwar. Not just helping any neighbour, but that neighbour who just now abused them After he went, did he say: ‘Let your old woman die! What have we got to do with it?’ Not saying such words, getting a taxi for her, by those who cannot afford a taxi, such a person calling a taxi, lifting that old woman and putting her into it. We kids too, helped a bit. We were just about 12-13 years of age! That granny was quite plump & heavy – lifting and putting her in a taxi, taking her and admitting here to the hospital, spending money, looking after their kids, tell me is it not a most virtuous deed, such a good deed! How beautiful and spiritual it is! Our Ram is pleased by this only! When does that ‘Abhiram’ become ours? Of all our 3 lokas? When we utilize our 3 lokas according to Ram’s Purushottam attributes, only then!

Ram’s stepmother sent him on exile, but did he harbour enmity against his stepmother – Kaikeyi? Never! Instead he told Bharat – (Bharat had stopped talking to his mother), “ No, dear, do not act in such a manner. Do not get angry with her. Take care of her too. Because, she too, is my mother”. The Parab family had behaved in a similar manner. The old woman too may have abused me earlier, but she is an old lady, of my mother’s age only. She too, is my mother. See, just like Ram’s attributes, they themselves too, at their simple level, behaved accordingly. The Parabs could not even read or write. I am telling you from bottom of my heart! Jadhav could at least read and write a little. He had studied till 4th or 5th Standard. Parab was not literate at all, but yet, peacefully, by devotion of Vithal, had incorporated Ram’s Charitra, his attributes into his own life. We must realize that we can utilize our 3 lokas for spiritual purposes very beautifully. If those illiterate people could understand then there should be no problem for us. And then, Ram definitely came there. Ram certainly came. I am telling you – Parab’s 3 children used to pass on the borderline. Parab would always worry. 3 sons! How will they pass? Don’t know whether they shall pass S.S.C. at least. Each year, they would fail in at least 2 subjects. The teacher used to call them scold them, and say, we are doubting whether they will clear their 10th Std. The eldest son was in 9th Std., second was in the 7th and third son was in the fifth. All the three children changed so drastically from that year. They started coming in the first five in their class. And today, all the three are working on high posts having good jobs. One son is doing good business. Tell me, how much the children benefited from one single deed of the parents! They made use of not their ‘Mana’ (mind) or Buddhi, but simple their Sharir (Body).

Then, we think of the Manasik (mental) level. Sharir-Mana- Buddi. Innumerable thoughts come to our mind. When we say mind, don’t we keep thinking of something or the other, tell me? Either this or that. There are some useless thoughts, but they are there. We sometimes have good thoughts, sometimes bad thoughts. Sometimes auspicious, sometimes inauspicious thoughts. Sometimes fearful thoughts, sometimes courageous ones. Some happy, some are not. Some sad ones, and some meaningless, but they exist. Then, Bapu, how can we use this mind to establish relationship with Ram’s mind? It is a simple thing. While I am uttering Ram’s name , if I attempt to visualize Ram’s idol, or while I am seeing a picture or an idol of Ram with my eyes, if I make efforts to concentrate mentally even for a little while, then I have definitely, used my mind. Bad thoughts have come to my mind, but I repeatedly try, ‘Baba, let’s think of good thoughts only, only good thoughts, let me not think bad thoughts come to my mind, let me use the mind for God’s work, for spirituality’ , then I have used it for Ram’s 3 lokas (Trilokas) only. I cannot manage to do so for the whole day, but when I shall go to the temple or sit to sing bhajans (devotional songs), only for that much time, if I bring good thoughts like I shall do good to someone, help somebody, sing bhajans, How good my Ram was – I shall recollect His stories, even if I use my mind for that short time, it is not possible for me to keep control my mind the whole day; we are common people, but at least while worshipping God, going for bhajans, or to the temple, at least for that period of time, if we try to engage our mind into that environment, then it will definitely help us. Because, if we take the attitude of the mind into consideration, we will find that many a times our mind has become tired or bored. Don’t we say, ‘How boring it is! Don’t know what to do! At that time, the bored mind can be put to better use. My mind is bored, no? I am weary, no?, why are we bored? Due to the monotonous nature of things. ‘Nothing new is happening. Nothing enjoyable. Nothing to be happy about. The T.V. serials are so drab. Don’t want to see them!’ We get more bored! Outsiders – who to talk to? Can’t trust anybody! Right? At such times, what to do? Each one is bored. During such situations, what should my mind think? That I have become bored any other person who may be similarly bored, I shall go and sit, by his /her side and bore him some more! No, it doesn’t mean that! Nor does it mean that I will myself more bored by such a person and return. But, any such person, who is suffering, who is unhappy, I shall go and try to help that person.

I had told you, long back, one granny used to go and sit beside all the sick and ailing persons. We can go and help them in such a manner. Where there is an Anaathashram (orphanage), we should do seva there, where there is an Vruddhashram (old Age Home), I go and offer seva, there, their minds have lost their sprightliness, we must make effort to infuse this sprightliness in their minds. Our people who go to Old Age Homes, Orphanages, Juvenile delinquents’ schools, Hospitals – The people their have lost their enthusiasm, if we try to give to their minds this sprightliness, our minds will never face boredom. At those places, our minds keep working. The vivacity of their minds have been destroyed, the enthusiasm, joy from their minds has gone and we have fill it up. We need not sing and dance to eliminate it, but what are we working on? We are working on their minds. And then, our mind is not in our hands. It is very fickle. But when we think about other people’s minds, give happiness to other’s, at that moment that Ram, Him being the Swami (Lord) of the 3 Lokas, and therefore the Swami (Lord) of the Mind too, he brings about changes in our minds. Which means, when we give joy to other people joy comes back to us, who gives us joy? Abhiram! Immediately, He starts working on the 2nd mental level of the 3 Lokas and starts giving us peace, satisfaction, courage, everything, bear this is mind! Which means, when we keep feeling that our mind is not in our control, it doesn’t listen to us, never mind; Do not be afraid. Try to give joy to others. . Try to reduce the unhappiness in others’ minds by making efforts, Bhagwant Ram will bring about changes in your mind. We try to bring about changes in our mind, but we cannot do so, because mind is extremely fickle and troublesome. Then, what is the simple and easiest path for us? That, we have our Sharir. With the help of the sharir only, bringing about changes in other’s minds, doing seva on the right path, by showing them movies, making them sing, dressing them up, bathing them, whatever that has to be done, but we shall make efforts to brighten their minds, then Bhagwant Ram shall bring zest to our minds and give us courage too, this we must realize.

Then our 3rd Deha – means ‘Buddhi’. The 3rd level of our Deha means Buddhi.. We must make proper use of this ‘Buddhi’, because this ‘Buddhi’ is the greatest gift human beings have received from God. What is the difference between Man and animal? Man has ‘Buddi’ with him. Animals have only self-instinct. They do not have ‘Buddhi’ with them. Each human being has Buddi-Swaatantrya (Freedom of Choice or Discretion) and hence each human being has Karmaswaatantrya (free will). Parameshwar never obstructs that Karmaswaatantrya. He has given it away. Making maximum utilization of the Buddhi, that karmaswaatantrya is to be used not for misconduct, misuse, abuse, or ill-treatment of people or for oppressing people, but for the upliftment of our lives, to behave properly, and make our lives better and make others life more beautiful. When man uses his Buddhi to deceive people, to loot people, for bad things, to enjoy and experience wrong things, then definitely, I tell you, first, this Ram stops helping that Buddhi. And once the God’s aid coming to Buddhi has stopped, then nothing remains except a downslide. And then, even if one is on the highest point of the largest peak in the Himalayas, once the aid coming from God to the Buddhi comes to a total halt, then the sliding which starts from the top ends at the bottom only. Then God says, I will not give support. Because, we know Sri Krishna’s stance, that Dusshashana’s hand was uprooted. 108%, it is His pledge only. 100%, it is His pledge. This we must realize. And hence, wherever Buddhi is used, how ever big, or small a man may be if he uses it to deceive, extort, or defraud others, then at that moment, the aid he receives from God stops completely. In that too, if he repents and tries to rectify, then he gives aid bit by bit, again and again. But for the one who does not repent at all, his Buddhi stops receiving aid completely and traveling at his own pace he reaches rock bottom. God does not interfere there at all. He neither pushes hard nor does he stop him. Hence, we must make use of our Buddhi, always. Why? So that, any mistake is not committed by me. If mistakes do happen, then we should stand in front of God and confess, ask for forgiveness and make efforts so that, such a mistake is not repeated.

Parmeshwar has already given us Buddhi, but for what has He given it to us? To choose what is right or wrong. With the help of our mind, we cannot choose what is right or wrong, good or bad. What can we choose with the help of our mind? What we like or what we dislike. But, with the help of Buddhi, we can choose what is apt for us and what is not apt for us! What is fit for us and what is unfit for us! What is good for us and what is bad for us! Therefore, this is the greatest gift God has given us. And this Buddhi has come from Mahapradnya, that Radhamaai (Mother Radha), directly to us and it is as much sacred as Her. But when we use the sacred gift which has come from her, for impious purposes, then from that moment itself, that Mahapradnya’s, that Ram’s, that Krishna’s, that Sadguru’s, that Dattaguru’s aid to Buddhi immediately stops. Bear in mind, it immediately stops, and here, the most biggest danger bell starts ringing in our life.

Abhiraamastrilokaan aam. And hence, God always gives each person, small shoves to bring the Buddhi back on the right track. ‘One man’s folly (tripping/fall) is another man’s lesson’. For us, today’s folly (tripping) is tomorrow’s lesson. Why does this tripping take place? We should understand that it is to keep our Buddhi on the right track and stable. Let us take a simple example. There is a small kid in the house of about 2-3 years of age. He keeps pressing the electric button. Kids love to press electric buttons. And what do we say, ‘Arre baapre! It is hot! You will feel the heat!” The kid grows up a bit, about 2.½ years old. It comes to know, that it is not hot. Then we tell him- ‘You will get a rap if you touch it”. Then what do we do? We actually give him one rap. Immediately the boy understands that if I touch this button, I shall get a rap, means it is something dangerous and then the kid stops touching the button. This is a lesson given by ordinary parents to their son’s Buddhi.

When we grow-up, then who are the parents of our Buddhi? We, ourselves are. We have to make use of our Buddhi in a proper manner, on the right track and also keep our behaviour, our conduct, our speech and our character beautiful. Whatever ever efforts we can make, we have to do for this sake only, so that our this Buddhi is utilized in the right manner. In the Sunderkand Vibhishan tries to make Ravana understand :

“Sumati Kumati Saba Ke Ura Rahahin | Naath Purana Nigama Asa Kahahin || Jahaan Sumati Tahan Sampati Naanaa | Jahaan Kumati Tahan Bipati Nidaana ||”

O Ravana, keep in mind, the Vedas and the Nigamas have betold that in each human being, both Sumati and Kumati do exist. Each person has them. But -“Sumati nivaar Kumati ke sangi”. It is Hanuman Rasayan (medicinal potion). He stays with Sumati (good thoughts). He cannot stay with Kumati (bad thoughts) even for a moment. And then, we should understand that this God, this Ram has made Ravana receive this Upadesh (advice) from his brother Vibhishana himself. Hanumant has given Upadesh. His grandfather i.e. Pulatsya Rishi has given Upadesh. But even after giving advice, what was the use? The penance of Lord Shiva, the precious thousands of years’ penance made for Lord Shiva, all that penance went waste, did it not? Tell me! The same Shiva finally came as Hanuman with the Trishul (trident) to destroy him, this we should note. The Trishul was now used as the Gada (mace), the same Shiva came as Ram’s servant to destroy Ravana. Ravana had made penance to the same Lord Shiva. Hence, it is clearly stated in the ‘Sunderkand’ that Ravana had to cut off and offer his ten heads to obtain the kingdom of Lanka. Yet he could not become immortal.

But Vibhishana, only by completely surrendering himself to Raghunatha, by placing his head on His Divine Feet, got the kingdom of Lanka and became Chiranjeevi (immortal). We know that Vibhishana is one of the Saptachiranjeev. It is told that the rakshasi (demoness) named Trijata is actually Vibhishana’s sister-in-law. And what did she dream? “Nagara Phiri Raghubira Dohaai” – that Vibhishana’s kingdom has been established, ‘I see such a dream,” says Trijata to other demonesses that she saw such a dream – “Sapne Baanar Lanka Jaari | Jaatu Dhana Sena Sab Maari||” that one Vaanar has burnt the whole of Lanka, destroyed the demon army and “Nagara Phiri Raghubira Dohaai” – Vibhishana got the kingdom but whose proclaimation was announced? In whose name was the Davandi (drums) made? It was of in the name of Ramnaam i.e. in Lanka whose rule was established? Only Ram’s rule was established. We should understand this basic difference between Ravana and Vibhishana. Vibhishana had not done much penance, Ravana had the fruits and lots of strength of the countless penance made by him. But at last due to his uncontrolled behaviour, it crumbled to dust in one instant. Vibhishan did not do any penance, he had only one Tulsi Vrindavan “Navatulasika Vrunda Tahan Dekhi Harashi Kapiraai” the Upasana of the holy Tulsi plant, “Rama Ankita Gruhsobha Barani Na Jaai” the sketch of Rama’s Aayudhas (weapons), Rama’s idol, His picture in the house and his ordinary simple Upasana. But when Vibhishan was extricated Ravana fell down. This is the magnificience of Buddhi. Hence Vibhishan could tell Ravana authoritatively - “Sumati Kumati Sab Ke Ura Rahahin |” that in each one’s inner self there exists Sumati and Kumati. But we should drop Kumati and take Sumati i.e. Sharir-Mana- Buddhi. These are actually the three Lokas of our own Deha only. They are most important to us. What have we got to do with the Lokas in the sky? Has anybody gone to see them? We shall only see what we are having in our hands. That should be taken care of properly. Let the imaginary things remain in the imagination only. What we cannot understand, we cannot understand! That which we can understand is of more importance. We do not achieve anything by just making big talks. Tell me, what do we get? Nothing!

Tell me, if a 4th std. student takes up M.Sc. Mathematics i.e. Mathematics at the M.Sc. level as his subject, learns by rote and solves the sums; but still, what is the use! M.Sc. Mathematics is of a very dreadful nature! Really! ‘1+1=2, prove it!’ Arre, now how to prove it? And that sum is not a small one! The solution is very big, of about 5 to 7 pages! One plus One equals two! First I looked at my friend and then his book! “1+1=2. Prove this” how to prove this? Simple 1 plus 1 means 2, this we can prove in a simple manner. But not for them! Their science is quite different! But if a 5th std. student learns this by rote, writes it down to show us, then does he become a M.Sc. graduate? Here we must understand that as our knowledge grows bit by bit, similarly how much little we understand accordingly we must use our Sharir-Mana- Buddhi; use it for the good work and keep proceeding ahead. Then, automatically, that Ram who takes care of all the three Lokas, He will take care of our Sharir, He will take care of our Mana and He will take care of our Buddhi, too!