Summary of last session (Sept 17, 2022) by Shri Mohan Khandekar
We resumed Ramcharit Manas session on Saturday September 17th after the summer break. Shri Vijayji started the session by explaining the importance of Mangalacharan. They, in essence, represent Vedas. Ramcharit Manas is not different from Pancham vedas. This epic Granth comprises Gyan, Bhakti, Karmkand and more. All the scriptures are written in Sanskrit and without guidance of a Guru, one cannot interpret them properly.
He further explained Sagun Brahman and Nirgun Brahman (साकार निराकार). The one without and one with the attributes. Shri Ram and Shri Krishna are the Avatars and come with a special purpose.
He re-capped what was previously discussed starting with Doha 44:1.
Muni Bhardwaj stops Muni Yagyvalk from departing his Ashram in Prayagraj, to clear his doubts. He asks him to clarify the glory of the name Ram and who Ram is?
Doha 47 onwards: Muni Yagyavalk refers to a story when Akhileshwar (Bhagwan Shiv), alongwith Sati goes to Agastya Rishi. Here Shivji is a devotee, who offers His devotion as Gurudakshina. Please note, as per Sanatan Dharma, if you do not offer Gurudakshina, the knowledge gained is culminated.
Doha 50 onwards, discusses the confusion in Sati’s mind as to why Shiv ji is referring to Shri Ram to be Sacchitanand. Shiv ji tries to explain to her that Ram is the Universal Protector but Sati fails to understand. Shiv ji knows that Sati’s shortcomings are due to Maya.
Sati proceeds and decides to test Shri Ram. She appears in front of Him as Sita.However, no one can hide anything from the Antaryami (अंतर्यामी). Shri Ram with a gentle smile asks her “why are you alone, where is Shiv ji, your husband”?. Embarrassed Sati returns to Shivji.
53:1 has words “nij agyanu”(निज अग्यानु) which can be compared to Mahavakya, तत्वमसि (Nij=त्वम, Ram=तत्, Aana=असी)
53:2 onwards, Satiji not only started seeing Ram-Sita everywhere but He is revered by Sages, Rishis and Munis. This is the Brahmand (ब्रह्माण्ड)swaroop of Shri Ram. There may be many Brahmandas but there is only one Brahman!
54: Satiji saw the power behind the Saakaar Brahman, in the form of Sati, Brahmani and Laxmi (Parvati, Sarswati and Laxmi)
Jai Shree Ram