Summary of last session (February 26) by Shri Mohan Khandekar.

Shri Vijayji started the session with the topic of Vratti vyapti and Phal vyapti. Our thought is our Vratti.  Many thoughts arise within us but only one thought can give us liberation. Unfortunately we run after “desire prompted” thoughts, which cover our intellect (Vratti vyapti).  Let these multiple thoughts be replaced by a single thought , a thought of reaching the Self (Phal vyapti).

Vijayji re-visited Tulsidas ji’s narration of various seasons. He compared Ramcharit Manas to the flowing river, Saryu. The stories on the banks of the river change just like the six seasons.  These seasons represent our emotions as well. 

For example:

Hemant:  Kaam (lust)

Grishma: Krodh (anger)

Varsha:  Lobh (Greed )

Shishir: Mad (Ego)

Sharad: Moha (attachment)

Vasant: Matsar (jealousy)

We need to change our Vrtti to reach Shri Ram. 

41:4 Vijayji explained the meaning of the words Sati and Sati Pratha which was initiated by wrong people for wrong reasons. Sitaji’s virtues are compared to  the clean and clear water of river Sarayu. 

Doha 42 Tulsidas ji compares the affection and interaction of four brothers to the sweetness of the water of river Saryu. Vijay ji’s comments: The number four stands for four principles (धर्म अर्थ काम मोक्ष) and four Vedas.  The interactions/activities of the body arise from five elements (earth, water, fire. air and space).

42:1,2 Tulsidas ji humbly sings the glories of the water of river Sarayu, which  not only quenches the thirst of a devotee but purifies the mind.  Similarly, reading, listening and understanding Ramcharit guides us on the right path.  This water provides spiritual strength, culminates sins from Kaliyug, removes negativity and gives permanent freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

42:3 A bath in this devout river can destroy the above-mentioned six enemies (षटरिपू).

Here Vijay ji referred to Verse 21, Chapter 16 of Bhagavad Geeta, where Shri Krishna describes these six enemies:

त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मन: 

काम: क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत्

The  destruction of these enemies can only happen when one practises discrimination, dispassion and six fold qualifications.

41:4 Here Tulsidas ji gives a beautiful example to explain Real from unreal.  Just like a deer runs after the “mirage water” (unreal) to douse its thirst, a samsari chases the material  objects to fulfill his desires thereby getting entangled in the sorrows of death and birth.  Surrendering to Shri Ram is the only way for a Jeevanmukti. 

Doha 43: After extensively talking about various qualities of river Sarayu and offering his respects to Guru, Tulsidas ji is now embarking upon the main topic of Ramcharit. 

Harih Aum!