Wondering through the Forest...
After leaving the safety of their hut, Sri Rama and Laksman search in the Forest of Demons for whereabouts of Mother Sita. They encounter many demons and holy aesthetics along the way. The demons they fought and the aesthetics they Helped, offering their own service as harbingers of Hope and Heroes to those in need.
One of the greatest Heroes the Ramayana is Jatayu, king of the vultures. Rama and Lakshman find Jatayu mortally wounded from Ravana's blade. He tells the brothers of his struggle with Ravana, and of the direction that the demon lord is headed.
Rama and Lakshman battle the Rakshasa (demon) Kabandha and defeat him. The brothers preformed a cremation of his corpse, and restored him to his former celestial form as gandharva Danu. From this good deed they received an eyewitness report that Ravana was recently seen flying over the Rsyamukha mountain.
Shabari is an aesthetic monk that lives at the foot of the mountain. Waiting for years for Sri Rama's arrival she has gathered sweet berries for him as offering. Lakshman points out that the berries were all ready tasted by the old monk. The reason was that she was separating them from the bitter berries. Seeing only the pure devotion and love which Shabari had for him, Sri Rama gladly accepted the berries as the most delicious food he had ever eaten. Can we see past the faults of someone or something they do if done in love and sincerity? The brothers learned about Sugriva for old monk, and the great bhakti or devotee finally receives darshana or blessing from Sri Rama which will allow her to reach Mahasamadhi or release from the bodily form and true unity with the divine.
Enters Hanuman
Rama meets Sugriva, the former monkey king, and his minister Hanuman on the Rsyamukha mountain. Rama provides Hope to Sugriva that he might once again become the monkey king. Seeing the injustice of the situation, Rama helps Sugriva. Vali, the one who stole the kingdom away from Sugriva, is defeated. In return for this great service, Sugriva sends out his monkey army in all directions to search for the abducted Sita. Sri Hanuman will become the most noted Hero of the Ramayana next to Rama as a result of the events that follow. The dear angelic Hero of Sri Rama, Sri Hanuman, carries out tasks that the incarnate Lord himself can not do. At this point the two most unlikely Heroes that could ever be according to Ravana's arrogance had assemble. Ravana had done great penance to Lord Bhrama and had received a boon which granted him invulnerability from all beings but those he regarded as beneath notice, the man and the monkey.
Hanuman is given charge of one of the monkey divisions. They finally reach the ocean without any leads when they encounter an aggressive vulture. One of Hanuman's party notices that he is the brother of Jatayu, and informed him of his brother's unfortunate demise. Hearing this Sampati, Jatayu's brother becomes eager to help them in their hunt for Ravana. The Vulture demigod tells them their destination is across the vast ocean on the island of Sri Lanka, where the demon city exists.
Practice in Gratitude for Heroes of all shapes and sizes
Celebrate! Celebrate! Celebrate all those wonderful Heroes, Helpers, and Hopes that have brought you to this very moment! Whether they be mailmen or veterans. Whether teachers or presidents. Whether your good buddies or Saints. Do your best to recognize that every step along the way to finding heath and happiness includes Heroes of all shapes and sizes, whether a house cat, dog, vulture king, cursed celestial being, or monkey minister :-)
Celebrate your dear self, your dear mind, your dear body, your dear breathe! A wonderful collections of miracles that is Hero to both our own self and others! Jai Sri Ram! Jai Sri Hanuman!Jai Sri Ram! Jai Sri Hanuman! Jai Sri Ram!
Thank you Ramayana, Swami Dharmakirti, Swami Sankarananda, Shanti Ashram, Divine Grace Yoga Ashram, satvic food, nature, honest seekers, fellowship, Peace, Heroes, Helpers, and Hopes have inspiration to live life to its fullest as receivers and givers of Love, Strength, and Courage, blessed channels of Peace :-) Have a wonderful day, my friend! Thank you so much for joining me, for being wonderful you! I hope that you enjoyed “Thank You Peace :-) For Hope, Help, and Heroes :-)” May all beings find that in Truth we all have the potential to be life's greatest Hero, Help, and Hope through living joyfully in Love and respect for all beings! Jai Sri Ram! Jai Sri Hanuman! Jai Sri Ram! :-) Love, Aaron :-)