Illusion of distress & joy!


As Rām sat on splendid chariot, Bharata took up the reins, Shatrughna held parasol on Rām’s head & Laxman winnowed a fan. Vibhishana held a white fan which shined brilliantly like a moon. In the sky, group of sages, celestials along with troop of Maruts, the host of gods, praised Rām & sweet reverberation was heard


Thereupon Sugriva, the foremost of Vānaras, possessing a great splendor, mounted an elephant named Shatrunjaya which looked like a mountain. All Vānaras also sallied forth mounting 9000 elephants


Rām, the foremost among men, accompanied by sounds of conches buzzing in the ears & also sounds of Kettle drums, proceeded to the city of Ayodhya, which had series of palaces


As Rām entered Ayodhya, the citizens saw him sitting on the chariot, like a warrior with his bow & arrow, having a beautiful form with attendants walking in front. The let out a huge roar of appreciation & few shed copious tears seeing their beloved King after 14 long years. He was their heart & soul. They were dead till they saw Rām, and their life air returned. People jumped & danced & made cheerful sounds in unison


The citizens felicitated Rām & were greeted in reciprocation by Rām. They followed him as he moved ahead, surrounded by his brothers. Surrounded by ministers, Brahmanas & other citizens, Rām shown with his own brilliance, like a moon among the stars. Rām’s chariot progressed, surrounded by musicians playing different instruments including cymbals, Swastika, drums etc & singing auspicious songs. Men on both sides of the royal highway, threw grains of rice mixed with turmeric, appearing like gold. Cows, Maidens along with Brahmanas carrying balls of sweet in their hands, walked in front of Rām


At the center of Ayodhya & all its residents, was Rām-their respected beloved King. It was a huge party with all expressing their joy in their own way seeing Rām, Laxman & Sitā. Celebrations filled each nook & corner of Ayodhya & celestials also lined up in the sky to catch a glimpse of this transcendental & unique sight. After such a long spell of distress as Rām was in exile, there was now bliss


We also face times of distress & happiness. But such feelings are just the state of mind, as in a comprehensive view both are part & parcel of the celebration of life. Krsna says in BG


mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ

āgamāpāyino ’nityās tāṁs titikṣasva bhārata


The nonpermanent appearance of happiness & distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter & summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed. This is knowledge


One has to follow the prescribed rules and regulations of religious principles in order to rise up to the platform of knowledge, because by knowledge and devotion only can one liberate himself from the clutches of māyā (illusion), says Srila Prabhupada


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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