Brother of Rama and son of Sumitra; represents intellect. (Glossary for the Vahinis)
Extract taken from (Ramayana: A Divine Drama - Actors in the Divine Play as scripted by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Vol. 3)
Dasharatha performed Puthrakameshti Yajna to get four sons. Lord Narayana Himself took birth as his son. Adisesha was born as Lakshmana. (SSS Vol.31, p. 202)
The third day after the birth of Rama, were born the twins- Chaitra, bright half eleventh day, Ashlesha Star, Vriddhi yoga. (RKRV Part I, pp. 42-43)
Out of the part of the pudding given by Kausalya, Lakshmana was born to Sumitra. (SSB 1996, p. 14)
Vashistha gazed upon the twin children of Sumitra. the elder one, he felt, would be a hero, a stalwart fighter, and endowed with vast wealth. He knew that he would take delight in the service of God and His Consort, Lakshmi; that service would be for him like the very breath of life. So, he chose the name Lakshmana for him. (RKRV Part I, p. 46)
Lakshmana, an embodiment of purity:
Lakshmana was the embodiment of purity and virtue. He is a worthy ideal to be emulated by students. Though he lived for thirteen years in the company of Rama and Sita, he had never looked at the face of Sita.
Rama would always praise Lakshmana for his great virtues, but Lakshmana would modestly say ‘Rama! I am Your servant. You are Lord Narayana Himself. This is the effect of Your company.’ Virtuous people are always modest and humble. (SSB 1996, p. 54)
Every notable character in Ramayana stands out as an ideal for the world. All of them are embodiments of Dharma. Consider the example of Lakshmana. Valmiki has described Lakshmana in many ways. He has called him ‘Rama s other self.’ In the Kamba Ramayana, Lakshmana is described as the ‘second virtue of Rama.’ Tulsidas characterises Lakshmana as ‘Rama s right hand.’ Rama and Lakshmana were associated inseparably as ‘Bimba and Pratibimba’--one was just the reflection of the other. In his great quality, his immaculate purity and spirit of sacrifice, Lakshmana is his own example.
In accordance with his father s commandment, Rama had to go to the forest. Lakshmana was under no such compulsion. Making the supreme sacrifice of his own accord, he elected to accompany Rama. Ayanam (Rama s path) was the apple of his nayanam (eye). Hence Lakshmana had a key role in Ramayana Leaving his mother, forsaking his wife and rejecting royal pleasures; Lakshmana chose to follow Rama as the be-all and the end-all of his life. By his sterling quality and exemplary character, Lakshmana stands out as an ideal to the world. (SSS Vol.21, pp. 80-81)
Listen to Bhagavan Baba speaking of Lakshmana, the ideal brother
Humility of Lakshmana:
Look at the self-control and humility of Lakshmana. When the ornaments (thrown over by Sita while being carried through the sky by Ravana) were placed before him by Rama and he was asked to identify those whom he could recognise as Sita s own, Lakshmana could recognise only the toe-rings of his sister-in-law! He said he used to see them when he fell at her feet in reverence, as the first duty of the day. As regards the other personal ornaments and jewels of Sita, he could not say anything, for he had never lifted his head and looked at her. How many brothers can claim today that depth of reverence towards their sisters-in-law? Now, young men behave rudely, they peer at girls insultingly, they follow them along the roads and make life miserable for the girls. (SSS Vol.4, p. 245)
Humility, heroism and noble character of Lakshmana
Between Rama and Lakshmana there was never any trace of envy or suspicion. Lakshmana was supremely indifferent to what was happening around him, if it did not affect Rama. His greatness is immeasurable.
When Lakshmana fainted during the battle with Meghanada, the latter wanted to lift his unconscious body and carry him into Lanka as a hostage. But since Lakshmana was the incarnation of the cosmic serpent, Sesha, he was tremendously heavy and could not be moved. So Meghanada gave up the idea and went away. Meanwhile Hanuman arrived there, and on his uttering the name of Rama, Lakshmana s weight was reduced to that of a feather, so responsive was he to Ramanama even in his unconsciousness. This is a measure of the humility and the heroism of this great-brother of Rama. (SSS Vol.13, p. 217)
Dangers of disobedience of divine command - Lakshmana Disobeys Rama on two occasions:
Aajna is a great injunction. If it is disobeyed, there will be no joy. Transgression of Aajna leads to many hardships and difficulties. (There are episodes in the Ramayana which point out the serious consequences of disobeying the Aajna). (SSS Vol.21, p. 85)
In this story of Ramayana, while the Lord in human form was playing the role of Rama, Lakshmana had also a very important role to play. The entire life of Lakshmana was devoted to obeying the orders of Rama. However, on two occasions, knowing that what he was doing was wrong, Lakshmana had to disobey the orders of Rama. The first occasion relates to the incident when Maricha appeared as a deer and when Maricha was being pursued by Rama, they heard the voices of Maricha asking for Lakshmana’s help and calling to Sita. What were the orders Rama gave on this occasion? Lakshmana was to remain and protect Sita. On that occasion, Sita spoke very harsh words and she even threatened by saying that if Lakshmana would not go, she would commit suicide by burning herself. On that occasion, listening to the harsh words of Sita, Lakshmana felt that if he would not leave Sita and go, some harm may come to her. In order that Sita may not harm herself, he disobeyed Rama’s orders for the first time. (SSB 1977, pp. 41-42)
The subsequent tragic developments---the carrying away of Sita by Ravana and all the troubles that had to be gone through to find and recover Sita--all these caused deep anguish to Lakshmana. He lamented: ‘Is it not because I transgressed Rama s orders that these troubles overtook Sita and us?’ All his life Lakshmana was distraught by these thoughts. He often felt: ‘This was the only occasion in my life that I had acted against Rama s orders.’ Rama is Atmarama, the Voice of God within. Do not disobey it or circumvent its directives. Pray that the Voice alerts you ever, pray with humility and surrender to the advice. Then Rama will guide you right with compassion. (SSS Vol.16, p. 58)
But, there came another occasion when he was faced with a cruel dilemma: whether to adhere to or act against Rama s orders. (SSS Vol.21, pp. 85-86)
Lakshmana s second transgression:
The second occasion: when he had to disobey the orders of Rama was towards the end of Rama’s mortal life. Rudra, the God of Time, came to meet Rama. Before he started conversation, he said that no one else should enter the room while they were conversing. So Rama called Lakshmana and asked him to stand at the entrance and see that no one disturbed them. Rama realised that this was a difficult task, and that only Lakshmana could do it effectively. Rama said if he allowed anyone, he (Lakshmana) would lose his head. (SSS Vol.21, p. 86) At this time, when Lakshmana was standing guard, Durvasa came and wanted to enter the room. Lakshmana, who was under orders to keep out visitors, told Durvasa in great humility that as Rama was in conversation with someone else, he should wait for a while. (SSB 1977, p. 42)
He (Durvasa) told Lakshmana: ‘I have to go in urgently for a talk with Rama.’ Lakshmana firmly refused to let him in. Enraged at Lakshmana s stand, Durvasa angrily declared: ‘I will utter a curse on Ayodhya. I will destroy your entire dynasty by my curse. Beware, Oh! Lakshmana!’ Lakshmana was shaken by the irate sage s threat. He was caught in a profound moral dilemma. ‘If I let the sage in, my head will be cut off. If I do not let him in, not only the city of Ayodhya but my whole race will be ruined by the sage s curses.’ Lakshmana could not reconcile himself to the destruction of Raghuvamsa (his dynasty). Nor could he suffer the prospect of the people of Ayodhya being destroyed. He resolved the dilemma in this way. ‘By disobeying Rama s orders I shall be losing only my head. But, thereby I shall be saving my dynasty and the people of Ayodhya.’ Coming to this decision, he allowed Durvasa to go in. Lakshmana felt: ‘It will be a supreme good fortune to have my head cut off at Rama s hands. I will be the only sufferer. If I do not yield to this sage, my entire race will be wiped out.’ Lakshmana thus deeply considered the pros and cons of his decision and chose to sacrifice himself rather than allow others to suffer. (SSS Vol.21, pp. 86-87) Since, he was the incarnation of Raghuvamsa, he shed his mortal coil and reached his divine abode even before Sri Rama. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom, Part 1, p. 49)
In this manner, Lakshmana spent all his life in the service of Rama and rarely disobeyed the orders of Rama; and even when he did disobey, it was only for the sake of others. All the work that he did was for the good of others. (SSB 1977, pp. 42-43)
Lakshmana s unalloyed devotion to his brother
Turning to the harmonious relations that existed between the brothers Complying with his stepmother s words, Rama might don the bark of trees, wear the mantle of an ascetic and leave for the forest. There was no such obligation on Lakshmana s part. But as a younger brother he felt that it was not proper for him to stay and enjoy life in Ayodhya when his brother was leaving for the forest. He was ready to renounce his mother and wife and accompany Rama, whom he considered as his life-breath.
Thus he followed Rama as an ascetic, treating Ayodhya without Rama as a jungle and a forest with Rama as Ayodhya. Indefatigably he served Rama and Sita night and day. The behaviour of brothers today in similar situations would be entirely different. They are likely to indulge in litigation over the sharing of property and lose them all in carrying the dispute upto the Supreme Court. They will not agree to enjoy the property in common and will ruin themselves through litigation. To such brothers, Rama should serve as an example.
It was because of the unalloyed devotion of Lakshmana that Rama considered him greater than Sita or anyone else. He declared: ‘It is impossible for me to find a brother like Lakshmana.’ This was a tribute to the way Lakshmana served Rama and Sita for thirteen years in the forest. (SSS Vol.24, p. 60)
Hanuman said to Sita, Lakshmana is spending his days watching over Rama as the lids guard the eye; he is the breath of Rama; he is overcome by the agony of separation from you and of witnessing the anguish of his brother; he has become a rock, unaffected by any feeling other than concern of Rama. He is the source of courage and sustenance that is unfailing and full. He has not slept these ten months, nor has he taken food. (RKRV Part II, p. 140)
Relationship of Brothers:
Lakshmana, the brother of Rama, who followed his footsteps throughout his earthly career, is the symbol of the Mind; walking on the footprints of Dharma, it never lost its way; it triumphed in the lap of Victory. The Ramayana is a text-book for Dharma to be lived out in every home, by the father, the mother, the son, the brother, the members of a joint family---both men and women. (SSS Vol.7, pp. 215-216)
To others like Vibhishana, Rama frequently stated that it is very difficult to find a brother like Lakshmana. He has been telling Sugriva and others, that the task which he has completed could be so handled only because of the presence of Lakshmana, and that he, by himself, could not have done it. If today, we want to understand the kind of relationship that should exist between brothers; we should take the example of Lakshmana from Ramayana. However, these days, the inimical attitude between brothers is indeed very bad. One brother cannot bear the prosperity of the other brother; they become jealous of each other and go to the extent of even killing each other. The sacred and good qualities of Lakshmana are beyond description. (SSB 1977, p. 43)
Rama said to Vashishta, Master! You are my witness; my father s feet are my witness. Let me assert this: No one is as dear to me as my brother, Lakshmana. No one has a brother in the world as dear as Bharata is to me.’ (RKRV Part I, p. 449)
Here is a small example. There is a stone from which you can produce fire. Even if such a stone is kept under water for a long time, it can produce fire when it comes into contact with another such stone. In the same manner, divine strength which is present in Lakshmana and Hanuman blossomed forth only when they came together or when they were in the company of Rama. (SSB 1977, p. 45)
(Killing of Meghananda)
Once, after a battle with Meghanada, Rama’s body was covered with blood. Lakshmana fainted unable to bear the sight. Such was the love that bound the two. (SSB 1996, p. 93)
Lakshmana – the steadfast support of Rama:
When Rama was banished to the forest, Kaikeyi asked for two boons. The first one was, Bharatha her son should become the king, and the second was that Rama should go to the forest and live there as a sannyasi for fourteen years. There was no place for Lakshmana in these two desires of Kaikeyi. But when Rama was preparing for the journey, Lakshmana also accompanied Rama. He also wore clothes of bark in the same manner. Looking at the kind of clothes Rama was wearing to go to the forest and the kind of appearance that Rama had, Lakshmana also decided that he should wear similar clothes and have a similar appearance.
For all the fourteen years in the forest, Lakshmana conducted himself, as if he was one with Rama. When Rama started out into exile in the forest wearing garments of bark, Lakshmana too did the same. For fourteen years he watched over his brother and his wife, guarding them day and night, without any regard for his own comfort or even for sleep or food. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 115) He was spending all his energy and time in taking care of and serving Rama and Sita. Truly, if Lakshmana was not present, how would Rama and Sita have spent their lives? This important role of Lakshmana was beautifully described by Tulsidas in his narration of the Ramayana. Tulsidas described that when Rama was returning victoriously to Ayodhya with his flag flying high, the people of Ayodhya were reverentially saluting the flag and the pole on which the flag was flying. But they did not know, he says, that the pole which carried the flag of Rama s triumph was Lakshmana, the devoted brother. How could the flag fly so splendidly without the dedicated service, the undaunted courage and the steadfast loyalty of the brother who gladly shared the travails of exile with Rama? (SSS Vol. 10, p. 115) This description of Tulsidas has a significant inner meaning. The pole here signifies Lakshmana. The pole is as important as the flag. In fact, if the pole did not exist, the flag cannot fly at all. Thus Lakshmana became the steadfast support for Sita and Rama. (SSB 1977, p. 41)
Always Obeyed Rama:
A difficult situation arose when Sita was in the family-way in an advanced stage. It became necessary for him to take Sita into the forest. He did not like to do this and yet he took her into the forest. This he did just for obeying Rama’s orders. Again, on the occasion when Sita returned from Lanka and when she was preparing to jump into the fire to prove her innocence, Lakshmana was asked to prepare the fire. Although Lakshmana did not like to do this, he did prepare the firewood for the test, just for obeying the orders of Rama. Whatever difficult situation it may be, he always followed the orders of Rama. (SSB 1977, p. 42)
The brother among brothers
The ideal of brotherhood as depicted in the Ramayana is without parallel in any other epic anywhere in world literature. When, during the battle with the Rakshasa (demon) hordes in Lanka, Lakshmana fell unconscious and could not be revived, Rama lamented the calamity, saying, ‘Alas! Lakshmana is the source of my breath; there is no brother like him on the whole earth.’ Lakshmana s life and relationship with his brother Rama are shining examples for mankind. (SSS Vol.13)) How can God lament! It was only a divine play enacted by Rama to show to the world the nobility and greatness of Lakshmana. Such sacred love is like a powerful magnet. Such selfless, unattached love transcends action, space, time, cause and effect. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, p. 47)
It can be said that Lakshmana is the A in the sacred syllable Aum; Bharatha, the second brother, is the U; Shatrughna, the third, is the M and Rama, the eldest, is the full Aum. Rama is the concretisation of the Brahman (Universal Absolute) that first emanated as the Primeval Sound, Aum. When Rama and Lakshmana were wading through the Jungle after the loss of Sita, the sages who saw them described them as the Sun and Moon, so majestic and magnificent was their mien. They shone with the splendour of courage and determination. When strength of body and steadfastness of mind reinforce each other, one s mein becomes attractive. Youth today has neither physical strength nor mental steadfastness, so young people appear old very early in life. When the body is weak, the mind, too, gets weak. You must try to develop physical well-being and health, for a gem has to be treasured in a safe, strong box. The gem of Divinity that is your reality also has to be kept in a strong box, namely, the body.
Lakshmana followed Rama as a shadow:
Lakshmana had a pure heart from his very birth. As he grew up he was able to overcome the urges of his senses and establish himself as their master. His character was above reproach. He eagerly welcomed any order from Rama and enjoyed fulfilling it to the best of his ability. He could not tolerate separation from Rama. His greatest desire was to be in Rama s presence. He followed Rama like his shadow, never residing in a place where Rama was not present. Rama was all that he wanted, all that he cared for. (SSS Vol.13, pp. 211-214)
Because of Lakshmana’s intense devotion to Rama, he has also followed Him like a shadow. He brought fruits, flowers and tubers from forest to serve Rama and Sita, and himself fasted. Every moment of his life, he spent in the service of Rama. He put his both his body and mind in the service and worship of Rama as a Sagunopasaka. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, p. 43)
Steadfast loyalty of Lakshmana to Rama
(Lakshmana with Rama and Sita)
When Rama started out into exile in the forest wearing garments of bark, Lakshmana, too, did the same. For fourteen years he watched over his brother and his wife, guarding them day and night without any regard for his own comfort or even for sleep or food. Tulsidas pays great tribute to Lakshmana for this devoted service. According to him, when Rama returned to Ayodhya after his period of exile, the citizens in lakhs cheered at the distant sight of the flag on top of the chariot which was bringing him. But they did not know, he says, that the pole which carried the flag of Rama s triumph was Lakshmana, the devoted brother. How could the flag fly so splendidly without the dedicated service, the undaunted courage and the steadfast loyalty of the brother who gladly shared the travails of exile with Rama?
In the course of Narayana enactment as a nara (man) named Rama on earth, He had a crucial role to play. Lakshmana laid down his life for the purpose of realising the Mission of the Avatar (divine incarnation). He never transgressed by as much as a step, the boundary laid down by Rama. When Rama ordered him to raise a fire into which Sita was advised to step as part of the fire-ordeal to prove her chastity to the world, Lakshmana obeyed with a bleeding heart. When Rama ordered him to take Sita out into the forest and leave her alone and unguarded there, Lakshmana obeyed, though his heart was wrung with pain. (SSS Vol.13, pp. 214-215)
Lakshmana gave up everything to serve Rama
Lakshmana decided every act of his on the touch-stone of either Rama s wish or the general good. He gave up everything---his wife Urmila, his mother Sumitra and the princely life at Ayodhya---for the chance of serving Rama and furthering His mission. (SSS Vol.13, p. 216) In the forest, Lakshmana protected Rama and Sita with great care and engaged himself in their service. (SSS Vol.40, p. 112)
Lakshmana was a courageous and resolute person. (SSS Vol.21, p. 86)
Grand examples of renunciation
When Lakshmana went to his mother, Sumitra, to take her blessings before accompanying Rama into exile, she did not argue, ‘Why should you go? Your father has not asked you to leave. Stay on and be happy in the palace and make me and your newly wedded bride happy.’ She said, ‘Son! Do not imagine that you are leaving for the forest and that we are remaining in the city of Ayodhya. Without Rama, this city is the jungle; with Him the jungle is Ayodhya.’ What did Urmila, the young wife, tell her Lord Lakshmana? She did not plead for permission to accompany her husband as Sita did and for very good reason. She said, ‘If I come, you will not be able to pay undivided attention to the service of Rama and Sita. I shall remain here awaiting your arrival after 14 years!’ What a grand example of renunciation, this! If, in each family, we have such sons, mothers, brothers and wives, the land will have no anxiety or sorrow. It will be resplendent with joy and peace. (SSS Vol.7, pp. 461-462)
Lakshmana used to follow Rama like a shadow. He never tolerated injustice. He treated Sri Rama as more important than his father, mother and even his wife. He was a Saguna bhuta (one who devoted to the form and attributes of god) and a great rununciant. He developed absolute faith and devotion in Sri Rama and sacrificed everything to be in His presence at all times. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom, Part 1, p. 41)
Lakshmana revered Sita as a mother
Rama lived in Ayodhya for twelve years after his marriage. After that, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita spent 13 years in the forest. During all the 25 years he had been with Rama, Lakshmana had not looked at Sita s face even once. Nowhere in history can you find an example of one with the character of Lakshmana. He revered every woman as a mother. (SSS Vol.21, p. 81)
When Sugriva brought the bundle of jewels that Sita had thrown down to the earth from the sky, when being carried away by Ravana, Rama excitedly showed them to Lakshmana, saying, ‘See, Lakshmana! These are jewels of your sister- in- law, aren’t they?’ Lakshmana touched the jewels with great reverence and said, ‘Brother, I do know the anklets. They are hers! The rest I do not know, for I have never seen her face!’ Rama pretended to be surprised, wanting to test Lakshmana, He asked, ‘Have you really never seen her face?’ Then Lakshmana said. ‘Brother, the great Dasaratha is my father ant the noble Sumitra is my mother, who had blameless characters. The blood flowing in my body is theirs. They never could do anything contrary to dharma in their word or deed. How can I being their son, do it?’ As is the seed, so is the tree. As is the food taken, so is the belch. What parents are, that embodies itself in their children too. (Heart to Heart Part I p.13)
Rama asks Lakshmana to identify the Jewels of Sita:
Lakshmana replied :
‘Naham janami keyure
Naham janami kundale
Nupurethyabhi janami
Nithyam padabhivandanath.
(I do not know whether these bangles belonged to Sita. I do not know whether these ear studs belonged to Sita, I can recognise only these anklets, for I prostrate to the feet of mother Sita daily) (Beacons of Divine Wisdom, Part 1, p. 46)
Since they had such noble character, they were blessed with what has been described as ‘Lavanya’. ‘Lavanya’ in Sanskrit means beauty of character. It is used as a mere name today. It actually means purity derived from strict discipline and character. (SSB 2002, p. 65)
Rama directed Lakshmana to leave Sita in a forest near some sage s ashram. Sita was pregnant at that time. When Lakshmana was about to leave, Sita said to him: ‘Lakshmana! It may be fitting for Rama to send me to the forest to appease public opinion. The duty of a king is to protect his subjects and be an ideal ruler to them. Eschewing completely all ideas of ‘mine’ and ‘thine,’ the ruler should be concerned solely for the well-being of the people. Sri Rama s reputation is the source of my joy. I do not grieve because he has sent me away. Rama s glory and fame should be everlasting. But, you, who are my brother-in-law, how can you agree to abandon me in this forest? Pregnant as I am, how can you have the heart to leave me alone in this wilderness? Please stay with me at least for some time and then you may go.’
Lakshmana replied: ‘Revered mother! All these years I have not even seen your face. In spite of the complete innocence and purity of your character, you have been the victim of calumny by thoughtless people. If now I were to stay with you, your good name will be subject to reproach. In these circumstances I am prepared even to give up my life for you, but I cannot suffer your reputation being sullied in any way. Moreover, I have to carry out Rama s orders. Rama means everything to me. I cannot live for a moment going against the commands of Rama. Therefore, Oh mother! forgive me and allow me to return.’ He prostrated at Sita s feet and entreated her to let him go.
In this manner, Lakshmana dedicated his entire life to upholding the glory of Rama and Sita. He thereby demonstrated to the world his own great qualities. (SSS Vol.21, pp. 81-83)
Lesson for today s youth from the life of Rama
Even during their boyhood Rama and Lakshmana were careful about how they dressed. During the period of their early spiritual apprenticeship, they discarded princely robes, even though Dasharatha tempted them to wear costly jewels and clothes. When in the forest as exiles, they wore deerskin and had their hair knotted on top. They argued that a dress must be worn for one s own satisfaction and not in order to imitate someone else. They were never slaves to fashion or convention. They laid down the norms for others and never Imitated others Just to earn their favour. Heroism was the hall-mark of the brothers. They met every obstacle squarely and exhibited the necessary enterprise and ability to meet and overcome opposition. The youth of today have to learn this lesson. They quaff before the tiniest obstacle and lose heart at the first difficulty they encounter. Like the heroes of the Ramayana they should march forward bravely, whatever the handicap, in either the secular, the moral or the spiritual fields of activity. When the truth of One Reality in all, the Reality of God, is revealed, then there will be no more room for anger or hatred. They will seek and see only the good in every one. (SSS Vol.12, pp. 212-213)
Surrender to the orders of God:
The Prapatti Marga is like the way of the kitten, the Marjala-kishora, ‘Sarvabhara Samarpitha’ attitude. As the kitten simply continues mewing in one place, placing all its burdens in the mother-cat the devotee puts complete trust on the Lord. The mother-cat holds the kitten in its mouth and removes it to more elevated places or transports it safely through even very narrow passages. So too the devotee places all his burden in the Lord and surrenders fully to His will. Lakshmana is the witness of this Path.
The characteristic of Prapatti is complete self-surrender, in all aspects. To serve Sri Rama, Lakshmana renounced all obstacles in his path, like wealth, wife, mother, home even sleep and food. And, this, He felt that Sri Rama was his all, his happiness and joy, that He would grant him everything that he needed and that his life’s purpose was only to follow Him and serve Him, and surrender his will to Him. So, if all burdens are placed on Him, and if He is followed ceaselessly and unforgettingly, He will certainly provide everything. This is the nature of the Prapatti type of devotion. (Prema Vahini, 1975, p. 55)
Until we reach the Railway station, we have to engage a coolie or a horse-driven cart or a cycle -rickshaw or a taxi to carry our luggage. If none of these conveyances is available, we have to carry the luggage on our head. Once we reach the station and sit in the train, the train carries us, along with our luggage. But, it is only an idiot who, even after boarding the train, carries the luggage on his head. In keeping with this analogy, when you have surrendered yourself to God, offer you everything to Him, unreservedly and unconditionally. Then, God will look after everything. When, to do, what to do and how to do, He will decide. You should not have any egoistic feeling of ‘I and Mine’ at that stage. In the Ramayana, there is a beautiful example for this. Sri Rama reached the Chitrakoot Mountain, along with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshmana. God takes a human form as a leela (sport). He is the suthradhari (conductor of the cosmic play) He pretends and acts as sorrowful and in difficulties, though in reality He has none of these feelings. He takes the human form to be available to devotees and to maintain proximity to them. Thus, he becomes near and dear to them. (BhaG)
Lakshmana is a superb example of the attitude of surrender. When Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana went to the forest and reached Chitrakoot, Rama told Lakshmana, ‘I am feeling tired and Sita is also tired. It is better we stay here for some time. (SSS Vol.31, p. 152)) It is better we stay here for some days. So I would like you put up a hut, in which we may stay longer, even for a period of 10 years if necessary. You can put up the cottage in any place of your choice (SEKH, p. 87)
Hearing these words, Lakshmana felt hurt and bent down his head with grief. Noting this, Sita asked Lakshmana, ‘Why are you perturbed, Lakshmana? Your brother did not speak anything harsh. Why do you feel so?’ (SSS Vol.31, p. 143)
Lakshmana said, ‘Have I ever had any choice of my own? I left my mother; wife, and all comforts of life and accompanied you both to serve. I have surrendered myself to Rama. (SS Jan 99, p. 25) There is nothing of my own; I am a total renunciant now. To obey your command is the be-all and end-all of my life. In fact, it is the only goal of my life. You are my father and Sita is my mother. This forest is Ayodhya for me. When I thus came along with you leaving everything, will there be again a decision of my own? Will there be any choice of my own? When you say that I should build a Parnasala (hut) at a place of my choice, it means I have a choice. In such a case it does not amount to total surrender (sampoorna saranagati) on my part. What a wretched fellow I am!’ He continued: ‘I have no other desire, except to obey your command. Your pleasure is my pleasure. My duty is to obey whatever you say. My only goal in life is to be at your Lotus Feet constantly and obey your commands. Nothing else.’
While Lakshmana thus surrendered himself before Rama, Sita entered the scene and pleaded: ‘Rama! Please do not speak to Lakshmana such words again’. (BhaG) Rama realized the sacred feelings of Lakshmana and the true attitude of his surrender and pointed out the site himself. (SS Jan 99, p. 25)
Shun bad places haunted by bad people
When one surrenders, according to the circumstances, the devotee becomes subject to some doubts and mental agitations. For instance, in the Ramayana, when Rama and Lakshmana were going in search of Sita, suddenly Lakshmana felt tired and told Rama that he was fed up with the search for Sita (SSS Vol.28, p. 53) and said, ‘Rama, I am leaving You and returning to Ayodhya. Why should I come with You? Only you were asked to go to forest. I shall go back to Ayodhya to join my wife and mother.’ Rama was surprised at this unexpected turn in the mind of Lakshmana and asked him to wait for a while. (SSS Vol.31, p. 153)
(The Humiliation of Surpanakha)
How did Lakshmana, who previously had declared that Rama was everything to him and that he would not live without Rama even for a moment, suddenly develop this attitude? How did this concern for bodily comfort arise? (SSS Vol.28, p. 53) Walking away some distance, he halted under a tree for shelter. Then Lakshmana repented for his lapse and said, ‘I am sorry, I don t want to leave You and go. I do not know why I got such an unnatural attitude all of a sudden!’ Rama said, ‘You were then in the region of Surpanakha, the demoness. So, your mind wavered. Now we have come out of her territory and you are normal.’ This is a lesson to show that even a great devotee like Lakshmana could be upset by traversing the region of a demonic person. Rama saw that Chitrakoot was the seat of rishi (sages) and so decided to stay there. That is why you should shun bad company and bad places haunted by bad people. Discriminate between what is good and what is bad, that which gives permanent joy and which is transient. Do good deeds. If you surrender to the Atma and be constantly in touch with it, God will be with you, around you, above you and below you. (SSS Vol.31, p. 154)
The lesson of this incident is that people will have to be careful about their association with certain places or persons. Eschew bad company. Be away from places where evil qualities are rampant. The vibrations from a place affect persons who frequent them. (SSS Vol.28, p. 54)
Lakshmana is Mantradrasta:
Rama symbolised Rig Veda. He was Mantraswarupa (embodiment of Mantras). Lakshmana was Mantradrasta (one who contemplated on the Mantras) and he put the teachings of Rama into practice. He followed Rama faithfully. He considered Rama Nama as the tarakam (liberating) mantra. He, in fact, considered Rama as everything - mother, father, Guru and God. (SSS Vol.37, p. 98)
Ideal Character of Lakshmana
Embodiments of Love! You do not need to undertake any spiritual practices. Experience the innate divinity in everyone by following the path of love. Spend your life in selfless service. This is the teaching of Rama. - Lakshmana said: ‘I am Your servant. It is my duty to serve You in the way You want me to.’
In order to demonstrate to the world the ideal character of Lakshmana, Rama subjected him to a test. When Sita, Rama and Lakshmana were residing on Chitrakoot Mountain, one day Lakshmana went into the forest to fetch some food. Taking this opportunity, Rama decided to test Lakshmana. He requested Sita to play her role in this divine drama. As Lakshmana was returning with food, Sita pretended to be asleep under a tree, keeping her head on the lap of Rama. Rama asked Lakshmana to keep Sita’s head on his lap without disturbing her sleep as He had some other important work to attend to.
Rama wanted to observe the feelings of Lakshmana. So, He assumed the form of a parrot and perched on the same tree. Considering Sita as his mother, Lakshmana closed his eyes and went into deep contemplation of Lord Rama. Rama in the form of a parrot started singing: ‘It is easy to wake up someone who is fast asleep, but is it possible for anyone to wake up a person who is pretending to be sleep?’ (Telugu Poem) Sita pretended to be fast asleep and even started snoring! In all respects Sita and Rama was a perfect match for each other. After some time, Rama returned as if from somewhere and ‘woke up’ Sita. Sita opened her eyes as if from deep sleep and expressed her satisfaction to Rama that she had a sound and undisturbed sleep. The Leelas (pranks) of God are mysterious, wonderful and sacred. God tests a devotee in order to shower His grace on him and protect him. Lakshmana fell at Rama’s feet and said, ‘I am Your servant. It is my duty to serve You in the way You want me to’. (SS May 99, p. 119)( (SSS Vol.32 Part I, pp. 108-109)
Lakshmana’s Sons:
Chitraketu: One of Lakshmana s two sons.
Chitrangada: One of Lakshmana s two sons. (Glossary of the Vahinis)
The sons of Lakshmana, Chitraketu and Chitrangada, were mighty warriors, heroic fighters, veterans of wars. They were deputed to the Western Region and destroying the Rakshasas there, they ruled over that area. Rama invested those two with regal authority over Cities with different names which became their capital cities. He also gave all the sons valuable advice on political and administrative matters. (RKRV Part II, p. 334)