King Susatva and Queen Sivali

King Susatva and Queen Sivali

THESE ARE NOT MY ORIGINAL TALES; I HEARD THEM; I NOW COMPILED THEM FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CHILDREN & ELDERS ALIKE ALL OVER THE WORLD, AT ALL TIMES: EACH STORY HAS A MORAL TO EMULATE / PRACTISE. THESE STORIES ARE FOR FREE USE OF ALL; THERE IS NO COPY-RIGHT !-------- I dedicate all these stories in this blog with utmost devotion to Sri Parama Paalakas (Supreme Rulers of this entire Universe): Bhagavan Sri Siddhi Vinayaka, Sri Lakshmi Narayana and Sri Gouri Sankara and Sri Saraswathi and Bhagavan Sri Venkateswara ! Aum tat sath !

Hearty Greetings and Best wishes to all persons in this entire world for a very happy and prosperous Sankranthu / Pongal festival. Sarve Janah Sukhinobhavanthu

Jan—15—2011 Saturday Story--27

PART : 1

Once upon a time in the city of Mithila, there was a king who had two sons. The older son was named Dushtaphal, and his younger brother was called Heenaphal.

While they were still fairly young, the king made his older son the crown prince. He was second in command and next in line for the throne. Prince Heenaphal became commander of the army.

Eventually the old king died and Prince Dushtaphal became the new king. Then his brother became crown prince.

Before long, a certain servant took a disliking to Crown Prince Heenaphal. He went to King Dushtaphal and told a lie - that his brother was planning to kill him. But after the servant kept repeating the lie, the king became frightened. So he had Prince Heenaphal put in chains and locked up in the palace dungeon.

The Prince thought, "I am a righteous man who deserve these chains. I never wanted to kill my brother. I wasn't even angry at him. So now I call on the power of Truth. If what I say is true, may these chains fall off and the dungeon doors be opened!" Miraculously the chain broke into pieces, the door opened, and the prince fled to an outlying village. The people there recognised him. Since they respected him they helped him, and the king was unable to capture him.

Even though he lived in hiding, the crown prince became the master of the entire remote region. In time he raised a large army. He thought, "Although I was not an enemy to my brother at first, I must be an enemy to him now." So he took his army and surrounded the city of Mithila.

He sent a message to King Dushtaphal - "I was not your enemy, but you have made me so. Therefore I have come to wage war against you. I give you a choice - either give me your crown and kingdom, or come out and fight." Hearing of this, most of the city people went out and joined the prince.

King Dushtaphal decided to wage war. He would do anything to keep his power. Before going out with his army, he went to say goodbye to his number one queen. She was expecting a baby very soon. He said to her, "My love, no one knows who will win this war. Therefore, if I die you must protect the child inside you." Then he bravely went off to war and was quickly killed by the soldiers of his enemy brother.

The news of the king's death spread through the city. The queen disguised herself as a poor dirty homeless person. She put on old rags for clothes and smeared dirt on herself. She put some of the king's gold and her own most precious jewelry into a basket. She covered these with dirty rice that no one would want to steal. Then she left the palace carrying the basket on her head. It was still before sunrise and no one recognised her.

She left the city by the northern gate. Since she had always lived inside the city, the queen had no idea where to go from there. She had heard of a city called Champa. She sat down at the side of the road and began asking if anyone was going to Champa.

It just so happened that the one who was about to be born was no ordinary baby. This was not his first life or his first birth. Millions of years before, he had been a follower of a long-forgotten teaching 'Buddha' - a fully ‘Enlightened Soul’. He had wished with all his heart to become a Buddha just like his beloved master.

He was reborn in many lives - sometimes as poor animals, sometimes as long-living gods and sometimes as human beings. He always tried to learn from his mistakes and develop the 'Ten Noble precepts'. This was so he could purify his mind and remove the three root causes of unwholesomeness - non-attachment, loving-kindness and wisdom.

This Enlightened Soul had been a humble follower of the forgotten Buddha. His goal was to gain the same enlightenment of a Buddha - the experience of complete truth. So people call him 'Bodhisatva', which means 'Enlightenment Soul'. No one really knows about the millions of lives lived by this great hero. But many stories have been told - including this one about a pregnant queen who was about to give birth to him. After many more rebirths, he became the Buddha who is remembered and loved in all the world today.

At the time of our story, the Enlightenment Soul had already achieved the 'Ten Noble precepts'. So the glory of his coming birth caused a trembling in all the heaven worlds, including the Heaven of 33 ruled by King Sumathi. When he felt the trembling, being a god he knew it was caused by the unborn babe inside the disguised Queen of Mithila. And he knew this must be a being of great merit. So he decided to go and help out.

King Sumathi made a covered carriage with a bed in it, and appeared at the roadside in front of the pregnant queen. He looked just like an ordinary old man. He called out, "Does anyone need a ride to Champa?" The homeless queen answered, "I wish to go there, kind sir." "Come with me then," the old man said.

Since the birth was not far off, the pregnant queen was quite large. She said, "I cannot climb up into your carriage. Simply carry my basket and I will walk behind." The old man, the king of the gods, replied, "Never mind! I am the cleverest driver around. So don't worry. Just step into my cart!"

Lo and behold, as she lifted her foot, King Sumathi magically caused the ground under her to rise up! So she easily stepped down into the carriage. Immediately she knew this must be a god, and fell fast asleep.

Sumathi drove the cart until he came to a river. Then he awakened the lady and said, "Wake up, daughter, and bathe in this river. Dress yourself in this fine clothing I have brought for you. Then eat a packet of rice." She obeyed him, and then lay down and slept some more.

In the evening she awoke and saw tall houses and walls. She asked, "What is this city, father?" He said, "This is Champa." She asked, "In so short a time? I heard it was a long way to Champa." King Sumathi replied, "I took a short cut. Now that we are at the southern gate of the city, you may safely enter in. I must go on to my own far-off village." So they parted and Sumathi disappeared in the distance, returning to his heaven world.

The queen entered the city and sat down at and inn. There happened to be a wise man living in Champa. He recited spells and gave advice to help people who were sick or unfortunate. While on his way to bathe in the river with 500 followers, he saw the beautiful queen from a distance. The great goodness of the unborn one within gave her a soft warm glow, which only the wise man noticed. At once he felt a kind and gentle liking for her, just as if she were his own youngest sister. So he left his followers outside and went into the inn.

He asked her, "Sister, what village are you from?" She replied, "I am the number one queen of King Dushtaphal of Mithila." He asked, "Then why did you come here?" "My husband was killed by the army of his brother, Prince Heenaphal," she said. "I was afraid, so I ran away to protect the unborn one with me." The wise man asked, "Do you have any relatives in this city?" She said, "No sir." Then he said, " Don't worry at all. I was born in a rich family and I myself am rich. I will care for you just as I would for my own young sister. Now you must call me brother and grab hold of my feet and cry out."

When she did this, the followers came inside. The wise man explained to them that she was his long lost youngest sister. He told his closest followers to take her to his home in a covered cart. He told them to tell his wife that this was his sister, who was to be cared for.

They did exactly as he had said. The wife welcomed her, gave her a hot bath, and made her rest in bed.

After bathing in the river the wise man returned home. At dinner time he asked his sister to join them. After dinner he invited her to stay in his home.

In only a few days the queen gave birth to a wonderful little baby boy. She named him Susatva. She told the wise man this was the name of the boy's grandfather, who had once been King of Mithila.

GOOD PERSONS HELP EVEN RELATIVES OF THEIR ENEMIES, WHO ARE INNOCENT & GOOD.

HASTE IS WASTE.

HASTE IS WASTE.

Part-22 (Jan—9—2011) Sunday.

Vidhyadhara had four sons; Sarada’s son was Bhattu, Rajyalaskmi’s son was Vikrama- adithya; Kankavalli’s son was Varahamihira; Kalavathi’s son was Bharthruhari. The four boys were given excellent education by teachers of gurukulam; later they learnt all the special subjects and rare sciences from their father. They all were erudite scholars and won fame and name all over the world.

Vikramaadithya worshipped Goddess Kali and got boons from her; he should rule the kingdom for one thousand years; Bhatti (Bhattu) was the prime-minister and chief advisor to the emperor. The two brothers came to a good understanding. “Vikramaadithya rules for six months and goes on tour of the empire for next six months in disguise; and personally observe the conditions of the people

and the situation in the empire. When the emperor rules, Bhatti goes on the tour; when Bhatti rules the emperor goes on tour. So they cleverly manage to rule the kingdom each for one thousand years and also extend their lives-span by 2 thousand years.”

Varahamihira acted as financial advisor to king and minister of finance, trade & commerce; he was also an expert astrologer and wrote many standard works on astrology in Sanskrit. (Even now they are available. The author of these stories, Prof. Ramana Rao, translated some of his books into English.)

Bharthruhari took the duties of the chief military commander; and protected the empire from foreign invasions and maintained excellent conditions of law and order in the entire empire. He was also renowned as a great poet and writer. He wrote sathakams (100 verses) on the moral values of life. Even now they are widely red.

He had a very noble and well-behaved lady as his wife; her name was Sunanda. She was very beautiful and attractive and adored as a divine damsel (apsarasa). Once Bharthruhari was on the terrace and watching the beauty of dusk and the sky and the beautiful flower garden around. Then the saw a funeral procession and the wife of the diseased man is accompanying for sathi (burning of

the living wife with the dead-man). In those days the Sathi was a prevalent social custom; now it is deemed as a social evil and punishable under-law.

Then Sunanda asked why the wife is going to the burial ground; Bharthruhari was surprised but explained her the sati-practice; she expressed her surprise, “What need is for Sathi?”. Bharthruhari was having an inner- contemplation; “ Is his wife not true to him? Has she no love for him? Is she averse to sathi-practice”; he was unhappy with her. But he never expressed his feelings to anyone. He wanted to test her nature and truth of her love for him and waited for an opportunity.

Once Bharthruhari took a thousand soldiers and went to a forest to clear it of wild animals, which were pestering the nearby villages, killing hundreds of people & thousands of cattle. They camped in the forest. On third day Bharthruhari got an idea to test his wife; he sent a word to his wife by one of his trusted soldier that a leopard killed Bharthruhari during hunting action. When she heard the

news, she swooned and fell down and died in a few minutes. The messenger-soldier rushed back and told Bharthtruhari what happened. Bharthruhari was stunned; he realized the true meaning of his wife’s remarks. There is no need for a true wife to go to burial ground for sathi; she dies on the spot and on the minute when her husband dies. This is the true nature of a dedicated wife. He realized his grave mistake of putting a test to his wife’s love and noble nature. But this is weeping over spilt milk. Nothing could be done now. So he went and performed the funeral ceremonies of his wife with utmost sorrow and guilty-feeling. He realized hasty ideas and actions were hazardous & were to be avoided. HASTE IS WASTE.

Bharthruhari was disenchanted with life and worldly pleasures; he relinquished his duties of the chief military commander; he took to the life of a hermit (sanyasi). A cottage was built for him on the banks of nearby river amidst fruit and flower gardens; he took to renunciation and lived there alone doing penance and writing sathakams (100 verses is one sathakams) for the benefit of posterity; on moral behaviour, on futile nature of world and worldly possessions and pleasures; on sanyasa (renunciation) and other such topics in Sanskrit language. Even now those sathakams are in popular study. (The author of these stories Prof.Ramana Rao translated his Moral Verses into English prose).

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER .

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER .

Part-26 (Jan—8—2011) Saturday

Five thousands years ago, there lived a Brahmin family in the village of Krishnapuram on the banks of river Gouthami (Godavari). The family is known for erudite scholars. They were experts in various branches of learning. Vidyadhara belonged to that family. He was a child-prodigy, and eka-santha-graahi (could learn by heart any difficult verse of any number of lines if he hears it only once and never forget it in his life; he can recite the entire verse faithfully verbatim). His parents wanted him to acquire all the knowledge in the world. So they sent him to Gurukulam school when he was 5 years of age; he mastered the primary education and got by heart all the four vedams, veda-angams and Upanishads and sciences like astrology, astronomy, ayrveda-medicine, and philosophy just in 5 years. Generally it takes 50 years for a very intelligent person to master them all. Then he joined as a teacher in Gurukulam and taught the students various subjects with zeal. When he completed 18 years of age, his parents and family elders wanted him to go to Kasi (Varanaasi) and give examinations in the parishad of scholars and get a golden bracelet from the pareeksha-parishad (Board of Examiners) certifying him as a erudite scholar in all branches of learning. So he started on his journey to Kasi; there were no trains or buses; people walked the entire distance. It took him 3 months to reach Kasi. He stayed in a vidyarthi-dharmasaala (choultry; free inn) where free boarding and lodging was provided for students / scholars). It took him one month to complete all the examinations in all the various different subjects he mastered. He was given a special golden bracelet bedecked with nine gems to certify him to be world’s greatest erudite scholar by the parishad. He felt very happy. He spent another week visiting the various nearby temples and pilgrim centers. He started his return journey home.

In those ancient days, there were dangers of dacoits, plunderers, snakes, wild animals, and diseases, inflicting heavy loss of life to travelers. So travelers traveled during day-time and took rest during night at some free choultry (inn) or in the house of some kind and charitable person. Vidyadhara kept concealed his golden bracelet in the quilt securely sown in. He looked as an ordinary poor brahmin pilgrim and dacoits had no suspicion of his having gold or money. He traveled safely for some days. One evening he was hastening through a forest to reach the nearby village before dusk.

But he lost his way; it was dark; he could not see the path to walk. So he reached a big banyan tree and rested there. At midnight a brahmaraakshsi (ghost) got down the tree and woke up the traveler, Vidyadhara.

It shouted fiercely that it shall kill him and eat him. Vidyadhara trembled with fear. He prayed the raakshasi; “Oh! Sir, do not harm me. I am a erudite scholar and returning home after earning the gold bracelet from the parishad there. If I can do any help to redeem you from the cursed state of a ghost; I promise to do anything for you; please spare my life.”

The brahma-raakshasi was pleased with the prayers & promise of Vidhyadhara. It told its story. “Oh! You promise to help me redeem me from course and this raakshasi state. I am happy. I was a Brahmin pandit (scholar) with mastery over vedic sciences; and also rare sciences which enable a person (1)to reach distant lands in one minute by uttering a mantra; (2) to see and listen to persons at great distances; (3) to fly in air and travel to distant places; (3) to stay under deep-water for days without air-supply, (4) to turn base metals into gold (5) to turn pebbles into gems and many more such miracles. I became rich and renowned. I was proud and arrogant. Once a great Brahmin scholar approached me to take him as my disciple and teach me the rare knowledge I possessed. I was afraid he becomes my rival if I teach him. Also I refused his request and insulted him. He was hurt by my insult; he cursed me. “You shall become a brahma-raakshasi and live in the forest, killing and eating travelers.” I fell on his feet and to pardon me and tell me redemption for the curse.” The Brahmin was pacified; he told me redemption. You teach all your knowledge to some worthy Brahmin scholar. Then you get redemption from this curse. Till now I spent a thousand years on this tree searching for such a scholar. So now I have you here, a worthy Brahmin scholar. I teach you all my knowledge. I teach you every midnight one hundred difficult verses; you must recite them in day-time and repeat them verbatim next night before me and learn another 100 verses; this you do for 30 nights. When all my knowledge is transferred to you completely, I get redemption from my curse. Till then you should not leave this banyan tree; if you try to escape, I shall catch and kill you immediately.” He agreed.

The teaching-learning program went on well, without any hitch, for 30 nights. All these days, he had no food, he starved and became very weak. On the dawn of 31 day the raakshasi disappeared; its curse was removed; a brahim appeared there. He blessed and thanked Vidhyadhara for his sincere

learning and helping him to get redemption. He gave his golden bracelet also as a gift to Vidyadhara; and disappeared.

Vidyadhara drank water to his heart’s content and started towards the next village. He reached there by noon. The sun was blazing hot. He was tired and found a marble-deck before a rich mansion. He laid there fast asleep. The work-maid reported of this man sleeping on the varainda (front porch) to the lady of the house and her daughter. They came and saw Vidyadhara; they understood he was

a Brahmin scholar, emancipated and tired. So they took him into their house and placed him on a comfortable silk bed to sleep and called a medical expert to examine him. The doctor told correct diagnosis and treatment. “I find this Brahmin spent over 30 days without food and sleep and worked day and night. I can not tell the reason. You give him hot water bath and wash and clean his entire body with soap-nuts’ juice and medical decantation I give you now, twice a day. You prepare paste of powdered rice well-cooked (gruel), mix it with the powder-medicine I give now and smear that paste once every six hours, four times every day. This gives him nourishment; he sleeps for two weeks and wakes up. He recovers well by the treatment we give him now-on.” The daughter of that house-lady took up the service duty of Vidyadhara; she gave all the treatment-cum-services personally and sincerely. She was in her teens and of 18 years age. She was bewitched by the beauty of this youth. On searching his belongings, they found the two gold-bracelets with emblems of Varanasi Vidya-parishad engraved on them. They understood him to be a very great brahmin scholar, honoured by pandit-parikshaa-parishad of Kasi city. The girl fell in love with him and told her mother her intention to marry him.

The lady of the house, named Ratnavali, is the chief dancer in the royal court and is very well liked and treated by the king. She become a multi-millionaire with king’s patronage. She possessed several bags of gold coins, gold-ornaments, gems and gorgeous silk clothes, huge mansions, gardens and hundreds of hectors of lands, agricultural / horticultural lands. She has only one daughter, named Kalavathi; she is everyting thing for Ratnavali. She also felt the Brahmin scholar is a very worthy, healthy and handsome. So the mother Ratnavali agreed for his daughter’s proposal, but wanted to enquire about his family and antecedents and take approval of his parents before celebrating the marriage.

On the 15^th day morning, Vidhadhara woke up from his deep sleep. All felt happy at his recovery. He was given good clothes, a feast and royal treatment and good rest. Next day the mother and daughter got full information about Vidyadhara. Then this information was passed on to the king and his important courtiers.

After three days Ratnavali took Vidhadhara to the king’s court and introduced him to the king and other top officers. They were awe-inspired when they saw the gem-bedecked golden bracelets and the bracelet presented by Brahmin-raakshasi-teacher. Vidyadhara also explained the various subjects he mastered. The king and his ministers found he had all the 32 noble qualities of an able king and ruler. His astrological charts were carefully examined by experts, they told he is fit to become an emperor and his sons become famous persons in the history of the entire world.

Ratnavali told king of her decision to get her daughter married to Vidyadhara. But in those days there was social custom that the bride and groom should belong to same caste. So the wise ministers were consulted. They advised that he can marry for girls, one Brahmin, one Kshathriya, one Vaisya and one soodra. So his parents and family members were invited and brought to royal court on special chariots. They were given special honours and the proposal of four girls marrying

Vidyadhara was placed before them for their approval. The family agreed gladly.

Vidyadhara was married to Sarada, the daughter of the prime-minister, to Rajyalakshmi the daughter of the king, to Kankavalli the daughter of the royal advisor of financial matters, and to Kalavathi, the daughter of Ratnavali. He worked as king’s assistant for a decade; when the king’s Shast-abdi-poorthy celebrations (completion of 60 years age) were performed, Vidhyadhara was crowned as the King of the land. He lived happily for a hundred twenty years.

This story proves that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Vidhyadhara would have lived as an ordinary Brahmin scholar, heading the gurukulam school in his native place. His knowledge and noble character helped him to rise to the eminence of an emperor and lead a happy and royal life. Also he was lucky; his merit and rare abilities were recognized and rewarded properly by the King.

Author: Prof. Komaragiri Venkata Ramana Rao. Ph.D., (Retired Professor; Andhra University College of Engineering); Astrologer-Scienitst. Durham. NC; U.S.A.: (Tatayya = Grand-father). My e-mail address : pandit@jyothishi.com---------- I dedicate all these stories in the blog to Sri Parama Paalakas (Supreme Rulers of this entire Universe): Bhagavan Sri Siddhi Vinayaka, Sri Lakshmi Narayana and Sri Gouri Sankara and Sri Saraswathi and Bhagavan Sri Venkateswara !

Non-violence and friendliness

. Raja Subudhi the Great

Jan—02—2011 (Sunday) Once upon a time during Krutha Yuga, in Varanasi (Varanasi (Benares)) in northern India, the Enlightened Soul was born into the royal family. When he became king he was called Goodness the Great. He had earned this title by trying to do good all the time, even when the results might not benefit him. For example, he spent much of the royal treasury on the building and running of six houses for charity. In these houses food and aid were given freely to all the poor and needy who came along, even to unknown travelers. Soon Raja Subudhi the Great became famous for his patience, loving-kindness and compassion. It was said that he loved all beings just like a father loves his young children.

Of course Raja Subudhi observed the holy days by not eating. And naturally he practiced the 'Five Training Steps', giving up the five unwholesome actions. These are: destroying life, taking what is not given, doing wrong in sexual ways, speaking falsely, and losing one's mind from alcohol. So his gentle kindness became more and more pure.

Since he wished to harm no person, Raja Subudhi the Great even refused to imprison or injure wrongdoers. Knowing this, one of his highest ministers tried to take advantage of him. He cooked up a scheme to cheat some of the women in the royal harem. Afterwards it became known by all and was reported to the king.

He called the bad minister before him and said, "I have investigated and found that you have done a criminal act. Word of it has spread and you have dishonored yourself here in Varanasi (Benares). So it would be better for you to go and live somewhere else. You may take all your wealth and your family. Go wherever you like and live happily there. Learn for this lesson."

Then the minister took his family and all his belongings to the city of Kosala. Since he was very clever indeed, he worked his way up and became a minister of the king. In time he became the most trusted adviser to the king of Kosala. One day he said, "My Lord, I came here from Varanasi (Benares). The city of Varanasi (Benares) is like a beehive where the bees have no stingers! The ruling king is very tender and weak. With only a very small army you can easily conquer the city and make it yours."

The king doubted this, so he said, "You are my minister, but you talk like a spy who is leading me into a trap!" He replied, "No my Lord. If you don't believe me, send your best spies to examine what I say. I am not lying. When robbers are brought to the King of Varanasi (Benares), he gives them money, advises them not to take what is not given, and then lets them go free."

The king decided to find out if this was true. So he sent some robbers to raid a remote border village belonging to Varanasi (Benares). The villagers caught the looters and brought them to Raja Subudhi the Great. He asked them, "Why do you want to do this type of crime?"

The robbers answered, "Your worship, we are poor people. There is no way to live without money. As your kingdom has plenty of workers, there is no work for us to do. So we had to loot the country in order to survive." Hearing this , the king gave them gifts of money to start their own business, advised them to change their ways, and let them go free.

When the King of Kosala was told of this, he sent another gang of bandits to the streets of Varanasi (Benares) itself. They too looted the shops and even killed some of the people. When they were captured and brought to Raja Subudhi, he treated them just the same as the first robbers.

Learning of this, the King of Kosala began marching his troops and elephants towards Varanasi (Benares).

In those days the King of Varanasi (Benares) had a mighty army which included very brave elephants. There were mamy ordinary soldiers, and also some who were as big as giants. It was known that they were capable of conquering all India.

The giant soldiers told Raja Subudhi about the small invading army from Kosala. They asked permission to attack and kill them all.

But Raja Subudhi the Great would not send them into battle. He said, "My children, do not fight just so I may remain king. If we destroy the lives of others we also destroy our own peace of mind. Why should we kill others? Let them have the kingdom if they want it so badly. I do not wish to fight."

The royal ministers said, "Our Lord, we will fight them ourselves. Don't worry yourself. Only give us the order." But again he prevented them.

Meanwhile the King of Kosala sent him a warning, telling him to give up the kingdom or fight. Raja Subudhi the Great sent this reply: "I do not want you to fight with me, and you do not want me to fight with you. If you want the country, you can have it. Why should we kill people just to decide the name of the king? What does it matter even the name of the country itself?"

Hearing this, the ministers came forward and pleaded, "Our Lord, let us go out with our mighty army. We will beat them with our weapons and capture them all. We are much stronger than they. We would not have to kill any of them. And besides, if we surrender the city, the enemy army would surely kill us all!"

But Raja Subudhi would not be moved. He refused to cause harm to anyone. He replied, "Even if you do not wish to kill, by fighting many will be injured. By accident some may die. No one knows the future - whether our present actions are right or wrong. Therefore I will not harm, or cause others to harm, any living being!"

Then Raja Subudhi ordered the city gates be opened up for the ivaders. He took his ministers to the top floor of the palace and advised them, "Say nothing and try to remain calm."

The King of Kosala entered the city of Varanasi (Benares) and saw that no one was against him. He surrounded the royal palace. He found that even the palace doors ere open to him. So he and his soldiers entered and went up to the top floor. They captured the innocent Raja Subudhi the Great. The soldiers tied the hand of the defeated king and all his ministers.

Then they were taken to the cemetery outside the city. They were buried up to their necks, standing straight up, with only their heads above ground. But even while the dirt was being trampled down around his neck, the Great Being remained without anger in his mind and said nothing.

Their discipline and obedience to Raja Subudhi were so great that not a single minister spoke a word against anyone. But the King of Kosala had no mercy. He said roughly, "Come nighttime, let the jackals do as they please!"

And so it came to pass that, at midnight, a large band of jackals wandered into the cemetery,. They could smell a feast of human flesh waiting for them.

Seeing them coming, Raja Subudhi and his ministers shouted all at once and scared the jackals away. Twice more this happened. Then the clever jackals realised, "These men must have been put here for us to kill and eat." No longer afraid, they ignored the shouts. The jackal king walked right up to the face of Raja Subudhi.

The king offered his throat to the beast. But before he could bite into him, the king grabbed the jackal's chin with his teeth. Not harming him, Raja Subudhi gripped him tightly so that the jackal king howled in fear. This frightened his followers and they all ran away.

Meanwhile the jackal king thrashed back and forth, trying madly to free himself from the mighty jaws of the human king. In so doing, he loosened the dirt packed around the king's neck and shoulders. Then Raja Subudhi released the screaming jackal. He was able to wiggle himself free from the loosened earth and pull himself up onto the ground. Then he freed all his frightened ministers.

Nearby there was a dead body. It just so happened that is was lying on the border of the territories claimed by two rival demons. They were arguing over the division of the body, insulting each other in ways that only demons can.

Then one demon said to the other, "Why should we continue quarreling instead of eating? Right over there is Raja Subudhi the Great of Varanasi (Benares). He is famous in all worlds for his righteousness. He will divide the dead body for us.

They dragged the body to the king and asked him to divide it between them fairly. He said, "My dear friends, I would be glad to divide this for you. But I am filthy and dirty. I must clean myself first."

The two demons used their magic powers to bring scented water, perfume, clothing, ornaments and flowers from the king's own palace in Varanasi (Benares). He bathed, perfumed himself, dressed, and covered himself with ornaments and flower garlands.

The demons asked Raja Subudhi if there was anything else they could do. He replied that he was hungry. So, again by their magic powers, the demons brought the most delicious flavoured rice in a golden bowl and perfumed drinking water in a golden cup - also from the royal palace in Varanasi (Benares).

When he was satisfied, Raja Subudhi asked them to bring him the sword of state from the pillow of the King of Kosala, who was sleeping in the palace in Varanasi (Benares). With magic this too was easily done. Then the king used the sword to cut the dead body in two halves, right down the spine. He washed the sword of state and strapped it to his side.

The hungry demons happily gobbled up the fairly divided dead body. Then they gratefully said to Raja Subudhi, "Now that our bellies are full, is there anything else we can do to please you?"

He replied, "By your magic, set me in my own bedroom in the palace next to the King of Kosala. In addition, put all my ministers back in their homes." Without a word, the demons did exactly as the king had asked.

At that moment the King of Kosala was fast asleep in the royal bed chamber. Raja Subudhi the Great gently touched the belly of the sleeping king with the sword of state. The king awoke in great surprise. In the dim lamplight he was frightened to see Raja Subudhi leaning over him with sword in hand. He had to rub his eyes to make sure he was not having a nightmare!

Then he asked the great king, "My Lord, how did you come here in spite of all my guards? You were buried up to your neck in the cemetery - how is it you are spotlessly clean, sweet smelling, dressed in your own royal robes, and decorated with fine jewelry and the loveliest flowers?"

Raja Subudhi told him the story of his escape from the band of jackals. He told of the two demons who came to him to settle their quarrel. And he told how they gratefully helped him with their magic powers.

On hearing this, the King of Kosala was overcome by his own shame. He repnted his malefic actions. He bowed his head to Raja Subudhi the Great and cried, "Oh great king, the stupid ferocious demons, who live by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of dead bodies - they recognised your supreme goodness. But I, who was lucky enough to be born as an intelligent and civilised human being - I have been too foolish to see how wonderful your pure goodness is."

"I promise never again to plot or fight against you, my Lord - you who have gained such perfect harmlessness. And I promise to serve you forever as the truest of friends. Please forgive me, great king." Then, as if he were a servant, the King of Kosala laid Raja Subudhi the Great down on the royal bed, while he himself lay on a small couch.

The next day the King of Kosala called all his soldiers into the palace courtyard. There he publicly praised the King of Varanasi (Benares) and asked his forgiveness once again. He gave back the kingdom and promised that he would always protect Raja Subudhi. Then he punished his adviser, the criminal minister, and returned to Kosala with all his troops and elephants.

Raja Subudhi the Great was sitting majestically on his golden throne, with its legs like those of a gazelle. He was shaded from the sun by the pure white royal umbrella. He taught his loyal subjects saying, "People of Varanasi (Benares), wholesomeness begins with giving up the five unwholesome actions once and for all. The highest qualities of the good person, whether ruler or subject, are loving-kindness and compassion. Filled with these qualities, one cannot harm another - no matter what the reason or the cost. No matter how dangerous the threat, one must persevere until the greatness of the good heart wins in the end."

Throughout the rest of his reign, the people of Varanasi (Benares) lived peacefully and happily. Raja Subudhi the Great continued performing pious deeds. Eventually he died and was reborn as he deserved.

The moral is: Refusing to harm others, the good heart wins over all. Raja of Varanasi was great; king of Kosala also turned into a good person. ------------

Compiler : Prof. Komaragiri Venkata Ramana Rao. Ph.D., (Retired Professor; Andhra University College of Engineering); Astrologer-Scienitst. Durham. NC; U.S.A.: (Tatayya = Grand-father). My e-mail address : pandit@jyothishi.com---------- I dedicate all these stories in the blog with utmost devotion to Sri Parama Paalakas (Supreme Rulers of this entire Universe): Bhagavan Sri Siddhi Vinayaka, Sri Lakshmi Narayana and Sri Gouri Sankara and Sri Saraswathi and Bhagavan Sri Venkateswara ! Aum tat sath !============

KINDNESS PAID!

Hearty Greetings and Best wishes to all persons in this entire world for a very happy and prosperous New Year – 2011. Sarve Janah Sukhinobhavanthu!

KINDNESS PAID!
Jan—01—2011 (Saturday)
One day, a poor boy, Raghava, aged 12 years, who was selling plastic toys and goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one rupee left, and he was very hungry.
He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.
However, he lost his courage when a lovely young lady of 21 years opened the door.
Instead of a meal he asked for a big glass of water. She found he looked hungry an weak; she felt pity for him. So she brought him a plate-full of upma (cooked broken wheat with spices). He ate it slowly, and drank water; then he asked, "How much do I owe you? I have only one rupees with me. Here its is, please take it."
"You don't owe me anything," she replied "My mother has taught us never to accept any payment for a kindness." He said... "Then I thank you from the depth of my heart. May God bless you !"
As Raghava left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man grew stronger also. He now believed Kindness is Godliness !
Fifty years later that incident, the young woman, then 71 years of age, Karunamayi, became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled and left all hope. They finally sent her to the nearest big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Raghava, the super-specialist, was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see and examine her. He recognized her at once; but she did not. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he paid special attention to this critical case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Raghava requested the accounts officer of the hospital to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. Karunamayi feared to open it, for she was sure it may take her entire properties (house and farm) to pay for it all. She may have to become a homeless and poor vagabond all her life. Finally, she looked t the bill and something caught her attention at the bottom as she read these words... "Paid in full with one plate of upma." (Signed) Dr. Raghava. Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed:
"Thank You, GOD, that Your love has spread all over the world through kind human hearts and generous hands. May He be blessed by Your divine Grace" Moral: “Kindness to a noble person yields a thousand-fold beneficial return”. ------ Compiler : Prof. Komaragiri Venkata Ramana Rao. Ph.D., (Retired Professor; Andhra University College of Engineering); Astrologer-Scienitst. Durham. NC; U.S.A.: (Tatayya = Grand-father). My e-mail address : pandit@jyothishi.com---------- I dedicate all these stories in the blog with utmost devotion to Sri Parama Paalakas (Supreme Rulers of this entire Universe): Bhagavan Sri Siddhi Vinayaka, Sri Lakshmi Narayana and Sri Gouri Sankara and Sri Saraswathi and Bhagavan Sri Venkateswara ! Aum tat sath !==============================

DELIVERENCE OF NALAKUVARA AND MANIGRIVA BY BHAGAVAN SRI BHAGAVAN SRI KRISHNA

26—12—2010 (Sunday)

The story of the cursing of Nalakuvara and Manigriva by Maharshi Narada and their deliverance by Sri Bhagavan Sri Krishna, under the all-blissful desire of the great sage Narada, is described below.

The two great demigods, Nalakuvara and Manigriva, were sons of the treasurer of the demigods, Kubera, who was a great devotee of Bhagavan (Lord) Siva. By the grace of Bhagavan (Lord) Siva, Kubera's material opulence had no limit. As a rich man's sons often become addicted to wine and women, so these two sons of Kubera were also addicted to wine and sex. Once, these two demigods, desiring to enjoy, entered the garden of Bhagavan (Lord) Siva in the province of Kailasa on the bank of Mandakini (Ganges). There they drank wine too much and engaged in hearing the sweet singing and dance of beautiful young damsels who accompanied them in that garden of fragrant flowers. In an intoxicated condition, they both undressed and entered the cool water of the huge lake, Padma Sarovar, nearby which was full with lotus flowers, and there they began to enjoy the physical union with the young teenage girls exactly as the male elephant enjoys the female elephants within the water.

While they were thus enjoying themselves in the water, all of a sudden Narada, the great sage, happened to pass that way. He could understand that the demigods Nalakuvara and Manigriva were too intoxicated and could not even see that he was passing. The young teenage damsels, however, were not so intoxicated as the demigods, and they at once became ashamed at being naked before the great sage Narada. They began to cover their naked bodies with all haste. The two demigod-sons of Kubera were so intoxicated that they could not appreciate the presence of the sage Narada and therefore did not cover their naked bodies and continued their games of physical union with those naked girls.

The great sage, Maharshi Narada, was compassionate and wanted to save them from their degraded life. They were in the state of utter ignorance, and therefore unable to control their senses; they were addicted to excessive drinking and sex games. Sage Narada therefore cursed that the two demigods, Nalakuvara and Manigriva should remain for one hundred years, in the form of trees, and after that they would be fortunate enough to see the Supreme Divine Personality of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, face to face, by His boundless mercy. And thus they would be again promoted to the life of the demigods and become great devotees of the Bhagavan (Lord) Sri Krishna.

After this, the great sage Narada returned to his abode known as Narayana asrama, and the two demigods turned into trees, known as twin arjuna trees. They grew in Nanda's courtyard so that they can see Bhagavan Sri Krishna face to face.

Although the child, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, was bound up to the wooden mortar, He began to crawl and proceed towards the growing trees in order to fulfill the boon of His great devotee Narada. Bhagavan Sri Krishna knew that Narada was His great devotee and that the trees standing before Him as twin arjuna trees were actually the sons of Kubera. "I must now fulfill the boon of My great devotee Narada," He thought. Then the child began to crawl and proceed through the passage between the two trees. Although He was able to pass through the passage, the large wooden mortar stuck horizontally between the two trees. Taking advantage of this, Bhagavan Sri Krishna began to pull the rope which was tied to him and the mortar. As soon as He pulled, with great strength, the two trees, with all branches limbs, and roots, fell down immediately with a great sound. Out of the broken, fallen trees came two great personalities, shining like blazing fire. All sides became illuminated and beautiful by their presence. The two purified bodies of the demigods immediately came before child Bhagavan Sri Krishna and bowed down to offer their devotion, respects and prayers in the following words. “O Bhagavan (Lord), your infinite grace enabled us to see You personally. We therefore pray for a boon, that we may always be engaged in Your transcendental loving service by speaking only about Your glories and praising Your divine activities. May our senses and body organs be engaged in Your service and our minds always be concentrated at Your lotus feet and our heads always bowed down before the all-pervading universal form of Your Bhagavan (Lordship)."

When the two demigods Nalakuvara and Manigriva finished their prayers, the child, Sri Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the master and proprietor of Gokula, bound to the wooden grinding mortar by the ropes of Yasoda, began to smile and said, "It was already known to Me that My great devotee-sage Narada had shown his mercy by saving you from the abominable condition of pride due to possessing extraordinary beauty and opulence in the family of the demigods. He has saved you from gliding down into the lowest condition of hellish life. Therefore, O Nalakuvara and Manigriva, your lives have now become pious because you have developed ecstatic love for Me. This is your last birth within material existence. Now you can go back to your father's residence in the heavenly planet, and by remaining in the attitude of devotional service, you will be liberated in this very life."

After this, the demigods circumambulated the Bhagavan (Lord) Sri Krishna 108 times and bowed down before Him again and again, and thus they left. The Bhagavan (Lord), as a crawling child (one year old) remained bound up with ropes to the grinding mortar. -----

Compiler : Prof. Komaragiri Venkata Ramana Rao. Ph.D., (Retired Professor; Andhra University College of Engineering); Astrologer-Scienitst. Durham. NC; U.S.A.: (Tatayya = Grand-father). My e-mail address : pandit@jyothishi.com---------- I dedicate all these stories in the blog with utmost devotion to Sri Parama Paalakas (Supreme Rulers of this entire Universe): Bhagavan Sri Siddhi Vinayaka, Sri Lakshmi Narayana and Sri Gouri Sankara and Sri Saraswathi and Bhagavan Sri Venkateswara ! Aum tat sath !

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Story of Sunandini - Charity

Story of Sunandini - Charity

Dec--25-- 2010 (Saturday)

Sunandinii was the daughter of Sudharma and Sumanasaa. Sunandinii right from childhood was a great devotee of Bhagavan (Lord) Sri Shiva and used to be very nice to others. Seeing her noble qualities, her parents used to be very happy. The three of them were always satisfied with what they had and used to do help others in whatever way they could.

Time never remains the same. Change is its nature. 0nce, unfortynately, Sunandinii got separated from her parents during a crowded weekly market. The small girl searched everywhere for her parents. But of no use. Searching for them, she reached a forest. A Siddha (sage), who was doing Tapas in the forest, saw this helpless girl and took pity on her. He gave Sunandinii a divine fruit and divine flower and said “O daughter! Take these divine fruit and flower. As long as you have them you will never have hunger and thirst. You will get a male body, strong and sturdy and it will help you survive in this dangerous forest and world”. Sunandinii paid respects to the sage with divine powers and nature (Siddha) and took the divine flower and fruit gratefully.

Sunandinii continued her search for her parents. Due to having the Divine fruit and flower she had male body and never had thirst and hunger. When she was going through the forest she heard an cry for help from an old woman . The old woman was very hungry and asked Sunandinii to feed her and help her. Sunandinii got separated from her parents, but not from the noble teachings they gave her. Sunandinii remembered the stories of Saktuprastha, Rantideva and Sibi and other noble persons; which she heard from her parents several times. She also was blessed with generosity and charity.

Taking pity on the old woman, she wanted to give off the divine fruit and flower to her, even though she knew it will be very difficult for her to survive without them! The Siddha who was passing by saw this and stopped Sunandinii. He said “O noble gitl! Why are you giving away these? Don’t you know without them it will be very difficult for you to survive? Is self-protection not the greatest duty of any person and dharma (righteousness)”?

Sunandinii replied “O divine sage! My parents taught me that helping persons in need and distress is the greatest Dharmam nad noblest duty. After all the purpose of having this physical body is to help others and thus progress in the path liberation and reaching the Divine (Moksham)”. Saying thus, Sunandinii gave off the Divine flower and fruit to the old woman. Impressed with the noble and divine qualities of Sunandinii, Bhagavathi (Goddess) Parameshvarii, who came in disguise as the old woman, showed Her true form and gave Her Divine Blessings to Sunandinii. She was re-united with her parents and lead a noble life of royal comforts, generosity and charity. She attained union with Bhagavathi Parameswari after her death.------------------- Compiler : Prof. Komaragiri Venkata Ramana Rao. Ph.D., (Retired Professor; Andhra University College of Engineering); Astrologer-Scienitst. Durham. NC; U.S.A.: (Tatayya = Grand-father). My e-mail address : pandit@jyothishi.com---------- I dedicate all these stories in the blog with utmost devotion to Sri Parama Paalakas (Supreme Rulers of this entire Universe): Bhagavan Sri Siddhi Vinayaka, Sri Lakshmi Narayana and Sri Gouri Sankara and Sri Saraswathi and Bhagavan Sri Venkateswara !