04/04/98 - 1727

Rama-navami

USA (VNN) - by Gerald

Lord Rama, the most famous incarnation of God, appeared on Rama-navami (Chaitra 9).† He is known as Maryada Purusottama and is the emblem of righteousness. His life and teachings of morality in office are as relevant for us today as when He appeared nearly 20 million years ago:

"The emperor [Dasaratha] held his four mighty sons, who had issued from his body, as dear as his own arms. Of the four, Lord Rama was the king's most beloved son, and like a Brahma He excelled all others in virtue.† Indeed, He was the eternal Lord Sri Vishnu, and had advented Himself in the world of men on behalf of the Devas, who desired the slaying of Ravana."

"He was a son unequalled in the world, and resembled Dasaratha in the possession of good qualities. He never spoke an untruth, He offered all respect to the learned and the elderly; the people adored Him, and He loved the people.† His transcendental body was free from disease and the influence of old age. He was eloquent, beautiful, and adaptable to circumstances. He knew the heart of every man on earth [being omniscient], and He alone was aloof from the world of matter. He alone was possessed of all conceivable qualities who was the king's son, and was as dear to the people as their own hearts."

"He was loved by His father's subjects, and ever increased His sire's delight. Lord Rama was endowed with dazzling transcendental qualities, and He was haloed as if by the rays of the sun. The earth personified adored Him who was possessed of such virtues, who was unconquerable, who was courageous, and who was the unequalled Lord of all."

These wonderful qualities of Rama are described in Ayodhya khanda of Ramayana. (translated by Karnamrta dasa)

To hear about and see the pastimes of Lord Rama, follow the links at http://RAMA.nols.com below to a number of very interesting websites:

Note these events:†††

(1) Sita Symposium†† An international conference in New York on Sita, the idealized woman and wife of Indian myth and imagination. (April 30 to May

2)†† Inauguration of Rama,† Sita,† Laksmana,† Hanuman and Radha-Parthasarathi temple of the ISKCON Glory of India Complex, New Delhi by the Honorable Prime Minister of India Atal Behari Vajpayee (Rama-navami Day)

Gerald
gerald@nols.com