Hindu scriptures provide a wealth of resources for the aspiring spirit of man. Not only are they a firm foundation of universal principles, cosmological laws and rituals of our tradition but also a strong support base for all relationships and emotions. They embrace every aspect of the human condition and provide guidance for the yearning seeker. The Raamaayan is considered to be a treatise for man. In it are found gems that are needed to direct man as he journeys on the Godward path.
As the year begins with renewed vision, hopes and aspirations, the following gems are presented as we plot our path through 2014. It is recommended that the following chowpaaiees and doha are repeated before embarking on each of the undertakings outlined.
When undertaking new ventures:
Pravishi nagar keejay saba kaajaa
Hridaya raakhee kowshala pura raajaa. (Sundar Kaand)
When undertaking foreign travel:
Ratha charhi seeyaa sahita dou bhaayee
Chalay banahi avadhahee shira naayee. (Ayodhya Kaand)
When seeking defeat of enemies:
Jaakay sumiranatay ripu naashaa
Naama shatrughana vayda prakaashaa. (Baal Kaand)
When seeking sustenance of grain:
Vishva bharana poshana kara joyee
Taakara naama bharata asa hoyee. (Baal Kaand)
For rejoicing:
Jaba tay Raama byaahee ghara aayaay
Nita nava mangala modha badhaayay. (Ayodhya Kaand)
When striving for victory:
Sakhaa dharamamaya asa ratha jaakay
Jeetana kaha na katahu ripu taakay (Lanka Kaand)
Doha:
To seek fulfilment of all legitimate desires:
Waha shobhaa ju samaaja sukha
Kahata na vanai khagaysha
Varnai shaarada saysha sruti
So rasa jaana mahaysha. (Uttar Kaand)
When seeking the protection of Shri Hanuman from all unseen forces:
Bandow pavana Kumaara,
Khala bana paavaka gyaana ghana
Jaasu hridaya aagaara,
Basahi Raama shara chaapa dhara. (Baal Kaand)
