FW: [granthraj] The Transcendental Boatman - Part 18
Rammohan G
Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.
This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "The Transcendental Boatman" wherein we have been meditating on the loving friendship between Lord Rama and Guha (the hunter and boatman). We will see further on this topic.
18. Worshipping the Lord's paraphernalia:- When Guha first saw Bharata and doubted him, he told his kinsmen, "We will allow Bharata and his army to cross Ganges only if he is favourable to Rama. If not, we will chase him and so be ready with arms for the same." But Guha became happy after he understood Bharata to be favourable to Rama and a great devotee as well. Bharata then asked where Lord Rama slept during his stay at Guha's village. Then Guha actually showed the grass bed where the Lord rested along with Mother Sita. Though it was a bed of grass which can be easily blown away by the wind or disturbed by animals, Guha protected the bed and it was his worshipable object. He ensured that the bed was intact and derived great pleasure by meditating on it everyday. This is another important aspect of devotional service i.e. to worship and care for the paraphernalia of the Lord and His pure devotees. Guha immediately took Bharata to the tree under which Lord was resting and showed the bed of grass which was protected by him.
We can see that this principle is followed in many of the Krishna conscious temples where they protect the articles used by Srila Prabhupada and display them for the benefit of everyone. In Rajkot temple also, the articles used by our beloved Guru Maharaj are preserved and displayed every year for darshan.
Having feeling for the Lord's devotees:- When Bharata saw the grass bed of the Lord and heard that Lord Rama was wearing matted lock of hair like an ascetic, he became overwhelmed with anguish and became unconscious. Satrughna became bewildered on what to do to correct the situation, started crying. Guha who has met Bharata only for a such a short time became so intimate with him that he could not tolerate the plight of Bharata. His reaction is shown in the Ramayana (2.87.5) as follows
bharatam murchitam drshtvaa vivarnavadhanah guha
babhuva vytathitah tatra bhumikampe yatha drumah
"Seeing Bharata unconscious, Guha growing pale, shook like a tree during an earthquake."
Here Guha gives practical illustration of how one should react on seeing a devotee's suffering. By sharing their emotions and comforting them one can get the mercy of the Lord. Our true relation with the devotees is revealed by the support offered between the devotees in such trying circumstances. When devotees who do nice service are put into difficulties, if we don't show emotions for them and rather ridicule for not serving, then it is no more a devotee society. Rather it is corporate culture, where a person’s performance alone is seen. Guha not only shared the emotions, but also comforted Bharata and assured him that he will be able to see Lord Rama and relieve his anguish. This is stated in the Ramayana (2.79.21) as follows.
guhena saardham bharatah samaagato
mahaanubhaavah sajanah samaahitah
sudurmanaas tam bharatam tadaa punar
guhah samaashvaasayad agrajam prati
"The noble soul Bharata, with his escort, met Guha too in a composed mind. Then Guha slowly reassured Bharata again as regards his elder brother."
And he also did everything possible in his limit to lead Bharata to Lord Rama and this earned him the blessings of Lord Rama and Bharata. We will meditate on the dealings of Guha in the sfurther offering Krishna willing.
Thank you very much.
Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudev
Narahari Krishna das
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