sri ramanuja seva

Keeping doing your duties with faith and courage. Good times will come and deep sorrows will be transcended.

The nature of the world is that invariably in everyone’s life, deep tragedies come which can completely shock one to the core. It can have very devastating effect on people. How to cope with that? How to respond to that? When we look around, if we are perceptive we see that many others have had such deeply traumatic experiences and are somehow carrying on. That gives us courage.

We hear from Sri Bhagavan’s teachings in Bhagavad Gita that the world is duhkhaalayam – that is, a place meant specifically for sorrow. We also hear teachings that janma mrityu jaraa vyaadhi duhkha dosha anudarshanam. That is, we should always keep reminding ourselves that this world is filled with sorrow in the form of death, old age, disease and the like. That teaching also comes in Bhagavad Gita.
When we hear such things, it gives us some solace and courage to face reality.

We read scriptures, and from them we get to see what unbearable tragedies and pains great characters went through, and how at the end, they found deep lasting happiness and peace.
Bharata had every reason to fall into depression, or to complain. In a highly unexpected turn of events, Bharata lost his father, Dasharath, and his elder brother, Sri Rama, who was like guru, guide, friend and father figure for him, had been exiled to the forest. Sita devi had also gone with Sri Ram, and Lakshman too went with them.
Bharat had to come to terms with this agonizing turn of events.
And worst, in one sense, Bharat was himself a main character in bringing about this tragic turn of events (since Kaikeyi had done all this on behalf of Bharat only). Though innocent, Bharat would blame himself as being the cause of suffering for everyone.
Bharat showed highest character when he rejected the throne despite being requested by the kula guru – the great sage Vasishta.
He had a hope- that he would go and convince Sri Ram, and Lord Ram would then come back to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom. Bharat went to where Sri Ram was, and pleaded with Him to return. But Sri Ram was bound by His word and could not return before 14 years. Hence, Bharat faced another setback or reversal.
Lakshman too served Sri Ram during the exile term. But he was at least in direct physical association of Sri Ram.
In contrast, Bharat had been told by the Lord to return back. And Bharat had to take charge of administration of the kingdom during Sri Ram’s absence. So, on top of the tragic pain that he was enduring, the gigantic responsibility of ruling a big kingdom was thrust on his shoulders. Bharat did not complain. As a surrendered devotee of the Lord, Bharat accepted wherever the Lord placed him.
And as described in Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 9, Bharat led such a deeply austere life during those 14 years. Perhaps even more austere than what one would lead in a forest exile.
And yes, at long last, things took an upward turn. Coronation or pattaabhishekam for Sri Sita Ram took place, and the deep pains and sorrows were healed.
Similarly, even Kaikeyi must have felt such deep agony in the aftermath of the tragedies that took place. Because she was directly responsible. But, she transformed herself soon into the good lady that she was, and deeply repented for her actions. And as it is said, time is a good healer. So, when Sri Ram returned and coronation took place, Kaikeyi too was pacified.
In the life of the Pandavas, we see so many tragedies and painful situations. They lost their father early, and then they were denied their rights, and plots were made against them. They and Draupadi were deeply humiliated in public. Later they had to wage a war against their own relatives. Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu was killed by deception. And the 5 children of Draupadi were cruelly killed. They had to undergo all such unbearable pains. But with the Lord always by their side, they, with deep courage and faith, were able to transcend all of it.
Many many such examples of great personalities facing deep pains occur in our scriptures. It teaches us, as also told by Mother Sita, that if one perseveres on, then good days will certainly come, and sorrows will be transcended and happiness will come.
Even in the life of Sri Ramanujar, deep sorrows and setbacks can be seen. By following the path of bhakti and sharanagati taught by Ramanujar, we can all put an end to pains, and attain happiness and peace.