Chapter 1
What are the sections of Ramayana called and what do they mean?
They are called Kaanda. It means an expanse of water and also sugarcane.
What does Kalpataru, the divine tree represent?
It is the tree that fulfills the desires. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity and the divine grace
The Divine Person (Agni devata) who emerged from the flames of the yaga spoke to Dasaratha. True or false?
False; it was a voice from the sky that spoke
How was Sumitra able to solve the problem of the eagle snatching the payasam before she could drink it?
Sumitra told her situation to the other two queens and they shared part of their payasam with her
Why are the vedas called 'Sruthi'?
That which is heard, because they can only be learned through 'hearing' and recitation (not reading)
What two spiritual streams are represented by Rama and Lakshmana in the Ramayana?
Rama is the stream of Karuna (compassion); Lakshmana is the stream of Bhakti (devotion).
What does the name 'Raghu' mean?
Raghu means the one who is quick, agile and speed.
What did sage Vashishta advise King Dasaratha to do in order to get children?
Sage Vashishta advised Dasharatha to perform putrakameshthi yaga
Why was sage Vashista overjoyed when Kausalya's child looked at him as if he was very familiar?
Because the child who is divine and for whose arrival the sage was waiting
What is Para Vidya and what is Apara Vidya? And which more important and why?
The spiritual Science of Liberation is Para Vidya. Para Vidya alone can give him the strength to carry out h is dharma (Rightful duties)
The secular sciences is Apara Vidya.
Name a few of the rishis who stayed around in the royal capital (Ayodhya) in the antcipation of experiencing the bliss of contact with the Incarnation.
Vashishta, Vishwamithra, Garga, Agasthya
What does the name 'Dasaratha' signify?
The body that is endowed with ten senses. The body (ratha) has 10 senses ( 5 gnanendriyas and 5 karmendriyas).
What was the boon that Ravana asked from Brahma?
Ravana asked for a boon that King Dasharatha should not have any children
What names were given to the four sons of King Dasaratha and their meaning?
Rama, Bhratha, Lakshmana, Sathrugna
Rama -"He who pleases"
Bharata- he who rules
Lakshmana- The one who takes delight in the service of God and His Consort, Lakshmi
Shathrugna - "The slayer of enemies"
Vasishta realized that the four brothers were the embodiments of the four purusharthas. What are the purusharthas?
Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha
What are the principles represented in the name Rama?
Ra' is the fire principle (burns sins), 'Aa' is the sun principle ( removes curse of others/ dispels darkness), and 'Ma' is the moon principle (unfulfilled desires will be calmed/peace)
Please name five kings who ruled in Solar dynasty?
Khatvanga, Dileepa, Raghu, Aja, Dasharatha
Who was sage Rsyasrnga and his consort Shantha?
Rsyasrnga was the sage who performed putrakameshti yagna. He was married to Shanta, the adopted daughter of Dasharatha
Why did Lakshmana dare to tell his teacher once or twice that they had no need for any lessons or learning. They would be happy if they could but get the company of Rama!
Because Rama and Lakshmana were the Nara and Narayana pair, the inseparable Divine Forces
Why did Dasaratha request that his sons be taken on a tour of the kingdom - and especially visiting holy places?
To implant in them reverence and awe, and devotion to the Divine, immanent in the Universe. As well, to save their humanness from demeaning itself into animality.
Swami compares the Ramayana to a fruit. What do the rind, seeds, and fibre represent?
Rind = Rakshasas; seeds = evil deeds; fibre = worldly descriptions; the essence is the compassion-filled message.
Why did Kamadhenu curse King Dileepa?
because the pride King Dileepa ignored her and was focusing on worldly pleasures on his way to the palace one day. She felt hurt and that he had failed to honour her. She felt it was his duty as a king and his subjects will start dishonoring her as well
What was the condition that the king of Kekaya laid down to Dasaratha for marrying Kaikeyi?
King of Kekaya insisted that the son born of Kaikeyi should have the right to the accessions to the throne.
What explanation did Vasishta give Sumitra when she consulted about the strange behaviour of her two children Lakshmana & Shatrughna.
Vasishta explained to Sumitra that Lakshmana is "part" of Rama and Shatrughna is "part" of Bharata. She immediately understood this explanation.
How did Vasishta overcome his attachment to Rama after he left the gurukula?
By doing dhyana and connecting with his Atma Rama within