Ram & Sita: Me Without You is Incomplete part13: pg18 - Page 4

Originally posted by: Jairamji

I am loving how you are putting it all together! Awesome!

Thanks for this part. So beautiful so learn such in depth details about the love life of Ram and Sita.

Originally posted by: sumedha93

I'm getting addicted to it 👏

It seems I'll buy these books soon 😃

Originally posted by: Krishna_Sourav

beautiful...its mesmerizing..

I loved it..

SiyaRam indeed ideal couple where Ram found happiness in Siya's win...Sita's laughter make Ram smiles...

For Sita , Ram is her life , her life revolve around Ram...

beautiful splendid ...

Originally posted by: shruthiravi

I have heard about the crow and the sita-anasuya meeting. But really enjoyed reading the swimming competition.

Originally posted by: khosla03

I wait everyday for your post after my hardcore study day..I m getting addicted to it now.. Keep writing... I have not heard of these stories before... I really hope they show a minor version of this in skr as wellx

Originally posted by: Hema48

Thanks for this part. So beautiful so learn such in depth details about the love life of Ram and Sita.

Bless

Originally posted by: bheegi

Thanks Krishna...no doubt they had their best moments in exile. Hope we can get an extended vanvaas section on the show also

Ram & Sita: Me Without You is Incomplete: part 4

Aranya Kanda (contd)

Just read a beautiful quote by Devdutt Patnaik in his book Sita: An illustrated retelling'

She followed her husband to ensure he never felt incomplete'

This one sentence summarizes the character of Sita so well- the perfect ardhangani for Ram.

In the forest, Sita was not a daughter or daughter in law. Ram could not lay claims to her as a husband, as he was a hermit. She was just a woman, free to do as she pleased. Ram never demanded anything from her and so when she served him he wondered what motivated her? The more Ram observed Sita, the more he realized it could only be what poets called love.

And Sita noticed a lot about Ram. He always looked away when he spoke to her lest he be ensnared by her glances, And yet, in small gestures he revealed his love, brushing away thorns in her path, moving in the direction of flowers he knew Sita loved, making sure the rocks they climbed were never too big or too slippery for her. And though she waited for him to finish his meal before she ate, she knew he always ate less, making sure she always had more to eat.

-Devdutt Patnaik: Sita

There are lots of subtle references in various books on how they cared, respected and enjoyed each other's company throughout this period. Lakshman was a silent observer of this love story and made sure his bhaiya and bhabhi were comfortable, safe and had enough time with each other. He built huts and dwelling for them, never for himself. The three of them enjoyed discussions with each other and also learnt a lot from sages and rishis at various junctions.

The earth witnessed the moon called Ramachandra walking on the ground. With Rama was Sita, the star of His Life. A little distance away from the moon and the star, walked the sun named Lakshmana. And just as the sun remains a karma sakshi, a witness of all actions, Lakshmana remained a silent witness.29

Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were very happy to be amid such saintly company. Their training had reinforced in them the power and importance of saintly association. Not a day went by when the trio had missed the opportunity to serve genuine saints. And not a day went by when Rama had not learned something new from the sages.

Vilas, Shubha (2015-12-30). Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 3 - Stolen Hope (Kindle Locations 461-463). . Kindle Edition.

During their treks, almost always Sita trailed Rama and Lakshmana followed Sita. Never once did She see Rama's broad back stooping in exhaustion or frustration. The sun was often harsh on the Sun Prince and had darkened His glowing skin. And, every time Sita saw Rama's once well-oiled curly cascading hair held up in matted bun, Her gentle heart hurt a little. Lakshmana never raised his eyes above Sita's delicate feet. He winced when She curled Her toes in pain every time She stepped on sharp and pointed stones and thorns scattered along the path. His appreciation for Her increased manifold every time he saw Her take care not to step on Rama's footprints. It would have been easiest for Her to take side steps and avoid these lacerating stones and thorns and instead carefully walk on Rama's cushion-like footprints. But, the discomfort of disrespecting His footprints was far worse than the pain from foot punctures along the way. Following in Her footsteps, Lakshmana carefully sidestepped both Rama's and Sita's footprints. Sita's footprints were always to Rama's right and Lakshmana's always to the right of Sita's. Sita always preferred keeping everything connected with Rama, to Her left, closest to Her heart. And Lakshmana always held the principles the divine couple exhibited to his left, closest to his heart.3

Vilas, Shubha (2015-12-30). Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 3 - Stolen Hope (Kindle Locations 569-578). . Kindle Edition.

In the true spirit of a life partner, Sita also had discussions with Ram where she helped him stay on his path of dharma. Once when Ram pledged to kill all the demons and rakshas in the forest, she had a long discussion with him on the perils of unprovoked violence.

Thus far, She had been the obedient wife, following and encouraging Rama in each of His decisions, unhesitatingly. She recalled that when Her father had handed Her over to Rama long ago, He had said that She was dharmacharini. This meant that She would follow the dharma of an obedient wife perfectly when Her husband followed the path of dharma properly, but if He were to ever waver from the golden path of dharma, She would then become a road block and prevent Him from straying.

Vilas, Shubha (2015-12-30). Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 3 - Stolen Hope (Kindle Locations 601-604). . Kindle Edition.

Sita watches as her husband and his brother use their remarkable fighting skills to vanquish the rakshasa. After a short visit with the last of the sages, they continue onwards and Sita begins to talk. She speaks of the weaknesses that might afflict men and says, But the third weakness which men succumb to because of their passions, the inflicting of violence and cruelty upon other beings without reason or enmity, that weakness appears to be present in you now. You have promised to kill the rkasas in combat in order to protect the sages of the Daaka forest. This has brought you and your brother to this forest, armed with your bows and arrows. It disturbs me a great deal when I see you like this . . . Listen and I will tell you why. Now that you are here with your brother and both of you are armed, you shall see many forest creatures. Inevitably, you will be tempted to use your arrows. Like dry fuel bursts into flame when it is near a fire, so too, a katriya's passions are ignited when he has a bow at hand . . . A katriya should use his bow in the forest only to protect the oppressed. What a difference there is between the life of weapons and that of the forest, between the vows of a katriya and those of an ascetic! We must learn to respect the code of behaviour of the world we now inhabit. Here, the mind is perverted by extreme proximity to weapons. You can return to the code of the katriyas when we go back to Ayodhy!'

(Sattar 233- 35)

Sattar, Arshia (2011-06-09). Lost Loves: Exploring Rama's Anguish (Kindle Locations 788-801). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.

Despite Sita voicing many of the thoughts that seem to be in Rama's mind, he feels the need to defend himself and the powerful weapons that he carries. But I must remind you of what you yourself said, that katriyas are armed so that the cries of the oppressed may never be heard. Those resolute sages who live in the forest are being tormented . . . they can no longer live in peace because of the rkasas' wicked deeds . . . I promised the sages of the Daaka forest that I would protect them.'

(Sattar 235- 36)

Sattar, Arshia (2011-06-09). Lost Loves: Exploring Rama's Anguish (Kindle Locations 802-806). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.

She tried to be as eloquent and articulate as possible when talking to Rama. Of course, the love they shared did not need so much analysis, but Sita was different. She preferred to think before acting. Rather, She preferred to think a lot before asking. Something that transpired a few days ago had really set Her worrying. Rama's words ringing in Her ears through night and day. On many of Her nights, She had woken up with a startle, sweating because of these words booming in Her ears: "I vow to annihilate the demons from the face of this earth." Yesterday had been particularly intense. As they walked deeper into the Dandaka forest, Her desire to confront Rama about this topic had increased considerably.

Vilas, Shubha (2015-12-30). Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 3 - Stolen Hope (Kindle Locations 582-587). . Kindle Edition.

Only Sita could have argued with him so eloquently:

Sita paused to justify Her comment: "So My suggestion is that we should resolve in our minds to either live a life of dependence or a life of control. Either abandon the life of an ascetic and return to Ayodhya to reclaim your life of control or abandon the bow and live an honest life of dependence. It is for King Bharata to handle the crises of the sages, who are also his subjects. Haven't great people said that it is better to follow one's own duties properly than to follow another's erroneously? You are now supposed to be a peace- loving ascetic, so why would you want to take up the duties of a war-mongering kshatriya?

Vilas, Shubha (2015-12-30). Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 3 - Stolen Hope (Kindle Locations 630-635). . Kindle Edition.

After the discussion with Sita, he promised to not attack anyone unless unprovoked but politely reminded her that he was a kshatriya first and it was his dharma to protect others.

Sita, remember this, I can never give up the opportunity to use all my abilities and skills to protect the weak and dependent. In the process, even if I have to lose everything that is precious to Me, I would not hesitate and lose the opportunity to serve the needy. The world can come to an end, but I won't break my promise to protect the sages."

Vilas, Shubha (2015-12-30). Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 3 - Stolen Hope (Kindle Locations 658-660). . Kindle Edition.

Even though, we know Ram as the calm and composed person who never lost his temper. There are instances when he lost his cool and inability to think calmly. Interestingly, most of these instances involved any threat to Sita's life.

When Viradha lifted Sita, Ram's reaction was typical of an anxious, anguished and possessive lover:

Today, Sita wanted to make a special garland for Rama. The previous evening, She had spotted some of the most colorful flowers ever. With a cadence in Her steps, She frolicked toward the flower garden - a cane basket swaying rhythmically in Her delicate arm. With nimble fingers, Sita began plucking flowers from various bushes and trees. The early morning atmosphere was soothing and quiet - almost too quiet! "Watch out!" Lakshmana's frenzied voice ripped through the silence. Even before Sita could turn toward Lakshmana, She felt Her waist being gripped tight. Startled and afraid, She threw Her hands up in the air, and the flower basket flung out of Her helpless clasp, creating a momentary rainbow of multicolored flying flowers. Instantly, Sita felt paralyzed waist down. Afraid, She began to shake like a plantain tree in a raging storm. The more She struggled, the tighter the grip became. Suddenly, She felt herself being uprooted from the ground and being effortlessly airlifted. In a fit of fear, She began to clobber the object gripping Her and frantically paddled Her legs in an effort to escape. Nothing worked! Just then, Lakshmana reached the spot, closely followed by Rama. They let out a collective gasp! Rama nearly fainted. Lakshmana steadied Him, and together they gazed at the impending calamity.

.

Vilas, Shubha (2015-12-30). Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 3 - Stolen Hope (Kindle Locations 236-239). . Kindle Edition.

Viradha grabs hold of Sita, Rama astonishingly bursts into tears. Look, Lakmaa,' said Rma, his face pale as he saw his wife under the rkasa's arm. This beautiful princess, the delicate daughter of Janaka, my wife . . . is being forced to sit on Viradha's hip . . . I cannot bear the thought of Sita being touched by another man! It upsets me more than the death of my father and the loss of my kingdom!'

(Sattar 230)

Sattar, Arshia (2011-06-09). Lost Loves: Exploring Rama's Anguish (Kindle Locations 838-842). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.

The thought of Sita helplessly hanging from the grip of this demon thoroughly disturbed Rama. She was delicate like a rose, so how could She handle this pain?15 Rama looked at Lakshmana with tear-filled eyes and said, "When Rajya Lakshmi was taken away from Me in the form of the kingdom, I did not even think twice. But when my wife, who is Bhagya Lakshmi, is taken away, I cannot bear the pain, o Lakshmana."16

Vilas, Shubha (2015-12-30). Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 3 - Stolen Hope (Kindle Locations 262-266). . Kindle Edition.

...to be contd

Yes Sita arguing to Ram about that vow is mentioned in Rajagopalachari's Ramayan also. Sita did her patni dharma eloquently. She followed when she needed to follow, but when she needed to assert she did that also in a polite way.