RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--VOX POPULI (No: 2) AYODHYAKANDA

                                         RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA

                                                     CHAPTER –02  VOX POPULI (No: 2)

Then all the people made ready reply. Among them were prince and peasant, high and low. “Don’t blame us for finding in Rama rare and matchless perfection. Rama is the idol of our heart. He has countless graces of body and mind. He is like the high gods. Unspeakable joy well up in the hearts of those that speak of it. This joy comes to those who speak of it and hear of it. The lord of the Celestials do not claim any higher attributes. In him, valiant might is ever fruitful. He towers aloft over the kings of the royal line of Ikshvaku. He is the best of men. He is ever intent on Truth and Law. Dharma and Wealth flow from him unasked. He has a happy presence. The moon does not delight your subjects more in presence. He is patient like Mother Earth. He competes with Brihaspati in keen intellect. He has put away from him envy. The defects of others who seek refuge do not ruffle him. he is gentle and kind of speech. He magnifies the paltry benefits conferred upon him by others. He is innocent of the ways of the wicked. His heart is always very near to those who depend upon him. Adversity and distress cannot prevent the fulfilment of his promises. The arrows of envy fall away from him blunt and broken. He has a sweet word to all. He keeps within the strict bounds of Truth. The Brahmanas grown grey in wisdom and saintliness are the objects of his veneration. He is famed for  unbounded generosity, valour and might. He is an adept in the mysteries of all weapons and astras. He knows weapons kown to men, gods and asuras. He is well-versed in Vedas and Vedangas. He has kept his prescribed vows. He is an expert musician. It assists him in the chanting of Samans (Sama Veda is known for its beauty of music). His ancestry is pure and stainless. He outshines it in his own purity. The wheel of Time has nothing to bring up to shake his iron fortitude. His intellect and genius are of a very rare order. Wise Brahmanas have conducted him on the intricate paths of Duty and Right. His frequent expeditions against the foemen’s armies are crowned with victory. When his military duties are over he comes back on horse or elephant, chariot or palanquin. At such times he never fails to enquire about the welfare of the citizens. When his people are touched with any grief or sorrow, Rama is by their side to help or soothe them. He rejoices in the joy of his people. He is like a father to his subjects.