In2-MeC

Kolhapur, Maharastra
23 January 2003

Ideal Qualities, from Ramayana Ayodhyakanda Chapter One

Lord Ramachandra was Bhagavan Sri Vishnu Himself incarnate on earth for the destruction of Ravana. Lord Rama had no peer. He was the reservoir of beauty, He was free from malice, and He was blessed of His father's unparalleled royal qualifications.

Rama always addressed the people in gentle words and never used any hard expression even when spoken to rudely. In the magnanimity of His heart he would forget hundreds of evils done to Him and be grateful for even one single act of kindness. He relished taking time off His military training to discuss Shastra with wise and elderly brahmanas.

When approached by someone, it was He who spoke first in greeting. Though everyone knew of His immense power, He was never haughty for that. He was truthful and learned and He always honored the aged.

Lord Ramachandra was most attentive to the welfare of His subjects, and in return the people loved Him deeply. He was a friend to the poor, a chastiser of the wicked, and well-versed in religion, social customs, and law. He was worthy of His line, and always held the duties of a ksatriya in high esteem. He never participated in profane and irreverent talks.

When questioned no matter on what subject, He answered wisely like Brhaspati, the spiritual master of the demigods.

He was young, healthy, and virtuous. He was as dear to the people as their own selves. He had mastered the Vedas and the Vedangas and was skillful in the use of all arms, both ordinary weapons and those controlled by mantra. He was valiant. He was honest. He was the source of all good. He never spoke lies even in utmost peril. He was modest, reserved, and always respectful toward His superiors. He was never angry or jubilant over trifles. He sought no evil. He was free of idleness and ever vigilant. He was ever ready to scan His own faults.

He knew the means of honestly amassing wealth, and He knew how to distribute it to the deserving recipients of charity. He punished or rewarded the people according to the strict rules of justice. He had aged, pious brahmanas as His guides. He was well-versed in philosophy and poetry. He knew all the arts of enjoyment but He never sought pleasure at the cost of morality.

He was an expert rider, a great warrior, and a valiant general who could successfully lead His army against His enemy. He was a master of military strategy. Even the demigods could not defeat Him.

He was not given to complaining, nor was He a slave of time. He was patient like the earth, intelligent like Brhaspati, and powerful like Indra. He shone like the mid-day sun to the delight of His father and to the benefit of the people. Bhumidevi, the personified earth planet, desired only the excellent Rama as her lord.

Jaya Sri Rama!

Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

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