Passage 12

Tap any word for its meaning.

In plain words

The mighty essence that is in the name of Rāma is in nothing else. Rāma was one who did not break his word. Rāma's word was a word of truth. His word and his way are most auspicious. Following such a word and such a way, the people of Ayodhyā of that day were blessed. Though so many thousands of years have passed since the story of Rāma took place, even today people go on chanting the name of Rāma, ‘Rāma, Rāma, Rāma’. Nowhere in the land of Bhārata is a village without a temple of Rāma to be seen. Just so, no one is to be seen who does not utter the name of Rāma.

Children! You will have read many tales. All are stories. All are fictions. This alone is true. Rāma's story is most sacred. So keep the name of Rāma in mind without a break, at any time whatever. This itself is the gift I give you today. Though today is Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī, on this day too remembering the name of Rāma is most needed. The principle of Kṛṣṇa and the principle of Rāma are not different. Rāma and Kṛṣṇa are both one. So you may keep any Name in mind. You may keep ‘Rāmakṛṣṇa’ in mind. Or, with Prema for Swami, you may keep ‘Sāīrāma, Sāīkṛṣṇa’ in mind. However much learning you gain, the Name of God you must not forget. That remembrance of the Name alone is enough. That itself takes away all sorrows and carries one across the ocean of worldly life.