Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam III Vol III Book IX Chp 11 Shlokas 14 - 18

Tulasidasa Charitam III Vol III Book IX Chp 11 Shlokas 14 - 18

तुलसीदास उवाच

प्रक्ष्णं कर्तुं नार्हसि त्वमेव यवनपुङ्गवः |

वेद्यं स्वानुभवेनैव कथं वक्ष्यामि ते प्रभो ||

राघवस्य कृपापात्रमात्मानं वेद्म्यहं ननु |

दुर्लभम् हि सुराणाञ्च तस्य दर्शनमुत्तमम् ||

राजोवाच

एवं स्वानुभवेनैव वेत्तुमिच्छाम्यहं प्रभो |

तस्मात्कारस्य मह्याञ्च साक्षाच्छ्रीरामदर्शनम् ||

ब्रह्मादिसुरसेव्योपि राघवो भक्तवत्सलः |

तवैव कृपया स्वामिन् मम दास्यति दर्शनम् ||

तुलसीदास उवाच

तादृशो न हि संस्कारस्तव राजशिखामणे |

भगवान् सुलभो रामो दृढया भक्तिनिष्ठया ||

राजोवाच

यद्येव परमां भक्तिं राघवे परमात्मनि |

त्वमेव कृपया स्वामिन् प्रयच्छ त्वयरा प्रभो ||

Tulasidasa replied

Oh, king! You should not push such a question. How can I explain to you something which has to be experienced personally? I feel that I have earned the mercy of Lord Rama. But, is not His darshan an impossibility even to the devas?

The emperor said

I too want to know the secret only by my personal experience. Please show Lord Rama to me face to face. Shri Rama, the Bhaktavatsala, the Lord of all the devas like Brahma, will give darshan when you bless me.

Tulasidasa said

Oh! King! You are not fit to have His darshan. Only staunch Bhakti can lead to Bhagavan Shri Rama.

The king said

In that case, you please favor me with firm devotion to the Supreme Soul, Shri Rama, at the earliest.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam III Vol III Book IX Chp 11 Shlokas 12 - 13

Tulasidasa Charitam III Vol III Book IX Chp 11 Shlokas 12 - 13

राजोवाच

पृच्छामि त्वां महाभाग रहस्यं परमं त्वहम् |

सत्यं कथय योगीन्द्र कृपां कृत्वा मयि प्रभो ||

साक्षात्कृतो राघवस्तु त्वया नूनं सतां वर |

तद्रहस्यामि ब्रूहि यथा दर्शनं कृतम् ||

The emperor said

Oh, fortunate one! The head of all yogis! I want to know a secret from you. Please have mercy on me, and tell me the truth. Being the best of the seers, you should have definitely seen Lord Shri Rama. Though it is a secret, tell me how you had His darshan.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam III Vol III Book IX Chp 11 Shlokas 6 - 11

Tulasidasa Charitam III Vol III Book IX Chp 11 Shlokas 6 - 11

अक्बरो म्लेच्छराजस्तु कीर्तितं गायकोत्तमैः |

श्रुत्वा तुलसीदासस्य माहात्म्यं मुदितोsभवत् ||

उपेक्षया वर्तमानं सभायामपि भूपतेः |

आनिनाय बलादेव विरक्तं वैष्णावोत्तमम् ||

श्रद्धया पूजयामास यथाविधि महीपतिः |

भक्त्या तुलसिदासं तु केवलं गानलोलुपः ||

अङ्गीचकार तां पूजां विरक्तोपि च वैष्णवः |

केवलं राजतृप्त्यर्थं रामध्यानपरायणः ||

रात्रौ सङ्कीर्तनं चक्रे सभायां वैष्णवोत्तमः |

आकर्ण्य राजराजेन्द्रः परमं विस्मयङ्गतः ||

विविक्ततस्थानमानीय तुलसीदासमादरात् |

पप्रच्छ म्लेच्छराजेन्द्रो रहस्यं परमं बत ||

The moral emperor Akbar was very much pleased with the glory and fame of Tulasidasa, sung by notable singers. Once he brought by compulsion, to the court the renowned vaishnavottama, Tulasidasa, who was not interested in visiting his royal courts. The king wanted to listen to his music with great devotion and sincerity. First, he welcomed and paid respects to Tulasidasa systematically. Though Tulasidasa, the vaishnava who was free from worldly attachment, had Rama-dhyana as the only aim of his life, he accepted the Pooja just to satisfy the king. The vaishnavaottama gave a concert in the royal court that night. The emperor greatly relished the music. With great regard, Akbar took Tulasidasa to a solitary place and asked him to disclose a secret to him.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam III Vol III Book IX Chp 11 Shlokas 1 - 5

Tulasidasa Charitam III Vol III Book IX Chp 11 Shlokas 1 - 5

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

प्रणयेन विशुद्धेन द्रवीभूतेन चेतसा |

हरिः प्रीणाति भगवान्नेतरैर्घोरसाधनैः |

कृत्वा शिरश्च्छेदमपि राक्षसा रावणादयः |

यथा रुद्रं वशञ्चकुस्तथा कोपि न केशवम् ||

एवं कुयुक्तिमार्गेण घोरेण तपसापि वा |

आत्माहानिर्भवत्येव न नूनं लभ्यते हरिः ||

यस्य चित्तं द्रवीभूतं तत्पादाब्जदिदृक्षया |

तस्यैव सुलभो विष्णुर्भगवान् भक्तवत्सलः ||

वामाचारादिमार्गेण तथा घोरेण कर्मणा |

हरिर्न लभ्यते नूनं प्रणयेनैव केवलम् ||

Shri Sadguru said

Shri Bhagavan gets pleased only with pious love and dedication and not by other severe sadhanas. Ravana and other asuras brought Shri Rudra under their control by performing home, wherein they offered their cut heads. No one has ever attained Lord Krishna by such means. Such false ways and severe dreaded penance result only in harming one’s own aatma. Lord Hari is never attained by them. Lord Shri Vishnu, Shri Bhagavan, the Bhaktavatsala is very easily accessible only to a man whose heart is torn by the desire to reach His lotus feet. Lord Hari never remains available to those who follow the path of Vamachara (the dark deeds) and other dreadful rituals. He is available only to a devotee whose heart is full of love for Him.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 43 - 47

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 43 - 47

श्रीस्द्गुरुरुवाच

इत्युक्त्वा प्ररुदन्तं तं बद्धाञ्जलिमुपस्थितम् |

भक्तश्रेष्ठं कृपासिन्धुं सान्त्वयामास माधवः ||

कृष्णेन रूपसौन्दर्याद्धर्षितोपि दृढव्रतः |

महात्मा तुलसीदासो दृढया भक्तनिष्ठया ||

मोहयन्नन्दबालं तमच्युतं ब्रह्ममोहनम् |

इष्टस्य रामरूपस्य लेभे दर्शनमुत्तमम् ||

एवं भक्तवशः कृष्णो भावग्राही दयानिधिः |

प्रेमभावं पूजयति भक्तानां हृदयस्थितम् ||

न बुद्धिमोहं जनयेद्भक्तानां दृढचेतसाम् |

सर्वे पूर्णावतारा हि पूर्णस्य परमात्मनः ||

Shri Sadguru continued

Having spoken thus, Tulasidasa, the great bhakta, folded his hands, in prayer, and shed tears. Lord Madhava, the ocean of mercy, consoled him. Mahatma Tulasidasa was so strong in his devotion to Lord Shri Rama that he was not shaken by the exquisite form of Lord Krishna, Lord Nandalala, who had enchanted even Shri Brahma. Instead, Tulasidasa had enchanted the Lordwith his deep devotion and compelled Him to appear in the form of Lord Rama, his beloved. Lord Krishna, the treasure-chest of mercy submits Himself the wishes of His devotees. He showers mercy upon them, understanding their hearts fully. He always appreciates and values their love and devotion. The unflinching devotion should never get confused and perplexed. All incarnations of the Perfect and Supreme Being are perfect in themselves.

Thus ends Chapter Ten entitled ‘Tulasidasa Charitam I’ of Book IX of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 38 - 42

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 38 - 42

श्रीतुलसीदास उवाच

अद्यैव शान्तिं गच्छामि त्वां दृष्ट्वा करुणानिधे |

भीतोsहमन्यरूपस्य दर्शनेन दृढव्रतः ||

रूपमाधुर्यलावण्यरासिक्यैरुत्तमं नरम् |

न शक्नोत्यपरम् द्रष्टुं ननु नारी पतिव्रता ||

विशिष्टो भवतु श्यामो रसमाधुर्यरञ्जितः |

अहमेव परम् मन्ये दैवं मारीचवञ्चितम् ||

माता पिता त्वमेवासि त्वमेवासि गुरुर्मम |

सत्यं सत्यं पुनः सत्यं त्वमेव शरणं मम ||

न स्वर्गं नापवर्गञ्च कामये न सुखं परम् |

नापगच्छतु चित्तं मे तव पादाम्बुजात्प्रभो ||

Tulasidasa said

Oh! Ocean of mercy! Though unshaken, I was frightened by Your darshan in a different form. I have found peace in this darshan of Yours, now. A chaste woman will never look at another man, however great he is by virtue of his beauty, grace, sweetness and merry nature. Will she? Let Shri Krishna, the enchanter, be very great in His charming and merry qualities and luscious sweetness. I consider only my Lord, who was deceived by March (the rakshasa who came in the form of a golden deer) to be very great. Only You are my mother, my father and my guide. I promise that I surrender unto You, and only You are my ultimate refuge. Oh! Lord ! I am not desirous of swag or moksha or any other bliss. Let my heart never move away from Your holy feet.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 32 - 37

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 32 - 37

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

इत्यिक्त्वा भगवान् कृष्णः परिपूर्णतमः स्वयम् |

रामावताररूपेण तस्मै संदर्शनं ददौ ||

पुण्डरीकविशालाक्षं मकुटोद्भासिमस्तकम् |

मणिकुण्डलसंयुक्तं कस्तूरीतिलकोज्ज्वलम् ||

विशालवक्षसं देवं दीर्घबाहुं महाभुजम् |

विचित्रकार्मुकधरं हरिचन्दनचर्चितम् ||

दिव्यक्षौमोत्तरीयञ्च दीप्तनानाविभूषणम् |

धीरोदात्तगुणं राम शरण्यं करुणार्णवम् ||

विलोक्य तुलसीदासः प्रहृष्टवदनोsभवत् |

पुलकाञ्चितसर्वाङ्गो बाष्पसंपूर्णलोचनः ||

तुष्टाव प्रणतक्ष्चापि परिपूर्णमनोरथः |

मूर्ध्नि बद्धाञ्जलिपुटो गद्गदस्तब्धभाषणः ||

Having spoken thus, Lord Krishna, the personification of perfection and contentment gave darshan as Shri Rama. Shri Rama appeared with eyes as beautiful as the lotus; with His head adorned with a crown and ears with mandalas studded with precious gems and with glittering matsuri tilak on His forehead. He stood there with a broad chest, long and graceful limbs and strong shoulders. He was holding an enchanting bow. His person was rubbed with fragrant red sandal paste. He was wearing a gorgeous silk attire, and a number of shining ornaments. Looking at Shri Rama, the courageous and savior of those who have surrendered to Him, and the ocean of compassion, Shri Tulasidasa’s eyes shed tears of joy, his face blossomed, and his hairs stood on end. Contented with the darshan of Lord Shri Rama Tulasidasa held his hands above his head, submitted his venerations to Him, and prayed to Him in a voice shocked with emotion.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 30 - 31

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 30 - 31

श्रीभगवानुवाच

अभयं ते महाभक्त पश्य मां रघुनन्दनम् |

वेणुं कोदण्डरूपेण पश्य मे करवारिजे ||

मयि भक्तिं दृढयितुं स्थूणाखननरीतितः |

एवं भूतोस्मि मे भक्त वस्तुतो राघवोस्म्यहम् ||

Shri Bhagavan said

Oh! The greatest of the devotees! I shall save you. Look at Me, considering to be Lord Rama. Consider the flute in My hand to be the Kodanda in the hand of Shri Rama. In reality, I am Rama only. A pillar is shaken to and fro before it is erected firmly. I just tested the strength of your devotion to Me, swaying you with My darshan as Lord Krishna

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 27 - 29

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 27 - 29

श्रीतुलसीदास उवाच

रामभक्ताग्रगण्योsहमिति स्मृत्वाsस्मि गर्वितः |

क्षमस्व करुणासिन्धो कृपया पाहि मे व्रतम् ||

जानामि निर्मलं चित्तं त्वयैवापहृतं प्रभो |

तथापि वाचं कायञ्च त्यज रामाय केशव ||

अनुषोचामि तं स्मृत्वा धर्मात्मानञ्च सुव्रतम् |

एकान्तनिष्ठया नित्यं बाल्यात्प्रभृति पूजितम् ||

Tulasidasa said

Oh! Ocean of compassion! I was proud of myself thinking that I was at the head of all Rama bhaktas. Please forgive me. Please gracefully save my chastity. I know very well that my pious heart has been stolen by you. At least allow me to preserve my tongue and my body for the sake of Shri Rama. (Please do not compel me to sing in praise of You). I feel very sorry at the very thought of Lord Shri Rama, the Noble One and the dwelling place of dharma, whom I have worshipped from my childhood.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 20 - 26

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 20 - 26

श्रीभगवानुवाच

पतिव्रता परगृहं न गच्छेन्न वसत्तथा |

पुमांसमन्यं तत्रापि न पश्येन्न वदेत्तथा ||

ममेदं वनमागत्य वसन्नत्रापि वैष्णव |

पश्यन् मां प्रवदंक्ष्चापि मयैवं किं न लज्जसे ||

सौन्दर्यं मे वर्णयसि मां पश्यसि पुनः पुनः |

जानासि मद्गतं चित्तं पातिव्रत्यं प्रशंससि ||

एवं हि शिवभक्ताक्ष्च विष्णुभक्तास्तथापरे |

मयैव वञ्चिताः सन्ति रूपमाधुर्यचेष्टितैः ||

स्वभावो हि ममायं तु हृदयाकर्षणं परम् |

अतो वदन्ति मे भक्ताः जारं मां पुरुषोत्तमम् ||

बहवो रामभक्ताक्ष्च पातिव्रत्यप्रशंसकः |

मयैव मोहिताः सन्ति दृढनिष्ठो यथा भवान् ||

किं वृथा वार्तया भक्त तद्गतं गतमेव हि |

भज मां जारभावेन कामये तवामहर्निशम् ||

Shri Bhagavan replied

A chaste woman should not enter into another man’s house. Even if she happens to go, she should not stay there. Supposing she has to stay, she should not look at that man. If she happens to look at him, she should not look at that man. If she happens to look at him, she should not, on any account, talk to him. Oh! Vaishnava! You voluntarily came to My abode, Shri Brindavan; you stayed here; you saw Me and also talked to Me. Are you ashamed (to compare yourself to a chaste woman)? You describe My beauty; you look at Me again and again. You have learnt that you have given your heart to Me. Shamelessly you are trumpeting the glory of your chastity (viz your Rama Bhakti). Very many devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu have thus got deceived by Me. I have enchanted them with My beauty, sweetness and Leela. To attract people is My nature. Hence, My devotees call Me the Purushottama, Jarachora Shikhamani (one who unlawfully attracts men’s wives). (In this context, the Lord, who attracts the devotees of other deities to Himself.) Many unshaken devotees of Lord Shri Rama who were proud of their chastity in devotion, have also been attracted by Me, like this. Oh! Bhakta! Now leave it. What is the use of arguing now? Sing in praise of Me, unnoticed by Lord Shri Rama. I shall love you at all times.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 13 - 19

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 13 - 19

श्रीतुलसीदास उवाच

अनन्यनिष्ठया युक्तं भक्तं मां जानकीपतेः |

किं मोहयसि गोविन्द परभार्यां विटो यथा ||

बाल्यात्प्रभृति संवृद्धमनन्यव्रतमुत्तमम् |

त्वां दृष्ट्वा सुन्दराकारं कस्त्यजेन्मद्विधो जनः ||

धर्मात्मा सत्यसन्धक्ष्च सर्वसद्गुणसंयुतः |

राघवो मम भर्ता हि शरणागतवत्सलः ||

सर्सद्गुणसंपूर्णं संत्यज्य प्राणवल्लभम् |

पथिकं जारमिच्छन्ति दुःखं प्राप्नोति हि स्फुटम् ||

उपेक्षयापि संयुक्तं दृढनिष्ठञ्च राघवे |

किमिच्छसि कृपासिन्धो परिरब्धुमिहादरात् ||

सौन्दर्यादपि कारुण्यात्स्वारस्यत्प्रेमचेष्टितात् |

जारभावेन मे चित्तं हन्त मोहयसि प्रभो ||

Oh! Govinda! Right from my childhood, I have continued to be a devotee of Lord Shri Rama. Why dp You entice me, as a man fond of another one’s wife does? From my childhood, I have nurtured in my heart, very deep devotion to Lord Shri Rama. Will a devotee like me give up such Bhakti just attracted by Your beauty? Shri Rama, my Lord is the very embodiment of dharma. He is the epitome of truth. He is the abode of all noble qualities. He is the guardian of all who take refuge in Him. A woman who deserts her noble husband and falls in love with another man who comes on her way, shall have to suffer much on this earth. As I have an unshaken devotion to Lord Rama, I do not care for you. Why do you want to embrace me? Oh! Lord! Alas! You are bewitching me with your graceful form, compassion, premature Leela, all Your attractive facets and Your alluring designs. Oh! Lord! The unflinching faith in Lord Rama which has been developed from my childhood is shaken now. You have deceitfully entered my heart.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 9 -12

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 9 -12

कदाचित् तुलसीदासो रामभक्तिपरो महान् |

पर्यटन् भारते देशे बृन्दावनमुपागतः ||

तत्रापि राममेवासौ ध्यायन्नेकान्तनिष्ठया |

उवास यमुनातीरे भक्तैर्भागवतैः सह ||

हृदयं प्रविवेशास्य स्वयमेव हि माधवः |

मधुरं वादयन् वेणुं राधया च समन्वितः ||

तं विलोक्य घनश्यामं गोविन्दं मुरालीधरम् |

तुष्टाव तुलसीदासः प्राथनापूर्वकं तथा ||

Once the devotee of Shri Rama, Shri Tulasidasa reached Shri Brindavan during his tour of the holy places in India. In Shri Brindavan, on the bank of the holy river Yamuna along with the bhaktas and bhagavatas, he was deeply engaged in meditation on Shri Rama. At that time, along with His consort Devi Radha, Lord Shri Krishn, stealthily entered his heart, playing on His flute. Finding Shri Venugopala in His blue lustre Tulasidasa worshipped Him with sweet prayers.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 6 - 8

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 6 - 8

परिपूर्णं दैवमिष्टं तत्तद्भावानुसारतः |

पतिव्रतानां नारीणां पतिरेवोत्तमः खलु ||

तत्वतो विष्णुरेवासौ परिपूर्णतमः स्मृतः |

रूपसौन्दर्यशील्यलीलावैभवसद्गुणैः ||

अवतारी स्वयं विष्णुर्णानारूपधरः प्रभुः |

तत्तदिच्छाप्रकारेण रूपं गृह्र्णाति माधवः ||

The deity of each one’s choice is the supreme and is perfect to his attitude and outlook. Does not each chaste woman adore her husband as the perfect man? In reality, Shri Bhagavan Vishnu is the Supreme Perfect Lord, as He has the best of all exquisite forms. He has the most fascinating beauty, He has the most admirable, divine qualities. He is the abode of sadguna, He displays the most enchanting leelas, and only His greatness and magnificence are unrivaled in all worlds. Lord Vishnu incarnates and takes different forms according to the wishes of His bhaktas.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 1 - 5

Tulasidasa Charitam II Vol III Book IX Chp 10 Shlokas 1 - 5

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

अनुसृत्य मनोभावं भगवान् भक्तवत्सलः |

भक्तानां प्रेमयुक्तानामिष्टां रूपं दधाति सः ||

अंशनैव हि सञ्जाताः साक्षाद्भगवतो हरेः |

अवतारास्त्वसंख्येयाः तत्वतस्तान्निबोधतः ||

रूपांशेन तथा केचिद्गुणांशेन तथापरे |

तत्वांशेन तथा केचिद्विभांशेन चापरे ||

एवं नानांशसंभूता विष्णोस्तु परमात्मनः |

अवतारास्त्वसंख्येयाः सन्ति सर्वसुभप्रदाः ||

एतत्तत्वं न जानन्ति प्रज्ञावन्तक्ष्च पण्डिताः |

जानन्ति भक्तिसंयुक्ताः वैष्णवाः सूक्ष्मदर्शिनः ||

Shri Sadguru said

Shri Bhagavan, who gives away Himself to Bhakti, takes different forms in accordance with the wishes of the premature bhaktas. Understand, the secret that the different incarnations of Shri Bhagavan are representing Lord Shri Hari, the Supreme Being Himself. Some are secondary incarnations of His sublime form; some are of His loft qualities and some are of His divine potentials. The different incarnations thus emerging from Lord Shri Vishnu, look after the welfare of the world. Even great scholars fail to realize this fact. Only great vaishnavas, who have deep wisdom, and Bhakti understand this.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 24 - 31

Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 24 - 31

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

एवं पत्न्या बोधितस्तु लोकातीतस्वभावया |

सद्यः प्रबुद्धवैराग्यो निर्जगाम ग्रुहान्महान् ||

चित्रकूटगिरिं गत्वा तीव्रं कृत्वा तपो महत् |

सुदुर्लभं सुराणाञ्च प्राप श्रीरामदर्शनम् ||

अथ रामाज्ञया काशीं गत्वा गङ्गातटे प्रभुः |

निवसन् साधुभिः साकं चकार हरिकीर्तनम् ||

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे संभूर्विक्ष्वनाथो वृषध्वजः |

भक्तश्रेष्ठं द्रष्टुकामस्तस्य दृष्टिपथङ्गतः ||

चकार राष्ट्रभाषायां शङ्करस्यानुशासनात् |

श्रीमद्रायणं काव्यं मधुरं वैष्णवोत्तमः ||

महात्मा तुलसीदासो गङ्गातीरे दिने दिने |

स्वनिर्मितां रामकथां श्रावयामास सज्जनान् ||

कथाप्रसङ्गे सञ्जाते भक्तश्रेष्ठोपि मारुतिः |

शुश्राव श्रद्धया नित्यं दासदृष्टिपथङ्गतः |

एवं वाराणसीदासो लोके प्राप महद्यशः ||

Shri Sadguru continued

Thus preached by his wife, who stood beyond the worldly desires., Shri Tulasidasa attained a state of complete subjugation of his mental aberrations and left the house immediately. He reached the mount Chitrakuta, did severe penance and attained the darshan of Shri Rama, which is an impossibility even to the devas. Then, he reached Kashi as commanded by Lord Rama. Along with sadhus, he was engaged in Hari bhajan on the bank of the holy Ganga. During that time, Lord Shiva who protects the world and has the divine bull as His carrier, wanted to meet Tulasidasa, the greatest bhagavata, and hence, appeared before him. As commanded by Lord Shiva, Tulasidasa, the greatest bhagavata, rendered Shri Ramayana in Hindi in a very good style. Sitting on the bank of the river Ganga in the midst of sadhus, mahatma Tulasidasa gave discourses daily on the Ramayana written by him. Daily, during the discourse, Maruti, the greatest of the devotees of Shri Rama, used to sit in front of Tulasidasa and listen to him with interest. Thus making the sadhus assemble in the holy Kashi and engage in Rama dhyana, mahatma Tulasidasa earned great reputation in the world.

Thus ends Chapter Nine entitled ‘Tulasidasa Charitam I’ of Book IX of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 19 - 23

Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 19 - 23

रत्नावल्युवाच

राघवो रक्षति त्वाञ्च मामप्याश्रितवत्सलः |

आपन्नानां रक्षणार्थं ध्रियते येन वै धनुः ||

दृढभक्तोपि लोकेश संशयं प्राप्तवानसि |

कथं शक्यं त्वया कर्तुं मरणे मम रक्षणम् ||

मांसपिण्डमिमं मत्वा भोग्यमेव निशान्तरे |

विस्मृत्य रामकारुण्यमेवमत्रागतोसि हि ||

कि मया किं सुतैर्गेहैः किं धनेन च बन्धुभिः |

संत्यज्य विषयासक्तिं कुरु राघवचिन्तनम् ||

ममानित्ये शरीरेस्मिन् या प्रीतिः क्रियते दृढा |

तामेव जानकीनाथे कुरु निर्हैतुकीं प्रिय ||

Ratnavali said

Shri Rama, the lover of those who have surrendered to Him, protects you and me. He holds the kodanda only to rescue those who are in danger. Though you have firm faith in Shri Bhagavan, you have doubted Him. Can you save me at the time of death? Oblivious of the mercy of Shri Rama, you have come here at the dark of the night considering this fleshy body to be an object of enjoyment. What benefit does any of these possessions like home, property, wife, children and relatives confer on a person? Give up your indulgence in carnal pleasure and engage in Rama dhyana alone. Please divert the strong love you have for my mortal body, towards Shri Rama and love Him with all sincerity.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 14 - 18

Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 14 - 18

श्रीरत्नावल्युवाच

एवं निशान्तरे स्वामिन् किमत्रागतवानसि |

त्वां दृष्ट्वा परमश्रान्तं दुनोमि करुणानिधे ||

श्रीतुलसीदास उवाच

अविज्ञातेन केनापि पितृगेहङ्गतां स्मरन् |

चिन्तयापि भयेनाहमेवमत्रागतोस्मि हि ||

श्रीरत्नावल्युवाच

क्ष्वशुरस्ते द्रष्टुकामः सुतां मां भ्रातरं मम |

आनेतुं प्रेषयामास तेन ह्यात्रागतास्म्यहम् ||

पथिकेन तु केनापि गन्तुमर्हाम्याहं कथम् |

मम चित्तमविज्ञाय दुःखितोसि वृथा ननु ||

श्रीतुलसीदास उवाच

कथञ्चिदपि रात्रौ त्वं नात्र प्रस्थातुमर्हसि |

मया भर्त्रा तथाप्येवं कर्तव्यं रक्षणं खलु ||

Ratnavali (Tulasidasa’s wife) said

Why have you come at the midnight like this? I feel very sad to see you so much exhausted.

Shri Tulasidasa replied

I have come here with great anxiety and fear at the very thought that you had started with a stranger to your mother’s house.

Ratnavali said

Your father-in-law had sent my brother to meet me. I came here only with him. Will I come with some way-farer? You have unnecessarily undergone all these troubles, not understanding me clearly.

Shri Tulasidasa replied

Whatever be it, you should not have started at the night time. As your husband, I have a duty to protect you.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 8 - 13

Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 8 - 13

देशान्तरं गते तस्मिन् तस्य भार्या पतिव्रता |

आनीता केनाचिद्रत्रौ जगाम स्वपतिर्ग्रुहम् ||

तस्मिन्नेव दिने गेहमागतो महतां वरः |

पितृगृहे गतां पत्नीं विवेद सह केनचित् ||

रावणेन यथा सीता तथा पत्नी ममापि च |

केनचिद्वञ्चिता नूनमिति चिन्तातुरोsभवत् ||

सद्य एव महात्माsयं मनोवेगप्रचोदितः |

तामेवानुजगामाशु मार्गेपि तमसाकुले ||

कृच्छ्रादपि गृहं प्राप क्ष्वशुरस्य महामतिः |

तत्र दृष्ट्वा तथा भार्यां परमं हर्शमाप सः ||

बहुश्रमेण संयुक्तं भर्तारं वीक्ष्य लज्जिता |

पप्रच्छ प्रीतिभावेन गद्गदाकुलभाषणा ||

Once when he had gone to a distant place, at the call of a stranger, his innocent and chaste wife had left her mother’s house. Tulasidasa, who reached home the same day, learnt that his wife had gone to her mother’s place along with a stranger. Tulasidasa became very anxious, and sad, thinking that his wife had been deceived by some unknown person, like Devi Sita, who was abducted by Ravana. Immediately, the mahatma went after her, traveling very fast on the dark path. With great difficulty, he reached his father-in-law’s house. Finding his wife there, he became very happy. His wife, felt shy of looking at him who had arrived facing all difficulties. She talked to him with a voice softened with love.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 6 - 7

Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 6 - 7

आसीत्तुलसिदासाख्यो महात्मा लोकपावनः |

आजन्मवैष्णववो ज्ञानी विरक्तो विमलाशयः ||

दृढभक्तः प्रशान्तात्मा राघवध्यानतत्परः ||

स्वधर्मनिष्ठो योगीन्द्रः सर्वशास्त्रपण्डितः ||

There was an exalted personality called Tulasidasa, who was a born gnaw capable of purifying the entire world. He was a great yogi, and was very firm in following his dharma. He was an adept in all Shastras and had Rama dhyana as the only object of his life. He was very calm, wise and dispassionate. He had very firm devotion and a pious heart.

Vaishnava Samhita. Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 1 - 5

Tulasidasa Charitam I Vol III Book IX Chp 9 Shlokas 1 - 5

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

गृहान्धकृपन्निर्गत्य विविक्तं स्थानमागतः |

रामनाम जपेन्नित्यं कोटिक्ष्चितयन् प्रभुम् ||

किं दारैः किं सुतैलोके जरामरणसङ्कुले |

किं बन्धुभिर्धनैर्वापि विना श्रीरामदर्शनम् ||

दृढविक्ष्वाससंयुक्तो नामकीर्तनतत्परः |

प्रेमभक्तिमवाप्यैव कक्ष्चित्पश्यति राघवम् ||

लोकेsस्मिन् परमो लाभः परमानन्दवर्धनः |

साक्षात्कारो रघुपतेर्दृढया भक्तिनिष्ठया ||

तादृशं दृढवैराग्यं न चेदेवं गृहे वसन् |

गृहधर्माविरोधेन कीर्तयद्रघुनन्दनम् ||

Shri Sadguru said

One should get out of the deep, dry well of family life, reach a solitary place, meditate upon the Lord and chant the Divine Name of Shri Rama. What benefit does one derive out of the possession of wealth, riches, relatives, wife and children in this world afflicted with old age and health, when the darshan of Shri Rama is not got? One who chants Rama Nama with firm faith acquired premature Bhakti and ultimately gets the darshan of Shri Rama. Meeting Shri Rama face to face, as a result of firm faith, is the only joyous reward one can get on this earth. If one does not have such firm faith, one should stay at home and do Rama bhajan in such a way that it does not hinder the discharge of the household duties.