Author Description

<p>In the material world, life is grief made worse by more grief, a misery piled on top of misery. Sita Devi, the beloved wife of Shri Rama, suffers tremendous sorrow after being deceitfully abducted by the wicked King Ravana of Lanka. Held captive and threatened with death, she is overwhelmed by sadness upon sadness.</p><p> </p><p>Hope arrives in the form of Hanuman, the fearless messenger (dūtaḥ) of Rama. This Vanara (forest-dweller), acting out of pure love, successfully crossed the great ocean and infiltrated Lanka, relying on his powerful capability to accomplish the impossible mission. Hanuman is tasked with delivering comforting words to Sita.</p><p> </p><p>Though Sita is naturally skeptical of the stranger, given that Ravana himself once approached her disguised as a wandering religious mendicant, Hanuman begins narrating Rama-katha, describing the Supreme Lord according to the truth. He speaks words that are favorable to the ear.</p><p> </p><p>Hanuman relates that Rama, the son of Dasharatha and leader of the Ikshvaku dynasty, is the best among knowers of the Vedas and the greatest bow fighter, recognized as the best maharatha (great chariot warrior) in the world. Rama is described as splendorous like the sun and pleasing to the whole world like the moon. He is endowed with valor like the greatly famous Vishnu, and the entire world is supported by the arms of this great soul. Hanuman assures Sita that Rama will soon kill the wicked Ravana by angrily releasing arrows that resemble blazing flames.</p><p> </p><p>Furthermore, Sita hears of Rama's dear follower, Lakshmana-the highly splendorous brother who follows Rama out of pure love and who humbly offers his obeisances to her.</p><p> </p><p>Sita asks Hanuman to continue relating these glories, noting that the sound is winning over her heart like a current eroding a riverbank-slowly but steadily. Through these comforting words of God delivered by His messenger, Sita, who is the goddess of fortune, experiences