THE DRAMAS OF LIFE DIVINE
Part - 10
Dear readers, till the December 2008 issue, in this section we serialized for you “Shirdi Sai Parthi Sai”, the glorious saga of Shirdi Sai and the divine life of Sathya Sai till His early childhood. This series continued for 48 episodes, and we received very positive responses to this serial. In fact, now that the script is available, this television serial has been re-enacted as a play in many Sai centres.
Encouraged with this, we decided to continue this section and offer something in a similar format. And now, after the Divine Life story of Bhagavan Baba, it is the innumerable dramas presented in the Divine Presence by the students of Bhagavan’s Schools and University, as well as by the Bal Vikas students and Sai devotees from all corners of the world. We hope the current series, which is accompanied with lots of pictures and video stills/clips, will not only make an enriching and edifying reading experience, but also will help devotees everywhere to redo these inspiring plays in their own settings with little effort. So, enjoy these divine dramas where the Divine was a keen spectator and the hidden director!
The current drama, which was staged by the students from the Brindavan campus of the Sri Sathya Sai University on January 13, 2009, demonstrated to the world the potent power of Love for God through the life of one of the greatest saints of the modern era, Bhaktha Potana. The tests and twists in the life of this celebrated poet-saint is a true guide for every sincere spiritual aspirant of the Lord.
Dear reader, for the benefit of all, Radio Sai has launched ‘Sai Blossom’ – a collection of product offerings consisting of books, audio CDs, MP3 CDs and video DVDs. This drama ‘Bhakta Potana’ too, which is tastefully edited and embellished, is currently available as a video DVD in the Shopping Complex as well as in the Book Stall in Prasanthi Nilayam. For more information, please write to products@radiosai.org |
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BHAKTHA POTANA
Sportsmeet Drama, 2009
PART-2
Scene 4
King’s Minister Visits Pothana
Zamindar: Namaskaram vaidhyacharaaya…how are you? You have not come to see me of late?
Physician: Oh, no, Sharmagaru. Your condition will take a long time to improve. Please take these medicines and let us pray for the best...
Potana: Today, let us listen to the emancipation of Gajendra, a mighty elephant. One day, as the herd was bathing in a lake a crocodile gripped the leg of Gajendra.
Zamindar: Potana is talking about Gajendra, I want to listen…Please take me a little forward.
Potana: Naanaaneeka payuudhamulvanamulo nambeddakaalambu sanmanimpa dasalakshakoti karini naadhundanai yundi maddaanaambha paripushta chandanalataam tatchaayaalamdundale
Keeneeraasa nitaela vacchiti bhayambetlo kadae eashwara.
“Oh God, I was the leader of thousands of elephants, free to roam the forests unhindered, what quirk of destiny was it that I came to this lake? How am I to overcome this predicament…?”
Potana: Alayaka solayaka, veesatanolayaka kari makaritooda nuddhadata ratrulu divasambulu salipe poorokka veeyi samvatsaramul
Day and night both of them fought for over a thousand years. The herd abandoned him to his fate… As his strength ebbed away, the elephant realized that it had no hope of winning against the crocodile …’I have been left all alone, how can I escape from the clutches of this crocodile’. Man likewise allows himself to be caught by the crocodile of desire in the lake of samsara (earthly existence). Man is intelligent like the elephant but allows his intelligence to be covered by ego. That is why he suffers. ‘There is none to even hear my cries.’
Zamindar: Oh what a curse is this. I am in a similar state as that Gajendra…I have tried all medicine to no avail. My wife and children and friends have abandoned me. I am indeed all alone. I am suffering the consequences of my past deeds.
Potana: Lavokkintayu ledu dhairyamu viloolam bayye braanambulun, raavu ldappenu moorcha vachche danuvun Dassin sramam bayyedin, neevetappa nitah param beruga mannimpan dagun deenunin, rave eaaswara kavave samrakhimpu badraatmakaa
As long as Gajendra used his physical strength the Lord waited….let me describe the agony of Gajendra:
‘Lord there is no more energy left. My life forces are leaving me. I am fatigued and am fainting… there is none other than you that can help me…come and protect me, Oh master of my soul…’
Gajendra had wound his trunk around a huge tree for physical support. Only when he released the tree and raised his trunk in total surrender to the Lord of lords…Sri Maha Vishnu…did He immediately rushed to his rescue…
Zamindar: Whom shall I turn to now, there is darkness all around...Oh lord! I beg of you, forgive me. No one but you can help me. Srirama chandra ashrita parijata rakshamaam...rakshamaam
Potana: Sirikin jeppadu sankhachakrayugamun jeedooi sandhimpadee,
parivaarambunu jeera dabhragapatin bannimpa daakarneekaam, taradhammillamu jakka nottadu vivaadaprooddhita sreekuchoo, paricheelaaanchala maina veedadu gajapranavanootsaahiyai
Zamindar: Forgive me master, forgive me. The words makuru dhana jana yavvana garvam (never be proud of wealth, prosperity and youth) rang true in my life, I have learnt a hard lesson. Wealth is nothing...God is indeed everything.
Potana: Who am I to forgive you? The All Merciful Lord has accepted your repentance...you are now a changed man. Lead a worthy life. Nee paschyatapame nee prayschittamu (your repentance is your remission).
Mallanna: Narayana bhaja narayan…
The king’s minister enters, along with Srinadha and guards. Servants are carrying plates full of precious gifts.
Minister: Bammera Potana gaaru! His majesty Sri Ranga Bhoopala has heard of your great composition Srimad Bhagavatam. He expects you to offer it to him and has sent you these precious gifts as a reward.
Srinadha: Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) is now at your threshold, wake up to reality bhava (brother-in-law)...You need this wealth…Do not plunge your family into penury for the rest of your life?
Potana: My life is rich, filled with the divine presence of Rama. Srinadha kavindra (a great among the poets), you have spent all your life coveting the attention of mortal rulers.
Srinadha: (cuts in immediately) But I have become rich and I am living in luxury. I have become the royal court poet and that is no mean achievement.
Potana: Baava! Your being is lost in becoming…My life is focussed only on Rama.... He has always taken care of me and he will always take care of me.
Minister: What shall I report to the king Potannagaru, how shall I answer his queries?
Potana: Convey my best regards to his majesty - but tell him that Lord Rama stands above him. Thank you.
Srinadha: Potana, don't be foolish, you are invoking the wrath of the king.
Potana: One who has the Lord as guardian need not fear anyone.
Minister: I came with the royal command to offer these gifts to you. I have done my duty. It is your call to accept or reject them. I take your leave now (does pranaam to Potana, walks a few steps turns back. Looks at srinaadha) Are you coming Sir?
Srinadha looks at Potana looks at minister and leaves with the minister in a huff.
(The focus now shifts to another elevated stage where Lord Vishnu and His vehicle Garuda are in a conversation.)
Garuda: That was a tough test, my lord.
Vishnu: Did I not tell you? The world has to learn from the example of Potana. He has set the right ideal.
Garuda: How will it all end, my Lord?
Vishnu: Man is abala (one without strength), Vainateya, but despite all his weakness, he foolishly presumes that his will is supreme. At times, I need to remind him that he is but a puppet in the hands of the divine director.
Garuda: Will the king give up so easily my Lord?
Vishnu: Garuda! I am the Saakshibhoota, The Eternal Witness. Action will provoke reaction. All are accountable for their actions. I will not interfere with the destinies of men unless I have to.
Scene 5
Sreenadha's Transformation
Karanam: Potanagaru, elephants are known for their intelligence, then how did intelligent Gajendra get caught by the crocodile of desire?
Potana: Desire does not influence man, man allows himself to be influenced by desire. Being in the world but not of the world, akin to a drop of water on the lotus leaf, is the essence of all sadhana (spiritual practice).
Scholars: What can we tell Potana? He is a scholar himself.
Scholars enter
Sreenadha: (to the scholars) I tried to drive some sense into him. But he refuses to listen to me. You are men of knowledge. Please convince him not to invite the ire of the king.
Potana: I am indeed honored by the presence of such an august assembly of scholars.
Scholar1: Potana, is it true that you have refused to accept the king's gifts?
Potana: I politely declined to accept what I do not need.
Scholar2: Who does not need wealth?
Potana: If one is content with what one has, wealth is an avoidable burden.
Scholar 3: You may be correct, but the king will force his will on you.
Potana: The will of Rama sustains this body. How can anyone else interfere with His omnipotent will?
Srinadha: (impatiently cuts in) Baava, your obstinacy can cost us dearly. You may not care for yourself, but think of my sister, your wife and son. Do they not deserve a better life?
Potana: He that has planted the sapling will also foster it.
Srinadha: (exasperated) The long arm of the king has already reached you with precious gifts. The next time it may be holding a sword.
Potana: Why are you trying to put fear of men into me? The Lord alone is my refuge. The one who protected Droupadi and Prahlada and saved Gajendra will protect me too.
Srinadha: Protect you? Let me quote your words, how did you expect Him to protect Gajendra... He left vaikhunta in a hurry without His angavastram (raiment for the upper part of the body)… He did not inform Mother Lakshmi where He was going. He took none of His weapons.
Potana: Mere human imagination does not define God. Baava, I only described the love god has for those who take refuge in Him.
Villager: (rushes in) Kavivarya (revered poet), your son has fallen into a well.
Srinaadha: My son! (and begins to run)
Mallanna: (fast and loud) Wait uncle! Where is the rope and where is the ladder, should you not take them with you, how do you intend to save your son?
Srinadha: Oh! My son!
Mallanna: Wait uncle, your son is safe... he has not fallen into the well at all.
Potana: Why?
Mallana: I had to do it father…
Potana: If your human heart has so much love for your son, can you even begin to comprehend the love of the Divine Father? Just think of it baava.
Srinadha: (slowly looks from Mallana to Potana) You are right, baava. Few are able to look beyond what they see. You are blessed. I judged you to be a mere poet but I now realise that you are a sage...indeed a maharishi.
Potana: I am merely a willing instrument in the hands of my master.
Scholar 1: That is the highest privilege, Potanagaru. How does one attain it?
Potana: There are many paths to reach God. But the easiest among them is to listen to His story, the Bhagavatam, for it bestows upon us Bhakti, Jnana, Vairagya, Tatwa and ultimately Mukti (Devotion, Wisdom, Renunciation, Spiritual Essence, Liberation). Bhagawatham Chadivite baga avatamu (if we study Bhagavatam, we become good).
Scholar2: Indeed you are blessed Potanamarchya...none but God can inspire such noble thoughts.
Karanam: The village youth have come to enact Sri Krishna leela…
Potana: Let us enjoy the glory of our Lord Krishna.
Potana: yato vacho nivartante apraapya manasa saha - The Lord is beyond the ken of word and mind...the Gopikas have the highest form of love for the Lord...Parama prema (Supreme Love).
Villager: Master, the king and his soldiers are marching towards our village....
Mallanna: What?
Villager: (to Mallana) He seems to be angry. (Mallana looks at Potana who gestures him to be calm).
King: (enters the stage briskly) Where is Potana?
Potana: Here I am. Oh king!
King: Have you no regard for the monarch of this land? How dare you reject my request?
Potana: I am an instrument in the hands of my Lord, oh King...I make no choices either to accept or reject.
King: If that is so … A mere instrument has no right over what it has written.
Potana sings first part of Dandakam
King: Potana, you have tested my patience enough…guards, bring me the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Potana: Sri Rama...it is now up to You to protect what is Yours... (goes to the temple steps and offers himself at Rama’s feet)
Mallana sings the second part of Dandakam
King: What is happening? Why are my soldiers unable to enter the temple? Why are my soldiers being thrown down? I cannot see anybody. Srinadha, what is happening?
Srinadha: (pleads with king) Your Majesty! Potana is no ordinary person. He has been directed by Lord Sri Rama Himself to offer this divine composition at His lotus feet.
King: Do you expect me to believe this? Let me see for myself.
Srinatha: Maharaja, please listen. Do not try to possess the sacred Bhagavatam by force. The Lord has laid His claim over it. (The king goes to the temple and falls down. He is helped up by Srinadha and the minister).
King: It is true! Potana is indeed protected by the Lord himself. (Goes to Potana) Please pardon my ignorance oh Potanamartya...blinded by ego and power I forgot that the Lord is supreme. He alone is the rightful owner of His creation. Om Sri Ramaya namaha.
Potana: The Lord is all merciful. He grants us everything unasked. In return, all He desires is only our Love.
THE END
THE DRAMAS OF LIFE DIVINE
Part - 7
Scene 3:
Hanuman leaves for Lanka
Beautiful indeed is the tryst of the Lord and His devotee. Hanuman’s surrender to Rama was total and complete. Rama too placed utmost confidence in Hanuman and gave him His ring to be delivered to Mother Sita. Placing the image of Lord in his heart, Hanuman got ready to face the approaching devils, including the devils of despair.
[Angada, Nala, Nila, Jambavan, Hanuman are at the seashore. Hanuman sits a little away from the group silently. Jambavan gets up to address the gathering]
Jambavan: Brothers! We have searched every nook and corner and left no stone unturned in the mission of the Lord. The end of land is reached and the turbulent ocean stares at us as an insurmountable obstacle. Beyond the ocean, at a distance of 100 yojanas is the kingdom of Lanka where Mother Sita is imprisoned. The future course of action shall be decided by our leader, Crown Prince Angada.
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Angada: There seems to be only one feasible solution to this problem. One of us has to cover the 100 yojanas in a single jump, confront the wicked Rakshasas and bring tidings of Sita for the Lord. Venerable Jambavan, you are the eldest among us. You have circumambulated the glorious form of the Lord in the Trivikrama form. 100 yojanas is a mere footstep for you.
Jambavan: The invisible tides of time have sapped away the huge reserves of energy that I have harboured in my earlier days. With a supreme effort, I can cover only 90 yojanas nothing more.
Angada: O vanara veeras (mighty monkeys), come forth with the assessment of your strength so that we can pick the right person for the enterprise.
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Nila: Prince! I can jump at the most forty yojanas, not a finger-breadth more.
Nala: With all the strength that I can summon and the winds in my favour, I can definitely do a sixty.
Angada: Then, I, Angada, son of Mahabali Vali shall cross this ocean and carry out the task. Though I have a doubt as to whether I will have enough strength to come back, I am ready to take the risk.
Jambavan: No, Angada. You are the Crown Prince and you cannot go into the domain of demons. That’s against the canons of royalty. You have to delegate the task to any of your servants who are eager to do your bidding.
Angada: Fate is playing a cruel game with us giving a ray of hope in the beginning and suddenly plunging us in the darkness of despair.
Jambavan: Do not be disheartened, Angada. The ever merciful Lord who lays down the mission will even give us the strength to fulfill it. I know the one person who can undertake the task set by the Lord. [Moves towards Hanuman] Anjaneya! You will have to cross the ocean and finish the assignment given by Rama.
[Hanuman gives a puzzled look and remains silent]
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Angada: Yes, Hanuman. You are the right person for the job. With your intelligence and diplomacy, you established the friendship between Rama and Sugriva. Now, use the same skills to deliver Rama’s message across the ocean.
Jambavan: Shed the cloak of meekness and rediscover your might. Remember! A single leap was all it took for you to reach the Sun, and a single leap is all it will take to reach Lanka.
Recollect the various boons and powers bestowed by the Devas (gods). It is time they be put to use for the Rama Karya (mission). Arise, Awake! The garland of victory is waiting on yonder side to adorn your neck.
Hanuman: O Vanaras (monkeys)! By the power of His name, I shall carry out His command. The glory of His form enshrined in my heart will give me the means to carry out the Lord’s wish. Sing His praise as you await my return. Jai Sri Ram!
All: Jai Sri Ram!
Scene 4:
Hanuman in Ravana’s Court
Narration: Hanuman leaped towards Lanka facing the various barriers with confidence and aplomb. Driven by the Lord’s grace, he overcame the various hindrances, and finally succeeded in the search for Mother Sita. Hanuman fought till the very end confronting even Ravana in the process.
[Ravana is seated on the throne and hanuman is dragged by Indrajith to the court]
Meghnad: Pranams Pitashree (salutations o father), I have captured the impudent, insolent monkey that dared to enter Lanka and destroy the Asokavana.
Hanuman: Captured [gives a slight laugh] I have come by my own will to your court. [Breaks the bonds and continues]. It is my reverence for Brahmaastra and not your son’s valour that had allowed this little meeting to take place.
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Meghnad: For the vanquisher of Indra, a monkey is child’s play. I was only trying to capture you alive as per the word of my father. Or else…
Ravana: Meghnad. Alright, vanara. Give us your introduction. Why have you come? Why have you wrecked our garden and killed our soldiers?
Hanuman: Dasoham Kosalendrasya… I am Hanuman, the servant of Lord Rama. I have come as His envoy to deliver His message.
After a long and tiresome journey I was hungry. I shook the trees to relieve them of their fruit and some of them got uprooted. Then, your soldiers attacked me, and I had to slay them for self-defense.
Ravana: You can deliver the message from the grave, for that is where you shall go for killing my son. Guards, execute him immediately.
Prahasta: Tarry a while, Lord. Let us first hear the message that the mortal sends to the monarch through this monkey. That may help in the future course of action.
Ravana: So be it! Monkey, come forth with your plea.
Hanuman: Pleas and requests are for my master. For you it is just sermon. Born in the noble line of Pulastya, do not tarnish it with this single sin. Return Mother Sita and crave forgiveness at the feet of Rama. The ocean of compassion will definitely pardon you.
On the other hand, if you remain a slave of desire and decline to return Mother Sita…
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[Poem]
Remember Ravana! The march of the monkeys shall shake the foundations of your empire. The twang of Rama’s bow will fill your hearts with fear.
Ravana: You ignoramus! You dare to threaten me in my court!
[Poem]
The utterance of my name and vision of my form causes the three worlds to tremble. The head that lifted Mount Kailasa touching the feet of a mere mortal! Impossible.
Hanuman: If you remain obstinate, Ravana, that very head shall roll by the power of Rama’s arrow. Why do you want to turn Golden Lanka into a graveyard? Why do you want to convert glory into infamy?
Ravana: Your articulation amuses me a lot. So you mean to suggest that an army of monkeys led by a mortal will defeat the conquerer of devas. [laughs] Mukkoti cheyanidi Koti chesthundata…
Hanuman: You want to know what a monkey can do?
[poem]
Understand Ravana, the secret behind the success and the mystery behind the might of the monkey. It is all due to the grace of Rama. Surrender at His lotus feet and seek the umbrella of His divine protection.
Ravana: If Rama, in the remotest possibility, does plan to attack Lanka, it is my protection that he will need.
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Hanuman: Your arrogance degrades your achievements, be happy that your death is written on Rama’s arrow that shall tear your bowels and free you from the cycle of birth and death.
Ravana: Your tongue seems to be longer than your tail, Hanuman. Every utterance of yours is taking you closer to doom.
Remember that you are now living on borrowed breaths. You are strong at heart for you are able to bear the roar of Ravana and yet remain alive. A gesture is all it takes to send you to Yamaloka.
Hanuman: I request you to take a trip of the Ashokavana. You will be able to see that I had facilitated Yama’s meeting with many of your minions.
Meghnad: You are wasting your valuable time on this monkey, my lord. Give the execution order immediately and finish him.
Ravana: Rightly said. Meghnad, Kill this vanara and avenge the death of your brother.
Vibhishana: Brother, I beg to differ. An ambassador must not be killed according to the code of conduct laid by kings.
Prahasta: You mean to say that an ambassador comes to our kingdom, destroys his majesty’s favourite garden, kills the dear son of our emperor, and we have to treat him like an honourable guest.
Vibhishana: It may be a mistake. But that does not authorize us to commit the same mistake. An ambassador is a guest to our kingdom and must not be harmed.
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Malayavan: I agree with you, Vibhishana. A messenger cannot be held responsible for the intention of the message he delivers. Besides, when Hanuman goes back to Rama, he will describe the glory of Lanka and the might of its army. That may dissuade Rama from leading the army.
Prahasta: Agreed, that he cannot be killed but definitely he can be punished. Let them see the maimed monkey entering their camp and they shall think twice before trying to come for war.
Ravana: Mmm… The pride of a monkey lies in its tail. Let the tail of the creature be put to fire. The shrieks and jumps of the monkey will provide a good entertainment to the citizens.
Hanuman: Ravana, you are putting fire not to my tail, but to Lanka itself. It is said, Vinasha Kaale Viprita Buddhi (When the end approaches, the mind looses its moorings). Brace yourself Ravana, for the beginning of the end.
(To be continued…)
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