Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ramayana: A Divine Drama – Vol. V
water on a lotus leaf, he was completely detached, with no concern for
worldly things. (SSS Vol.20 p.48)
Brahma Jnana to be won by involvement with Prakriti:
Janaka, the Ruler of Videha, had the bow in his custody. He was on the
lookout for a hero who had mastered the fatal flaw. Supreme Wisdom cannot
co-exist with duality. The story relates that Janaka, the Vaidehi, (ruler of
Videha, that is to say, 'without body' or 'body consciousness) offered his
daughter (the awareness of Brahman) to Rama. Wedding Sita is another way
of saying 'acquiring Supreme Wisdom', for, from where was Sita gained The
story says, 'from a furrow on the Earth', that is to say, from Prakriti (Nature).
This statement reveals that Brahma Jnana can be won by meaningful
involvement with Prakriti. (SSS Vol. 19 p.69)
One must give up the mind to attain Brahman:
Once upon a time, King Janaka sent round a message inviting scholars, sages
and yogis to teach him the knowledge of Atma. He announced: In the time it
takes me to climb on to my horse, one should be able to give full Brahma
Jnana (knowledge of Absolute).” The sages and scholars were worried, as
they felt “This is going to be a severe test for or scholarship and learning.” No
one dared came and offer to satisfy the King’s demand.
Meanwhile, a sage by name Ashthaavakra entered the kingdom asked them:
“what is the cause of all your worries They explained their situation and he
said, “Why should you scared about such a small thing I can solve this
problem.” So saying, he entered the court of King Janaka. He said to King,
“King! I am ready to teach you the knowledge of Atma, but it cannot be
taught in this palace which is full of rajo and thamo gunas. First I must take
you to a Satwa area.”
They have a few horses and soldiers and left the palace. On reaching a lonely
spot, Ashthaavakra told the king, “I am now going to teach you the knowledge
of Atma. I am the preceptor and you are the disciple. Are you ready to accept
this relationship If you agree to this, then you have to make an offering the
shishya has to give to the Guru (preceptor). Only after you have made your
offering will I will start my teaching.” King Janaka told Ashthaavakra, “I
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