Bhakthi will force the Lord to give you Himself as the gift. The coronation
ceremony of Sri Raamachandhra and the celebrations were all over; the
presentation of gifts to all important people was over. Then, Seetha remembered
that Maaruthi had been forgotten.
There was no one in the hall except Raama, Seetha and Maaruthi. Raama wondered
what to give him; He suggested to Seetha that the gemset ring that Janaka gave
him on the occasion of the marriage would be the best gift, because as He said,
"Your father gave this to me, on the day he gave you to me; this Maaruthi gave
you to me, a second time. So, I shall give him this." Maaruthi did not seem
quite happy when the ring was placed in his hand. Evidently he did not
appreciate the gift because it was not given in full sight of all; when all
were given, he was neglected! But Maaruthi placed it near his ear, as if he
sought to know what sound emanated from it; he bit it with his teeth; tried to
peer into its structure.
Raama asked him why, and Seetha was also anxious to know. Maaruthi said, "I am
finding out whether it has the Raamanaama which I want to the exclusion of
everything else." Then, Raama embraced him and said, "Maaruthi! What other gift
can I give you? I shall give you Myself as the gift. Accept Me!" So, that is
why he was neglected, at the time every one else was awarded gifts! That is why
wherever Maaruthi is, there Raama is bound to be; wherever Raama is, there
Maaruthi is invariably present. The name is so valuable for the Bhaktha
(devotee). It persuades the form to bend and bless.
- taken from Swami's Discourse on 29th April 1963...
Sai Ram
