Perseverance

Once upon a time, i.e. in early 11th century, there lived a great saint by name Sri Ra:ma:nuja: cha:rya. He was a great teacher (acharya) and used to preach about the ways of being happy and how to lead our life as prescribed in the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Bhagwad Githa and other holy scriptures.

In those days, the ashta:kshari manthra (a manthra which bestows all types of wealth while living in this world and also in other worlds too) was a closely guarded secret and very few teachers (acharyas) knew the manthra and meditated on it.

They would give this manthra to the disciples after testing their eligibility through rigorous exams on their faith and interest in the knowledge.

Our great guru, Sri Ramanuja wanted to know the meaning of the manthra. He approached Sri Goshththi: pu:rna to know the meaning of the manthra. But, every time the guru would turn down his request. Undeterred by the repeated tests, Saint Ramanuja trekked hundreds of miles on foot again and again and approached the guru. This went on for 18 times. Finally the 18th time, guru was satisfied about Sri Ramanuja's resolute determination and interest in the manthra and revealed the meaning to him.

Saint Ramanuja was thrilled to listen to the meaning and also felt very sad that the common man was deprived of possessing such wonderful knowledge because of the difficulty in acquiring it. Out of his kind heart and love towards all of us Sri Ramanuja wanted to share this wonderful knowledge with everyone.

He went to the temple tower and asked people to gather there and gave this manthra to everyone, so all can enjoy and reach the divine blissful abode of God. What a great compassion and benevolence!

April 22nd is Saint Ramanuja's birthday. Kids, let us all chant a prayer and seek his blessing to get such perseverance, sharing and happiness in our lives.

Yo:nithya machyutha pada:mbuja yugma rukma
Vya:mohatha stadithara:ni thruna:ya me:ne:
Asmad guro:r bhagavatho:sya dayaika sindho:h
Ra:ma:nujasya charanau saranam prapadye: