The Eternal Message of Shri Ram-Prema
Saint Tulsidas, the revered devotee and poet-sage, consistently conveyed in his writings that love for Lord Rama is the highest expression of relationship and the ultimate criterion of goodness in a person. In these writings, he artfully describes how one’s devotion to Rama and Sita exceeds all material bonds, relationships, and attachments.
Redefining Worldly Relationships
जाके प्रिय न राम-बैदेही। तजिये ताहि कोटि बैरी सम, जद्यपि परम सनेही ॥
Jāke priy na Rām-Baidehī, tajīye tāhi, so chhāṅḍiye koṭi baira sama, jadyapi param sanehī.
“A person who does not cherish Ram and Sita should be forsaken as if they were a million adversaries, regardless of how much we adore them.”
Tulsidas’s words are straightforward and resolute. He asserts that anyone who lacks love for Shri Ram and Sitaji should be abandoned as if they were many enemies, regardless of their closeness to us.
This tough message uncovers a deep spiritual reality: Anyone who steers us away from the Divine cannot genuinely wish us well.
The Courage of the Devotees
तज्यो पिता प्रहलाद, बिभीषन बंधु, भरत महतारी। बलि गुरु तज्यो कंत ब्रज-बनितन्हि, भये मुद-मंगलकारी ॥
Tajyo pitā Prahlād, Bibhīṣan bandhu, Bharat mahatārī; Bali guru tajyo, kant Braj-banitanh, bhaye mud-mangal kārī.
Prahlad: Renouncing the Father
Devotee Prahlad stood against his father Hiranyakashipu for blocking the worship of Lord Vishnu. He prioritized Divine devotion over his duty to his father.
Vibhishana: Above Brotherhood
Vibhishana deserted his elder brother Ravana and sought safety with Lord Ram. He prioritized dharma and devotion to Ram over family ties.
Bharat: Rejected his Mother Kaikeyi’s Unjust Demand
Bharata rejected his mother Kaikeyi’s unreasonable demands and remained loyal to Ram, illustrating that spiritual values take precedence over maternal connections.
Bali: Defying Guru’s Orders
King Bali disobeyed his guru Shukracharya’s instructions and donated to Lord Vamana, as his belief in the Divine was firm and unyielding.
Gopis of Vraja: Breaking Social Barriers
The gopis of Vrindavan rose above social norms and worldly duties for their love of Krishna. This was not just worldly love but a divine connection between the soul and the Supreme.
True Affection: Rooted in Shri Ram
नाते नेह रामके मनियत सुहृद सुसेब्य जहाँ लों। अंजन कहा आँखि जेहि फूटै, बहुतक कहौं कहाँ लौं ॥
Nāte neh Rām ke maniyat suhrid suseby jahāṅ lon; Anjan kahāṅ āṅkh jehi phūṭai, bahutak kahau kahā lon.
“Those who love Rama are true friends and worthy of honor. What use is the collyrium (kohl) that blinds the eyes instead of beautifying them?”
A relationship only finds its meaning and holiness through its tie to the Divine. Awareness of Ram blesses all earthly relationships.
Likewise, what is the benefit of a relationship that clouds our spiritual clarity? Any connection that leads us away from the Divine and obscures our spiritual vision is harmful rather than good.
The Ultimate Principle
तुलसी सो सब भाँति परम हित पूज्य प्रानते प्यारो। जासों होय सनेह राम-पद, एतो मतो हमारो ॥
Tulsi so sab bhānti param hit pūjya prānate pyāro; Jāso hoy saneh Rām pad, eto mato hamāro.
“O Tulsidas! Anyone who inspires love for Rama’s sacred feet is the most cherished, incredibly helpful, and deserving of respect. This is my strong belief.”
Tulsidas shares his philosophy: Anyone who helps spark devotion to Rama is the truest friend, guide, and supporter. Such a person is worthy of our utmost respect and love, more than anything else.
The Core Message
Tulsidas’ message is eternal: Devotion to God is the highest duty. Genuine relationships enhance spiritual love, rather than diminish it. Every individual, bond, or lesson that brings us closer to divine awareness is holy. To follow the path of Ramji is to accept truth, love, and freedom beyond all earthly ties.
In a world filled with distractions and attachments, Tulsidas ji urges us to focus on the ultimate truth: Ram is the beloved, the aim, and the very essence of life.
