~~OM~~

Ramayan

1. From Your vast experience have You found that all traditions of the Ramayan have Ba as the first "letter" and Ma and the last?

   There are too many editions for me to certify, but Balakanda is the beginning of them all.

2. I have had a question though regarding the Ramayana. I don't understand why Ram does not take Sita back after she has been rescued and then even after proving her fidelity to Ram.

   Ram never doubted Sita even for a moment. It was some of the citizens of Ayodhya who doubted her. And it was not Ram's idea for her to leave. It was Sita who said that a king is pledged to the welfare of his citizens, and that in order that no shadow of doubt be allowed to fall upon the king or upon the throne, she would leave to prove that Ram was greatest king of history; he would even sacrifice the welfare of his wife and children, his own happiness, and his every attachment in order to fulfill the will of the people. Greatness lies in sacrifice, and that is why we remember Ram and Sita today.

Mahayagakrama

3. Can anyone help me to know more about Mahayagakrama?

   Mahayagakrama means atma puja or puja to the sri chakra. It means the system or order of worship for the Great Yajna, which has many meanings, two of which have been mentioned. There are many other meanings. In fact, as many sadhus as we ask, so many meanings will we receive for Great Yajna.

Mandukya Upanishad

4. Why is the Mandukya Upanishad called so? Neither Karika nor Sankara touches this aspect. I think the Upanishad is attributed to Varuna, who taught it in the form of a mandooka (toad) or the Sage Mandukha.

   I like to take it from the root MANDU, joyous, pleasing, agreeable. The discussion of the various aspects of the Self is so pleasing, it makes the listener joyous.