Parables of Rama

by Swami Rama Tirtha | 102,836 words

Stories in English used by Swami Rama to illustrate the highest teaching of Vedanta. The most difficult and intricate problems of philosophy and abstract truths, which may very well tax the brains of the most intellectual, are thus made not only simple and easy to understand but also brought home to us in a concrete form in such an interesting and ...

Story 189 - Maharaja Ranjit Singh-Lion of Punjab

Like Cromwell, amongst the Englishmen, or Babar, amongst the Muslims, there was only recently one Ranjit Singh amongst the Hindus. I am here relating the story of this Lion of Punjab. Once his enemy was on the other side of the river, and his own men were hesitating to cross the river. Seeing this, Maharaja Ranjit Singh boldly jumped with his horse into the river and crossed it saying, "God is everywhere. One should not have any doubts. Only those who are incapable of making advances are hesitant". Seeing this, his entire army immediately followed him and crossed the river in no time. Noticing their fearlessness, the enemy, who outnumbered them, got frightened, fled away from the battlefield and, lo! the Indian hero, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, wedded victory with utmost ease. He could accomplish this, because his heart was full of faith in God or reliance in Self which gave him real strength. He used to pass his nights in meditation of Almighty. Tears would roll down during his prayers. In other words, he had realised his Self. It is not merely a theoretical statement. Self-realisation is, the stage, where happiness percolates through every fibre of one's body.

It is said that the name of „Rama‟ was written on every particle of the body of Hanuman. Similarly, Ranjit Singh's heart was full of strength, emanating from faith. For men of realisation even the rivers and hills make way. The secret of worldly success is the strength of Self, emanating from the faith that "Lord within me is All-powerful".

Vol. 4 (279-280).

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