“O chastiser of the enemies, along with you I wish to distribute my wealth to the brahmanas practicing austerities – to the many excellent brahmanas who live here, with firm devotion toward their gurus, and furthermore to all of those who depend upon me.” (Shri Rama speaking to Lakshmana, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, 31.33-34)

Download as podcast episode (right click and save)

अहं प्रदातुमिच्छामि यदिदं मामकं धनम्
ब्राह्मणेभ्यस्तपस्विभ्यस्त्वया सह परन्तप

वसन्तीह दृढं भक्त्या गुरुषु द्विजसत्तमाः
तेषामपि च मे भूयस्सर्वेषाञ्चोपजीविनाम्

ahaṃ pradātumicchāmi yadidaṃ māmakaṃ dhanam
brāhmaṇebhyastapasvibhyastvayā saha parantapa

vasantīha dṛḍhaṃ bhaktyā guruṣu dvijasattamāḥ
teṣāmapi ca me bhūyassarveṣāñcopajīvinām

1. Play a sport

“What do I do for fun? Hmm, I never really thought about it before. One thing I know for sure is that I like to stay active. If you sit around, doomscrolling the day away on your smartphone, you feel miserable at the end. The more you remain inactive, the more lethargy sets in. Isn’t there that principle of science? A body at rest tends to stay at rest. I strive to be a body in motion. I play many sports. Tennis. Golf. Baseball. How about you?”

2. Watch movies

“What do I do for fun? I must admit that I am into movies. From all periods of time. Across all genres. I even stay up to date with international films. One of my favorite things to do is to pick a film at random, without knowing any of the particulars. I realize that is difficult to accomplish. I hate watching trailers. Most often the style of the promotional image gives away the genre of the content. I am one of those people who memorizes lines and can quote them when appropriate. How about you? What was the last movie you went to see in the theaters?”

3. Take long walks on the beach

“What do I do for fun? I tend to enjoy peace and quiet. There is nothing quite like the breathtaking vision of the morning sun, rising to penetrate the horizon. If you visit the beach at that time, in my local area, you can enjoy this view on a regular basis. Sure, you might have to bundle up. You might have to wake up earlier than you are accustomed to. But let me tell you, it is sure worth it. What a way to start the day! How about you? Ever witnessed something so beautiful from nature that it made you appreciate the life experience itself?”

4. Travel

“What do I do for fun? Not to sound pretentious, but I do enjoy travelling. It is not so much for showing off or feeling like an elite member of society. I just know that even a week away from home can revitalize spirits better than anything I could do within my routine. There is the saying that travel is as good as rest. If you are in a foreign place, you get a fresh perspective on life. You are not bogged down by the daily responsibilities. I tend to make all of these promises for how my life will change when I return home. It is like I can finally see clearly. How about you? Been to any interesting places recently?”

5. Sacrifice everything for others

It tends to be one of the first questions when introduced to someone new. The conversation needs legs to continue. After discussing the local weather and what you do for a living, what else is there to talk about? Naturally, a person must seek enjoyment. This is in their very nature, as confirmed in Vedanta-sutra with the Sanskrit words ananda-mayo ’bhyasat.

“Ananda-mayo ‘bhyasat (Vedanta-sutra 1.1.12). The living entities, like the Lord, are full of consciousness, and they are after happiness. The Lord is perpetually happy, and if the living entities associate with the Lord, cooperate with Him and take part in His association, then they also become happy.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, Introduction)

Within the short duration of life, each person gravitates towards their own preferred activities, which tend to align with their nature. For instance, a person with the fighting spirit might enjoy consuming content that involves fighting. A more studious person, who enjoys deliberating on higher principles, might feel right at home sitting at a desk inside of the local library. For as many people as you can find, you will likely come across that many distinct interests. But what about for the highest being of all? What does He like to do?

The Vedic tradition provides two distinct pictures within the spiritual world. There is the place known as Goloka-Vrindavana. The Supreme Personality of Godhead known as Shri Krishna only plays. His appearance is nava-yauvanam. He is forever fresh and new. Thousands of years can pass, while Krishna still looks like someone who just recently became a teenager. Krishna only plays. He has no responsibilities. He is carefree, in this regard. The realm as a larger concept is also known as Vaikuntha, which means a place free of anxieties.

Then there is the picture of the place specifically referenced as Vaikuntha, wherein the same Supreme Lord resides, but as the four-armed Narayana. The vision here is rest. Narayana, who is also known as Vishnu, is lying down. He is not doing anything, really. At the same time, from His supposedly involuntary act of breathing we get the many universes.

In both pictures, we have God having only fun. He does not need to seek out specific activities for enjoyment precisely because there is never a moment outside of enjoyment. But what about for the avataras? When Vishnu chooses to descend to this world. Granted, the appearances are rare, but they do occur. Sometimes, Vishnu appears as a human, such as in the case of Shri Rama, the eldest son of King Dasharatha.

Just what does Rama like to do for fun? If we were to study according to our lens, judging against the human tendencies with which we are familiar, we could say that Rama does not have any fun at all. Not that He is in distress or overworked. Rather, Rama only gives. He lives for the pleasure of others. He is always thinking of how to lift others up. This benevolence extends to the animal community, as well.

दद्यान्न प्रतिगृह्णीयान्न ब्रूयात्किञ्चिदप्रियम्
अपि जीवितहेतोर्वा रामस्सत्यपराक्रमः

dadyānna pratigṛhṇīyānna brūyātkiñcidapriyam
api jīvitahetorvā rāmassatyaparākramaḥ

“The truly valorous Rama only gives; He does not take. He does not speak even a few unpleasing words, even to save His life.” (Sita Devi speaking to Hanuman, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 33.25)

On a particular day, you might find Rama, who is a kshatriya by occupation and a prince on track to eventually ascend the throne held by His father, giving up all of His possessions. The ones carrying the most value. In an act of charity, as a return of kindness and favor. Prior to embarking on a mission of austerity and penance, to extend fourteen years, Rama decides to help others. He has this inclination alongside His younger brother named Lakshmana.

It is no wonder, then, that Rama is so beloved. By the people of Ayodhya. By the people relying upon Him. By the wise scholars. By the people living on the outskirts of society. By the forest dwellers. Even by some whose interests go against what Ayodhya tries to uphold. Everyone appreciates Rama for the sacrifices He makes, and so they make a humble attempt to return the favor by dedicating at least this life to worshiping Him.

In Closing:

So many past to spoil,
In dreaded rebirth to toil.

At least this one to take,
Sacrifice for Rama to make.

Since never for personal sake,
Comfort for others to forsake.

Like when for the forest to leave,
Gifts the dependents to receive.

Categories: the five

Tags: dailyprompt, fun, hare krishna, poem, poems, poetry, ramayana