Uttar Kaanda
210 - Kakabhusundi narrates the story of his previous lives and tells Garuda the glory of the Kali age
Chaupais
Description
The real self-interest of every living creature lies in cultivating devotion to Sri Rama's feet in thought, word and deed. That body alone is sacred and that alone blessed, in which one is able to worship the Hero of Raghu's line. The wise and the learned never extol him who is hostile to Sri Rama, even though he may acquire a body as exalted as that of Brahma (the Creator) himself, Devotion to Sri Rama took root in my heart in this very body; hence I hold it supremely dear, my master. Although my death depends on my own will, I refuse to quit this body, because-as the Vedas declare- adoration of the Lord is not possible without a corporeal frame. At first infatuation gave me much trouble; so long as I remained hostile to Sri Rama I never had a restful sleep. Through a number births I practised Yoga (concentration of mind), Japa (muttering of prayers), austere penance and charity and performed sacrifices and other acts of various kinds. Which species is there in this world, O lord of the winged creatures, in which I have not at sometime been born during my round of births? I have had experience of all kinds of pursuits, my lord; but I was never so happy as I am now. I recollect many previous existences, my lord, in which by Siva grace my understanding was not clouded by infatuation.