How to explain in way to know for sure,
Devotion to Supreme Lord, spotless and pure?
From ancient Ramayana one way take,
Comparison that Shri Lakshmana to make.
Fish taken out of the water like,
When God no more in their sights.
Feeling of beloved wife Sita too,
From being away just a moments few.
“Like a fish out of water” famous expression,
In an odd place, like stranger the impression.
Know that in bhakti-yoga same also found,
Explaining those who to devotion bound.
Lakshmana to brother Rama once said,
Of Himself and Sita, when to forest were led.
Describing love for Him spotless and pure,
Without bhakti, devotee can’t survive for sure.
Innocence surely we like,
Makes for a pleasing sight.
For one to always keep in the mind,
Think of Lakshmana, brother following behind.
Not a selfish thought in him one,
Only of how Rama’s work to be done.
This my favorite image to keep,
To bring joy to me always a heap.
Today worried about that and this,
Fearing that enjoyment’s chance to miss.
Outcome in one way or other to fall,
Soon after the issue not again to recall.
On Lakshmana mind should have been set,
Then benefit from experience would get.
For Rama’s interest his only care,
By brother’s side to find him where.
In making excuses expert you are,
But never keep Lakshmana from you far.
Lakshmana to find where today,
For since Ramayana past many a day?
As devotion firmly in him to reside,
Know that now right by Rama’s side.
Never to shake, always steady,
To serve Rama always ready.
Predictable he is where to find,
When in trouble keep this in mind.
Caring not whether you think he’s real or fake,
Away from the side of brother none can take.
That enhancer of Sumitra’s delight,
Can be seen to Shri Rama’s right.
Always with Rama through thick or thin,
Drove away Shurpanakha of mighty sin.
Ended the life of Ravana’s powerful son,
In fighting and honor like him there are none.
That love which Nishada chief saw,
Leaves devoted souls in appreciative awe.
Why idly by will I sit?
Why from pressure decide to quit?
As long as I have the power to speak,
I’ll honor he for whom love I keep.
Through good luck increased my intelligence,
Will use for honoring brother of magnificence.
Though to Shri Rama he is younger,
In dedication than him none stronger.
Endless words to my mind the Lord gave,
Why those precious thoughts will I quietly save?
This life for Lakshmana’s glory to enhance,
Will make best use of this wonderful chance.
From Vedas so many verses come,
Difficult to choose only a single one.
In Ramayana’s end favorite for me,
That allowing Lakshmana’s love to see.
Before to formidable foe fateful arrow sent,
His thoughts to Rama’s character went.
Victory to arrive on that brother’s strength,
Released arrow travelled just the right length.
Whether I find trouble or peace,
My love for that verse never to cease.
Of foreign enemies always alert,
His brother Rama never to desert.
Attackers may come or may not,
But his attention never to drop.
Love for Rama fills his heart,
Thinks of him from day’s end to start.
Measure of man through company test,
From Lakshmana know that Shri Rama the best.
From slumber didn’t need to awaken,
Never brother Rama to be forsaken.
Left home for forest in a heartbeat,
Not afraid any situation to meet.
Always to stay by his brother’s side,
In protection mode in forest to reside.
Abandoning home for Lakshmana no giant leap,
His company this heart hoping to always keep.
Bhakti Poems 