Monsoon in India is like Gods descending on earth- lending color and life to this land both in the realm of life, and in the realm of its emotional and religious ethos. The first monsoon showers breathing life and love into the parched earth and the waters that reflect the clouds and the sky above – all these are life, in its sheer fullness, reflected on life, so that life may know itself more fully.

Perhaps, one of the most enthralling descriptions of the rainy season appears in the ‘Ramcharitmanas’ by Goswami Tulsidas.

Lord Ram, while in exile, spends a few months on the Prabarasana hill before journeying to Lanka to rescue Sita.  Seated in a cave with only haystack as a cushion on a stony bench, Lord Ram gives an intimate discourse to his brother Lakshman on seasons as they pass by.

The beautiful, lyrical description not only touches the exquisiteness of the rainy season in the physical sense, but also lends a metaphorical meaning to it. The lines below are taken from Kishkindha Kaand and are intrinsically linked to our experiences in life.

(A marvelous musical version of the same is rendered by the singers Umakant & Ramakant Gundecha in the Times Music album Bhaktimala- Rama)
घन घमंड नभ गरजत घोरा  प्रिया हीन डरपत मन मोरा

Ghan Ghamand Nabha Garajat Ghora, Priya Heen Darapat Mann Morã

The dark clouds thunder terribly in the sky

Without my Beloved,  my heart trembles

दामिनिदमकरहनधनमाहींखलकैप्रीतिजथाथिरनाहीं

Daamini Damak RahaN Ghan Maahi  Khala Kai Priti Jathaa Thir Nãhi.

The lightning flashes fitfully amid the clouds,

The way the love of the wicked is never stable or enduring


बरषहिं जलद भूमि निअराएँ  जथा नवहिं बुध विद्या पाएँ

Barashahi Jalad Bhumi Niaraé, Jatha Navahi Budh Bidyã Pae

The pouring rain clouds hover low, so close to the ground,

Like realized sages, humbled by their insights

बूंद अघात सहहिं गिरि कैसे  खल के बचन संत सह जैसें

Boond Aghaat SahahiN Giri Kaisé,  Khala Ke Bachan Sant Sahae Jaisé..

How the mountains endure the assault of the piercing raindrops

The way saints endure the scathing words of the evil

क्षुद्र नदीं भर चलीं तोराई  जस थोरेहुँ धन खल इतराई

Kshudra Nadi Bhar Chali Torâi, Jas Thorehu Dhan Khal Itarãi.

The shallow, frivolous streams overflow, gushing with speed,

Like the evil puff up even with a small fortune

भूमि परत भा ढाबर पानी  जनु जीवहि माया लपटानी

Bhoomi Parata Bhá Dhaabar Pani, Janu Jivahi Maya Lapatani

The water becomes turbid the moment it descends on earth,

the same way as a being (Jiva) is wrapped in illusion (Maya) on the earth

समिटि समिटि जल भरहिं तलावा  जिमि सदगुन सज्जन पहिं आवा

Samiti Samiti Jal Bharahi Talava, Jimi Sadagun Sajjan Pahi Ávã

The water comes from various directions gathers into ponds

just as naturally as virtues gather in the hearts of the noble


सरिता जल जलनिधि महुँ जाई  होइ अचल जिमि जिव हरि पाई

Sarita Jal Jal-nidhi MahuN Jaaii, Hoii Achal Jimi Jiv Hari Paaii

The water of the stream becomes still once they pour into the Ocean,

just like the Jiva (soul) finds eternal rest on attaining union with Hari


May this Monsoon season bring that eternal rest to every seeker’s search.

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