Topic “the longest journey begins with the first step”

Sitaraam devotees, in today’s world, life has become very hectic and stressful. We all have many tasks to
be completed, many challenges to be faced and many journeys to be completed.

How many of us just look at the challenges and become disenchanted and even give up before the task
has started.

If only we cannot think about the entire journey and just start.

The theme of today’s message is “the longest journey begins with the first step.

Taken from the Shree Raamcharitmanas written by sant Tulidass, Shree Hanuman’s journey across the
ocean to Lanka was very long and difficult one. At first it seemed impossible as expressed by the
monkeys and bears.

Jambavant encouraged Hanuman not to waste any time, just start! Shree hanuman prayed to Shree
Raam and planted his foot on a huge rock and sprang to the air.

Yes! There were many harsh challenges even across the ocean but Hanuman dealt with them one at a
time. In this way the long and tiring journey was completed in record time allowing him to meet Sita
mataa.

Devotees it all started with the first leap of the rock.

Another important Katha that tells about a long journey was the building of the bridge from India to
Lanka by Shree Raam and the bears and monkeys.

When the idea of the bridge to cross the ocean was first suggested, almost everyone present had many
great doubts thinking it might be impossible.

Shree Raam lovingly said to them “Nothing is impossible, the most challenging and enduring task can
definitely be completed with unity, hard work and sacrifice.”

A job that seemed almost impossible building a bridge across the ocean 50km long was completed in
just a few days’ time. In this case the longest bridge began with the placing of the first rock.”

Beloved devotees, life is a journey, in which we all are the travelers. In this road that we travel there are
going to be many rough patches, bumps and wrong turns ahead. However, these represents the many
difficult and harsh challenges that we face on a daily basis. This journey of life would only be successful if
we live life one day at a time, dealing with the situations and obstacles one at a time.

If we think about the entire journey and challenges ahead we would become agitated, frustrated, lose
hope and give up.

Sisters and brothers, the greatest achievement in life all start with humble beginnings.
The greatest intellectuals today all started from the very basics.

The greatest musicians all started by repeating the first sounds of music.

The wealthiest businessmen today all started with cents and pennies.

We all want to strive for excellence in all fields of life.

Some of these would include periods of many years, lots of sacrifice resources and constant focus.

If we think about, the result or goals alone there can be immediate frustration and discouragement.

We might lose hope and give up even before starting.

So my advice to you all is in every situation in life approach it one step at a time, and concentrate on
that step alone, then you move on to the next step.

The task at hand immediately seems very simple and enjoyable instead of complex and stressful.

Let us all, follow in the footsteps of Shree Raam, Hanumanji and the bears and the monkeys, all their
goals were achieved quickly and more importantly the journey which they embarked on they enjoyed it
completely.

Jai Shree Raam

Om shanti shanti shanti……….