“Manas Smruti” Katha: Morari Bapu Reflects on Shraadh and Silence in Marbella, Spain

Ram Katha in Spain: Morari Bapu’s Reflections on Life, Death, and Silence

Marbella, Spain 21.09.24: Renowned spiritual leader from India, Morari Bapu, commenced a nine-day Ram Katha in the picturesque coastal town of Marbella, Spain. This marks Bapu’s first-ever discourse in Spain, bringing his global message of love, peace, and truth to a new audience.

The Meaning of Shraadha

The katha opened at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones Adolfo Suarez, where Morari Bapu selected two lines from the Bhusundi path of Goswami Tulsidas’ Ram Charit Manas in deference to the Shraadh paksha, currently being observed as per Hindi calendar. Shraadh is a period dedicated to remembering deceased ancestors.

Morari Bapu chose two central lines, or Chaupais (quatrains), which focused on the word kriya, normally associated with rituals at death:

“Kari nripa kriya sang purbasi, Bharat gayejeha prabhu sukhraasi
Puni prabhu Geedha kriya jimikinhi, badhiKamnband Sabari gatidinhi”
—Uttar Kaand (65 and 66A)

Bapu explained that ‘kriya’ should also be understood as “to act,” beyond its traditional meaning of cremation. In the first line, Bharat’s action leads him to Ram. Esoterically, Bapu explained that any act which leads us to God is commendable. These lines will guide the reflections during the Katha, as Bapu weaves timeless wisdom from the Hindu epic with contemporary spiritual insights.

Bapu has named this Katha “Manas Smruti,” in alignment with Shraadh, where one is encouraged to remember five pivotal centres of life— one’s mother, father, acharya (teacher), atithi (guest), and Ishta (the deity one worships). He shared that during the course of the katha, he will explore how their thoughts, the way they expressed themselves, and their actions can inspire us.

Bapu also emphasized that shraddha se yaadkarna hi shraadhhai (to remember with devotion is itself shraadh), explaining that his family does not follow karmakaand (ritualistic practices).

The Ultimate Silence

Morari Baou then spoke about maun (silence) and how the end of life is characterized by deep silence, with only tulsi and ganga jal placed in the mouth of the deceased.

He reflected on the silence of key protagonists in the Ramayana, noting that they were all maun. Janki, Urmilla, Mandvi, Shrutikirti, Tara, Kaikeyi, Manthara, Kausalya, Trijiti, Anusuiya, Shabari, and Mandodari, though they may have spoken a little when their roles demanded it, largely maintained silence. Bapu also touched on the different types of silence—creative, negative, and hidden—comparing it to the signature of a painting or painter, written subtly in a corner of the canvas.

The spiritual guru also reflected with gravitas on the theme of forgiveness, noting that while those who forgive and those who seek forgiveness eventually leave this world, the earth—symbolizing kshama (forgiveness)—continues to spin silently on her axis.

Power of the Youth

At the beginning of the Katha, Bapu praised the seven young organizers of the event, highlighting their Shudh Sankalpa (pure resolve) as a key reason for the success of the event.

The sponsors and hosts of the Katha are Siya Chug, Sabri and Atri Jasani, Devki and Kalyani Panchmatia, and Janki and Rishi Chollera.

Though related they live in different continents of Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

About Marbella

Located in the province of Málaga along Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, Marbella is renowned for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and rich cultural heritage.

Once a small fishing village, the town has grown into one of Europe’s mostprestigious tourist destinations, blending a historic Old Town with vibrant nightlife. Marbella’s Mediterranean setting and warm climate provide an inspiring backdrop for the spiritual discourse.

The town is also near ancient ruins in Málaga, which are among the oldest uncovered in Europe. On a clear day, one can even see Africa’s hills across the sea from Marbella.

Event Details:

• Dates: September 21-29, 2024
• Location: Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones Adolfo Suarez, C. José Meliá, 2, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
• Time: Discourses will take place daily at 10 am local time, followed by a vegetarian meal. Attendees will be served all three meals during the event.

About Morari Bapu

Morari Bapu has been reciting Ram Kathas for over sixty-five years, beginning his spiritual journey at the age of 14 under a village tree in Gujarat. Drawing from Vedic Sanatana Dharma, popularly known as Hindu Sanatana Dharma, Bapu’s narrations emphasize universal peace, truth, love, and compassion. His unique approach incorporates examples from various religions, inviting people of all faiths to join in the spiritual journey.

Over the decades, Morari Bapu has conducted Ram Kathas in numerous cities and pilgrimage sites across India and around the world, including Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Israel, and Japan, attracting millions of followers. He recently held Kathas at all 12 Jyotirlingas in India by train and conducted a landmark event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where he spoke on the theme of “the whole world being one family.”

Beyond traditional venues, Bapu has also conducted Ram Kathas for marginalized communities, including sex workers and transgender individuals, and has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts in disaster-hit areas globally, including war-torn Ukraine and Israel.