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HINDU GOD - RAMA (RAM)

THE PERFECT MAN

In Hindu myth, Prince Rama is the seventh incarnation (or avatar) of Vishnu, and he is one of the most loved deities in India. Indian families tell their sons that they should grow up to be like Rama.

Prince Rama is the hero of the Indian epic the Ramayana. In this story, he is the son of the King of Ayodhya, and heir to the throne. However, his stepmother wants him banished from the kingdom so that her natural son can become heir to the throne. Regretfully, the king asks that Rama leave the kingdom. Seeing his father's predicament, Rama gladly leaves the kingdom for the forest.

Rama goes to live in the forest with his brother and with his enchanting wife, Sita. While there, Rama drives off some Rakshas from the forest. Their demonic leader, Ravana, seeks revenge on Rama by abducting Sita.

Rama, his brother, and Hanuman, the Monkey King, set off to free Sita from the island of Lanka, where Ravana is holding her. Hanuman uses his powers to build a bridge using the bodies of his monkey army for Rama to cross, and flying in on Hanuman's shoulders, Rama shoots an arrow into Ravana. He has succeeded in killing the demon and liberating his wife.

The principle of humanity is yet another essence of being Rama. When the ways of crossing the ocean were being discussed, and it was suggested that Rama should make the ocean dry up, he resisted. With great humility Rama initiated a puja to placate the sea god to allow for an opening. Three days passed but the sea god was unrelenting. Then Rama decided to use his divine astras, and dry up the ocean. This made the god appear before him. With folded hands he entreated Rama not to dry the ocean, as it would mean death to all sea creatures. The compassion of Rama made the sea god suggest the expertise of Nala and Neela to bridge the ocean.

Rama, before crossing the ocean, installed the Shivalingam at Rameswaram, and said: "The Mahakaal is dear to me". Once he defeated Ravana, Rama anointed Vibheeshana as the king. Traditionally the victor had the right to the riches and the kingdom, but Rama was uninterested.

 


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Rama's philosophy was that the ultimate Dharma was doing good to the people. There was no greater adharma than causing others to suffer. When people do not perform heir duties according to their dharma, they do not get the right results. Out of ignorance, they blame the cosmic scheme for their misfortunes. Rama in the Uttarkand speaks of action that seeks no reward, conduct which seeks no fruit, and faith which seeks no expectation.

Despite his divine nature, Rama the prince requested Sage Vasistha to explain to him the nature of the universe and the real truth of 'Being'. This great treatise, known as the Yoga Vasistha or the Maharamayana, is one of the clearest expositions of the core of Vedanta, holding that only Consciousness, the real truth, is the essence of Brahman.

Whoever listens to and sings this story,
will be free of sin and sorrow.
The fruits of devotion to Vishnu are that
disease and pain will never affect the devotee.

Guru Shri Govind Singh Maharaj, Ramavtar (859th verse)


 

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