How did it all begin? Shakti, who is the cosmic Mother, has many names – Uma, Parvati, Durga, I can go on. She asked Shiva to narrate a story which will offer comfort in troubled times to all her children. Shiva then narrated the story of the Ramayana, which is about Ram and Sita.
Ram is an incarnation of Vishnu and Sita is an incarnation of Lakshmi. They are both mortals. In the meanwhile, there was a curious crow called Kakabhushandi, who was listening closely. He flew off and went to Narada, a travelling sage and told him the narrative. Outcome was that Narada was a gossip and was he wandered between heaven and earth, exchanging bits of gossip. The story was further narrated to Valmiki, who wrote the Ramayana into an epic song.
The code of Dharma
The Ramayana represents Ram and Sita as being a harmonious couple. In comparison to the turbulence in Shiva and Parvati’s household. Sita and Rama are always at peace, whether in the palace, in the forest or in Sri Lanka. They are not intimidated or overawed by the culture. Tapasya makes them wise; yagna enables them to convey love. Together they establish the code of Dharma, the best an individual can do in a continuously changing society and context.
The Ramayana is about Sita and Ram. Vishnu is portrayed as Rama, a householder who is receptive to others point of views. Lakshmi is depicted as Sita (nature) and is the source of enrichment and abundance.
When we listen to the story of the Ramayana, there are many lessons. We learn about the triumph of good over evil. One must follow Dharma, the code of conduct. One is responsible for one’s actions, good or bad and one will face the consequences. One must conduct oneself with compassion and kindness. One must observe one’s duties, and honor and respect the truth.
The most powerful message is that God (Vishnu) protects all those in distress and birds and animals will always help those who are on the right path. I will share a small story with you. The squirrels wanted to assist in building the bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka. The bears and monkeys were carrying boulders. So, the squirrels decided to carry grains of sand to assist in the bridge building. When Ram saw them scurrying back and forth, he placed his three fingers on their back. Even today the Indian squirrel has three stripes on his back.
Dear ones, being good, compassionate and kind will enable one to follow the path of Dharma.
Aim Hrim Klim
Picture by Anonymous, Made in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India – Philadelphia Art Museum, Public Domain