From a satsang with Pt. Maniedeo Persad, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Sri Raam Dhaam
Managing Director, ieTV and ieRadio
The Ramaayan has within its pages many lessons and sage advice for every human challenge and situation. If we analyse the precepts that Shree Raam himself presented, not only with his words but through his actions, we will find solutions to all life’s challenges.
Shree Raam demonstrates the full spectrum of human fortune and circumstances. He was destined to be a great king but that destiny was interrupted with one incident. As the crown prince of Ayodhya, he was the representative of fortunate circumstances. However, his fortunes changed from being the crown prince of Ayodhya to an exiled prince living in the forest for 14 years, in humbling circumstances. This was due to his father’s promise to Queen Kaikeyi, who wished to have her son usurp Shree Raam’s position. In one incident, he was deprived of everything that belonged to him except the companionship of his loyal wife and brother. While in exile, he also lost his beloved wife, Sita; He scoured the land for her with the aid of monkeys and bears, and waged battle against her kidnapper, King Ravan. His actions and decisions under such challenging situations provide guidance to humanity as to our own conduct and actions.
Even in the midst of much hardship, he is described by Tulsidas as forward looking and forward going. From Him, we learn that whatever life’s experiences have brought us, we must accept them for what they are. We must learn the lessons that we can learn from them and then move forward. Thus, success in life commences with our ability to adapt to life’s changing circumstances.
Shree Raam teaches us to understand the past, accept the positives and learn from the negatives. He demonstrates that we must face the future and all that life brings with renewed optimism and continue to develop ourselves and our families. Even after we are faced with challenges, we must move forward again with renewed vigour and vitality, learning the necessary lessons, implementing needed changes and continuing to grow and progress. If we truly follow the precepts enshrined in the Ramaayan, we shall then experience success.
As a young man, Shree Raam would pay obeisance everyday to his mother, father and guru. We are all children of Sanaatan Dharma, each within our own particular situations. However, whatever the circumstance, we must always pay respect to our mothers, our fathers and gurus. Just as Shree Raam honoured his father’s wishes by going into exile, if we honour our parents, we too will be successful in all endeavours. It is our duty, through our actions, to bring honour and happiness to our families.
We are all connected with divinity and we must strive to cultivate and nurture that relationship with the divine, in whichever form appeals to the mind and temperament. In times of adversity, even Shree Raam prayed to Himself as the Divine Being. So too, we must follow his example and devote ourselves to our spiritual advancement in all activities.
