The Chariot of Victory

Pt. Dr. Umesh Persad, Spiritual Leader, Gyaan Deepak Kirtan Mandali

Most people go through life looking for enjoyment. But is this how we should live? We should perform those actions that take us towards enlightenment and true self realisation. We should do our duty and improve ourselves and we will spread our brilliance everywhere. Let us build a chariot that is steered towards spirituality. Continue to perform actions and do not give up the search for the only light and hope for this world.

Life is like a battle that we must fight. When Shri Raam was about to battle the evil Ravan, Vibhishan asked Him how He could fight Ravan if He didn’t have a chariot or weapons. Shri Raam explained to Vibhishan, “I do have a chariot. I do have weapons, but it is not what you are thinking about.”

Shri Raam explained the symbolism of the chariot: the chariot symbolises 12 qualities and the armour and weapons used represent 10 qualities. The two wheels which the chariot needs to move forward are bravery and perseverance. The banner and the emblem are what we should stand up for. The banner is truthfulness and the sign on the banner is good conduct. There are four horses pulling the chariot: strength, discernment, self control and kindness. The four horses are controlled by three reins which are forgiveness, compassion and evenness of mind. The charioteer is one who seeks the adoration of the Divine. These are the 12 qualities we must construct in our lives.

When fighting a battle, one needs weapons to attack and defend oneself. The shield used to defend is dispassion. When there are attacks, the best defence is to let go. This does not mean running away, but mentally releasing. At times the shield might be lost, and we must rely on the armour on the body. That armour is the worship, grace and protection of the Guru and the holy ones. The weapons of attack include the sword of contentment, the axe of charity, the spear of reason, the bow of vigyaan or wisdom, the quiver holding the arrows is a pure and steady mind and the arrows of tranquillity as well as yam and niyam. Yam are forms of abstinence and restraint and niyam are positive activities that we perform.

With the chariot, the protective armour and the weapons, there is no other equipment required for victory. When one has such a chariot and armour, there are no internal enemies. Shri Raam rides in the chariot. The meaning of Raama, is “that which radiates within me”, the atma, self or soul. This Raam needs to be protected like a beautiful gem.

In a bhajan composed by Meerabai, she says, “I have found great wealth in this gem of the name of Shri Raam, Shri Krishna, whatever the form of the Divine. Shri Raam is the light within. This priceless gem was given to me by the Sadguru, the true Guru. With his grace only, I accepted this gem. After many births and deaths, I have finally found the gem I was looking for. I have given up the rest of the world. I have what I truly want. The interesting thing about this gem is that no one can spend it, sell it or steal it. Day after day, it increases in value. On the boat of truth, the boatman is my true Guru. Only with his help, can I cross the ocean of mundane existence. I joyfully sing His glories because I have realised that Lord is my true self.”

In summary, to find true happiness, build the chariot of victory, fight the battle and realise the peace of Raam within.