The journey through Shri Raamcharitramanas signifies the journey of each individual through the forest of the world process. The main character, Shri Raam, God-incarnate who walked the earth as man, reinforced the principles of Sanatan Dharma as he taught idealism in every situation he found himself and through every setting, be it palace or forest. This text, considered to be a treatise on life, provides pathways, solutions and answers to many puzzles on life’s journey. It can be classified as a blue-print to success.
A metaphysical understanding of this appearance of the Lord, the ‘leelas’ (activities) he carried out while on earth and the idealism he symbolises, provides us with clear reflections of our own lives and opens wider vistas that will reveal the hidden connection between the outer universe and our own true selves. Tulsidasji’s depiction of the Lord’s manifestation will then result in a more personalised evolution in our very own lives as we intensify our efforts at striving to attain the state enunciated in the Maha vakyas: “Aham Brahm Asmi”- the Lord and I are one.
The three queens of Dasrath signify the different characteristics or qualities that guide our behaviour:
1. Kaushalya – sattva (truth, piety, purity)
2. Kaikeyi – rajas(materialism)
3. Sumitra – tamas(inertia)
Dasrath, the king of Ayodhya, himself symbolises the ten senses inherent in man. These are the five senses of perception and the five organs of action. Ayodhya represents the human body. When the senses within are harnessed, then yagya or sacrifice can be done as was performed by Dasrathji. Resulting from this purificatory process , the solution in the form of ‘kheer’ was obtained which was distributed among the three queens. The offspring of the queens symbolise the pathways to Divinity:
Raama: Gyaan Yoga (mother: Kaushalya)
Lakshman: Dhyaan Yoga (mother: Sumitra)
Shatrughna: Karma Yoga (mother: Sumitra)
Bharath: Bhakti Yoga (mother: Kaikeyi)
As he grew up, Shri Raama was banished from the comforts of palace-life and lived the life of an ascetic in the forest for fourteen years with Sita Maataa and Lakshman. During his life in exile he destroyed Ravan, the demon King of Lanka, and installed a new leader, the pious and truthful royal personage, Vibheeshan.
At the psychological level, Lanka is representative of the unconscious state within. The destruction of Ravan and Kumbhkaran ,and ultimate coronation of Vibheeshan as king of Lanka symbolises the victory of spirituality over egoism and arrogance. The return of Shri Raam to Ayodhya indicates the return of perfect peace, of spirituality. May we strive to attain this victory of spirituality.
