The epic of Ramayana has inspired millions of people here and abroad. Personally, I have always wondered about the significance of Ramayana for humans of this age. What are the lessons of Truth or Dharma and Courage from it and what does the victory over “evil” signify? Until I came across this post “The Esoteric Meaning of Ramayana” by Om Swami ji. The revelations were transformative and sheds light on the symbolism embedded at the heart of each character and the events that unfold in this ancient epic.
Excerpt follows: Ravana was a daitya, a demon, with ten heads and limitless power
He had the elixir stored in his nābhi, navel. Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, was an icon for the strength of character and dharma, the righteous path. His Consort, Mā Sita, was an embodiment of devotion and pativrata dharma, her conduct of faithfulness and loyalty towards her Lord. Lakshmana represented sevā, service, determination and resolve.
Ravana a great tapasvin, represents the attainment of supreme one pointed concentration. His ten heads are but the ten senses — conative and cognitive organs. It shows when the senses are one-pointed (channelized consciousness) but misdirected, one wrongly uses one’s power.
There is no hope for the yogi who has attained such a state of mind but is still a servant of his lust and rage
That yogin who stops just after perfecting the yogic practices rather than the actual samādhi, trance, can still fall to vikāra, the restive tendencies of the mind. And the one who fails to carry out a penetrating analysis into the reality of things in his trance will continue to be a regular victim of such tendencies.
For, the real work begins once you get to samādhi and are able to maintain it. The elixir in the navel hints at the yogic secret and importance of the maṇipur chakra, the psychoneurotic plexus of navel. Śrī Rāma represents the samādhistha purῡśa (the adept firmly established in his tranquil equipoise). But he goes further, he treads the path of dharma and compassion. Consequently, he is not confused about right from wrong. Mā Sītā, represents the purity and power of prakriti (Nature) and the feminine aspect, kuṇdalinī.
It shows when the yogi is as accomplished as Rama
Nature surrenders to such a man and becomes his devotee. And misdirected senses (Ravana) fail to lure such a devotee. Lakshmana shows the need for resolve for the yogi. Lakshmana was a master of sleep and lust and lived an austere life for fourteen years. The path of yoga requires control and discipline. The fourteen years indicate an average timeframe to attain supreme enlightenment. So, to succeed on the path of yoga, one needs to have the dharma and maryādā (moral and righteous conduct of speech, action and thoughts) of Rama, the tyāga (detachment and dispassion) of Lakshmana and the purity of Sita. Victory is not far for such a seeker.
In closing I would like to express my gratitude to Swamiji for illuminating the path of the esoteric depths of Ramayana. And may it guide us on our individual path to enlightenment. And as I reflect back on this valuable insights I invite you, dear readers, to join the conversation.
How does the teaching of Ramayana speak to your own experience? Share you thoughts, question, and reflections.
Superb explanation. I must say that the beauty of Bhagavat Geeta, Ramayana and Mahabharat lies in its openness to criticise it, elaborating its meaning according to ones own level of thought and understanding. So it's apt for all generation and in every context of life.
Requirement of 'control and discipline' touches at different level. A value I feel maybe considered as one of the dire needs of 21st century.