Towards Life Absolute
Tulsidasji begins his mangalacharan in the Ramcharitmanas by invoking Saraswati and Ganesha. But, there is a deeper understanding to this as he uses specific names for these deities. further, he prays to Bhavani-Shankar, devotees of the lord and Glorifies Sitaji and Sri Rama.
Ramacharitmanasa elucidates the glorious pastimes of Sri Rama. Ramayana was composed by Sage Valmiki who incarnated in the form of Goswami Tulsidas to reveal the Ramacharitmanas.
Human birth is extremely rare. Hence it is important for us to use this lifetime wisely and understand the ultimate goal of life. Through the pastimes of Shri Rama, we get an opportunity to progress in spiritual life which is the ultimate goal of all human beings.
Meeting of Lord Sri Rama with His eternal consort Srimati Seeta Devi for the first time on the earthly plane is of great significance from the view point of Bhakti. It is necessary that one views our great scriptures in the larger perspective of the life process and then look for the deeper secrets of life hidden within the anecdotes of Scriptures. Devotion and devotional activities are the life and soul of a Bhakta, a devotee. The Lord of the devotee's heart has many lessons to offer to them. It is important that the scriptures are understood in the right mood and context so that Bhakti in the heart finds expression and meaning.
The Story of Manu and Shatarupa is most relevant in current times. Man spends his entire life running after fake inducements that life has to offer thereby becoming restless and unhappy. He fails to realize that there are higher ideals which he can pursue that can make him happier and contented. Bhakti is perhaps the greatest gift that has been conferred upon man by God. Yet man fails to use this option for his own betterment and fulfilment.
Understanding a scripture on face value is not sufficient. Vedic Scriptures encourage us to look deeper into the anecdotes that they have documented and urge the seeker to deliberate on them through applied knowledge. Only then can the works serve to take the seeker deeper into the inner realms of consciousness. It is important for the students of the Ramayana to understand the larger context of the various characters that appear in this great legend.
We cannot enter into the Lord's domain without a proper understanding of Maya Devi. Unless the philosophy of Maya Devi is assimilated, spiritual life cannot be stable and one shall be continuously lured by material energy or by the power of Maya. The sages and saints have highlighted the value of Maya Devi through their very lives. Goswami Tulsidas is a striking example in this regard
It is needed to look deeply into the stories from the Puranas, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. there is more to it than meets the eye. Lord Krishna represents Bhakti. However the character of Sri Rama is dualistic. It stands for the equal-eyed Jnana and also to the partial Bhakti aspect. If we do not see the deep philosophy of the stories of our Puranas, we shall miss out the greatest lessons of life. Looking deeper at these stories can trigger our intelligence and prevent us from committing great mistakes as we continue to live in this mortal world.
Lord Rama is God in human form. But very few people know the significance of His Bow in the modern context. The appearance of the Lord and the disposition of His bow has a deep significance and understanding this can help us take a peek into the nature of the world of individuals.
