Towards Life Absolute
To appreciate the Ramayana, one needs to hear the Ramayana from the lotus mouth of a pure devotee of Lord Rama. Sri Rama is the Lord of Lords and hearing His glories is the surest way, available and open to all in this Iron age, that can easily take one across the ocean of nescience.
It is important to understand, how the Ramayana began. One should understand the greatness of the work, the greatness of the one, who has authored this scripture. One should know about the spiritual masters who have been the driving force behind this work , that continues to maintain the balance of the world even today and shall continue to do so for eternity.
Unless one understands the structure of the Vedic scriptures, one shall be very confused about the way in which Sanatana Dharma has been configured. It is important to understand the position of the original works of the Vedic scriptures, so as to appreciate the deep philosophy and mystery of the life process, which is documented in every detail within these works.
Unless the science behind a subject is understood, the subject remains a mystery. The subject shall always be a challenge. Unless the mind is applied, a scientific study cannot be carried out. For consciousness to participate and to get directed one requires the mind to get totally involved. It is the mind that grasps a subject. Spirituality is no different. Without the mind being applied, spirituality can never begin
We read the Gita a million times.. We swear by the Gita and often proclaim it to be our favourite scripture. We appreciated the Lord and sympathize with Arjuna. However we ourselves, fall short in imbibing the pivotal teachings of the Gita. Central to the theme of Gita is the concept of Exclusive surrender to the Lord. If our study of the Gita has not got us to the conclusion of exclusivity in surrender, reading the Gita is a sheer waste of time.
One should understand the need for being in touch with sages and seers in the context of one's own spiritual progress. Unless one understands one's own character there can be no spiritual progress. In one's normal consitutional position, Maya covers the intellect, making it difficult to perform self-analysis. Under these circumstances consulting with a sage can be of highest merit.
The Ramayana and the Mahabharatha are beacons for the world. Unless one imbibes the principles and value systems enjoined in these works of wonder, it is impossible to dream of perfection. Perfection in man, simply means to perfect oneself in Truth , in character and Moral values. The Framework of Sanatana Dharma stands on the two pillars of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and cemented by the mortar of the Bhagavad Gita.
Sri Laxmana is the very personfication of Death, the highest reality. King Sugreeva, in the ramayana is a representation of the common man, who has lforgotten his eternal duties towards God. He has given up Bhakti and has immersed himself in worldly activities. This is gross neglect of Dharma. It is important that man follows the teachings of the Ramayana and awaken to His pure conscience.
It is important to understand the concept of Time, if we are to get a hang on what is happening with us in Life. Time is represented as the great Lord Sheshanaga, as Lord Laxmana in the great epic Ramayana.