Growing up in India, where the air is infused not only with tales of Shri Ram katha but also with a special greeting that resonates with the virtues of this revered deity. Sacred words ‘Ram Ram’ were used to greet elders, relatives, and neighbors, infusing Lord Rama’s divinity into our daily interactions.
Today, on January 22, 2024, the sacred chants of Shri Ram echo globally in the historic Pran Pratishtha of Shree Ram at Ayodhya, evoking a profound sense of bhav within me.
My mind is drawn to the memories of those stories and the profound personal growth they inspired. The emergence of a place steeped in faith and sacredness sparks deep contemplation.
This moment surpasses mere celebration; it encapsulates a divine fulfillment, an extraordinary event that I am fortunate to witness once in a lifetime. Shri Rama, with his unwavering uprightness, whether in exile or in his kingdom, becomes a guiding light, instilling inner contentment and fostering righteousness and detachment from worldly pursuits.
His life is a testament to the pursuit of righteousness and truth, encouraging us to attain equanimity in every aspect of our lives. As we join together globally to witness this auspicious occasion, it feels as though the teachings of Shri Ram are resonating, bringing a unique sense of peace and joy to our hearts.
Listening to the external echoes of Ramrajya, my thoughts naturally delve into the concept of establishing ‘Inner Ramrajya.’ Before witnessing it externally, the transformative journey unfolds within each of us. To me, achieving Inner Ramrajya refers to a state of harmony, equilibrium, and well-being within an individual at the psychological, emotional, and spiritual levels. It is a work that requires dedication. It involves finding a healthy equilibrium among various aspects of oneself, managing stress, and fostering a sense of peace and stability. Here are some key elements associated with Shri Ram’s life, which I can relate to inculcate for personal growth.
Emotional Harmony:
During exile, when Mata Sita was kidnapped by Ravan, Shri Ram experienced profound distress at the unfortunate event. Importantly, he didn’t conceal or suppress his emotions. Remarkably, he didn’t succumb to emotional weakness, refusing to give up on his beloved wife.
As human beings, acknowledging and feeling our emotions is crucial. It’s not a display of weakness; rather, it is a means to connect with wisdom. Suppressing emotions can weaken our resolve, leading to ongoing battles in daily interactions and relationship management. The key is to utilize our emotions as a source of power that propels us to rise and find solutions to the challenges we face. A wise person uses emotional distress not only to identify weaknesses but also to resolve issues from within, fostering personal growth and resilience.
Using challenges and available resources to grow
Shri Ram’s life was full of challenges, and it wasn’t an easy journey. Just as he was about to wear the crown, he was sent into exile for 14 years. During this exile, he faced significant trials, including the kidnapping of Sita and a grave injury to Lakshman in battle.
His resources during this tough time were limited – he had his brother Lakshman and the Vanar Sena. When Lakshman got seriously hurt, Shri Ram neither panicked nor complained. Instead, he used the resources available to him. He sent Hanuman to bring a Sanjaeevni(divine plant) that could heal Lakshman, relying on the expertise of his team.
The important lesson from Shri Ram’s life is that in our own journeys, things may not be perfect. We may not have all the resources we want, but like Shri Ram, we can be creative, present, and positive about what we have. Even when resources are not ideal, being resilient and adaptable helps us find ways to grow and overcome challenges. Shri Ram’s life teaches us to face tough situations calmly and use our available resources for growth.
Resolving karmic accounts
In our lives, it’s common to experience strained relationships with those closest to us, individuals with whom we share deep connections and karmic ties. Instead of addressing and resolving these issues, we often carry the conflicts within ourselves, making it harder for the karmic accounts to find a resolution.
Shri Ram’s relationship with his mother Kaikeyi is a poignant aspect of his life, marked by a deep understanding of karmic lessons. Despite the challenges that arose, Shri Ram maintained love and compassion for Mata Kaikeyi and followed his Dharma from within. He recognized that her actions were part of a larger karmic play, and she was merely a medium through which destiny unfolded.
In our own lives, we often encounter differences and challenges in relationships. Shri Ram’s approach teaches us the importance of seeing beyond immediate conflicts and understanding the broader perspective. By recognizing the karmic lessons at play, we can navigate differences with a sense of love and compassion. Shri Ram’s ability to rise above personal grievances and maintain love for Mata Kaikeyi becomes a timeless lesson in transcending differences and embracing a higher understanding in our relationships.
On this blessed and auspicious occasion, these lessons from Shri Ram’s life resonate deeply with me. I extend my heartfelt wish for everyone to strive and cultivate the inner Ramrajye within, aiming for inner harmony, righteousness, and spiritual evolution. May the teachings of Shri Ram inspire our collective growth, resilience, and a profound connection to spiritual wisdom in our life’s journey. Wishing all abundant blessings and spiritual fulfillment on this special day.
Your reflection on ‘Inner Ramrajya’ is beautifully articulated. The concept of finding harmony, peace, and balance within ourselves before seeking it externally is incredibly powerful. Just as Lord Ram embodied emotional wisdom and spiritual strength, creating our own ‘Inner Ramrajya’ requires dedication to self-awareness and emotional healing. It’s a reminder that true well-being comes from cultivating equilibrium within our mind, body, and soul. Thank you for sharing these thought-provoking insights
This is the kind of writing that invites you to slow down and savor every line.