The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : An exemplary life

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Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

An exemplary life

CHENNAI, APRIL 13 . Countless are the incarnations that God has taken in order to establish Dharma and protect the righteous. As vouched by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, He descends on the earth time and again for that purpose. Among them, the Rama Avatara is considered exemplary in several respects. In that incarnation, God has by His own example showed to humankind the noble principles that should govern an individual's conduct. The way Sri Rama conducted Himself also brought out the delicate balance between human relationships. Saint Nammazhwar, who had a fascination for Lord Krishna, has assigned a high status to Rama Avatara, said Sri K. Narayanan, in his lecture.

It was destined for Sage Valmiki, an ascetic of high order, to pen the 24,000 verses of Srimad Ramayana, through the grace of Goddess Saraswathi. This happened after he had given vent to a spontaneous curse on the hunter who had killed a krauncha bird, as he was moved by compassion at the pathos of the sorrowing mate. This verse became the starting point of the invaluable work Valmiki Ramayana.

Sage Valmiki had asked the celestial sage Narada with utmost humility to identify a person (a human being, not a celestial) who is endowed with the sixteen Gunas, and who is a contemporary. As an answer to the query, Sage Narada had briefly narrated the story of Lord Rama.

Mastery of scriptures, scholarship and proficiency in Sastras, are attainments obtained through diligent pursuits. This learning can also cause a sense of pride in these attainments, which undermines the sense of humility. The hallmark of true Gnana is humility, as is evinced by Sage Valmiki. It is important to go beyond learning to strive towards the stage of Gnana, when one becomes aware of the Universe and one's role and relationship to it. This is something that has to be caught and cannot be taught.

There are nearly 140 versions of the Ramayana in different languages by great composers. The Kamba Ramayana in Tamil, Tulsi Das's Ramacharitamanasa in Hindi and Saint Thyagaraja's songs of devotion on Rama, reflect the influence and inspiration of Valmiki Ramayana. There are also excellent scholarly interpretations of various admirers of Valmiki Ramayana that throw light on the hidden beauties and intricacies of the verses. Lord Rama's life continues to hold a contemporary relevance to our lives.

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