THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE RAMAYANA
There was a king Dasaratha (Brahman; Absolute) who ruled over the city of Ayothya (The liberated state). He had three wives(the power of wisdom, the will power and the power of action). Of them, Kausalya (the power of wisdom), begot Rama (the pure sprit); the self). In his young age (unmanifest state; Avyakta) Rama forgot himself and his own true nature.
He thought of himself as the son of king (jiva caught in the ignorance) and associated himself with the senses of knowledge and the senses of action. He studied under the tutelage of Vasistha (Sravana-listening to the scriptures being recited). He followed Viswamitra, Rama in the company of Lakshmana crossed the mountains.
Rama the self(identified with Brahman, the absolute divinity) used arrow(Vignana-Spritual wisdom converted to practical experience) to kill Tataka (Avarana-that which hides.
Rama than threatened Maricha (desires) and drove him away warning him that the ogre die if he went near him again. Ahalya (achara-right conduct) who had by mistake walked on the wrong path (misconduct) was redeemed by Rama.
Rama then went to Mithila (Ekanta-isolated place suitable for spiritual practices) and look Janaka (intense peace) as his relative. He broke the bow (jealously) and married Janaki(bliss).
On is way back, Rama encountered Parasurama (Mada-pride) and defeated him. He re-entered Ayodhya, remembered that he was the Absolute and joined Dasaratha (Brahman). He was about to be crowned(rejoin the eternal) when Kaikeyi (action, Karma) ordered him to move (chalana-tickleness of mind). Accompanied by Vaidehi (bliss) and Lakshmana (dispassion) Rama quit Ayodhya.
He crossed Sarayu (Chitta-memory) and befriended Guha (Buddhi-intellect). He entered the forest (illusion) and stayed for some time in Chitrakoota and other places (asceticism). He killed Viradha (ego) and defeated Kakasura (mind). He gave Kakasura one eye (Nirvikalpa-unconditioned state of perfection). Rama punished Surpanaka (lust) and because of Maricha (desires) had to be separated from Sita.
Rama then killed Kabandha (thoughts and agitations of mind) and went to meet Sabari (happiness and contentment). He met Hanuman (Nididhyasana –meditation) and destroyed the seven trees (birth) and protected Sugriva (Abhaya-fearless surrender).
Hanuman on his part crossed the ocean (confusion) and vanquished Lankini (lobha-greed and miserliness). He destroyed rakshasas (evil tendencies) and ransacked Ashokavana (ideation). He had to put up with the ropes with which he was tied (hallucination) but met Ravana (the Rajasic quality). He fanned the fire (mauna-silence) and burnt lanka (misery and sorrow) and returned to Rama saying that he had seen Sita.
Rama built a bridge (firmness), took Vibhishana (Sattwa-quality) under him Kumbhakarna (Tamasic quality). He took up his Kodanda bow (dignity and earnestness), killed Ravana (the Rajasicg-quality) by using an arrow (wisdom) and piercing his armour (ego-consciousness) and severing of the ten heads (controlling the ten senses) and rejoined Sita (Bliss)........ (From an old verse).
by
S.Jayaprakash
Ref: The Ramayana(Book)
