Gyan Ganga: Shriram showed – how people’s company should be mandatory in critical times

There is a saying in Rome, that ‘When Rome was burning, Nero was playing the flute.’ This proverb came into existence when even after the invasion of the enemy army on Rome, the king there was intoxicated in his palaces. Exactly the same is the condition of Ravana. He has only this much knowledge, that his destroyer Shriram ji is sitting at his door. In such a situation, instead of preparing strategies for war, where can he be justified in celebrating Rangralis in his Rang-Mahal? But Ravan is Ravan. How could he be directional? He had to walk the opposite way.

Here Shriram ji also stood on the top of Subel mountain. Ravana is also on the top of the mountain, and Shriram ji is also on the top of the mountain. It is as if Lord Shriram wants to give a very beautiful message to the world through this leela. The message is that every living being gets an opportunity to reach the top in his life time. But what work a person does after reaching that peak, this side determines his future. Ravana reaches the top, so he wastes his valuable time in sensual pleasures. Whereas when an ascetic like Shriram ji reaches the peak, he finds the essence of life in incidents full of devotion and disinterest. Yes, where Ravana is drowned in the ocean of dance, songs and alcohol of dancers, the ascetics and recluses whom Shri Ram ji is surrounded by, they are one of the priceless heritage of this earth. Just like Shrilakshman ji is about to prepare the seat of Shriram ji. Who has prepared a bed for Shriram ji to sleep by spreading the flowers and leaves of the forests. Shriram ji also lay down to sleep there. The reason is that along with being the incarnation of Kaal, Sri Lakshmana is also the embodiment of ultimate dispassion. And also the responsibility of the main security of the Lord, as if he is handling it. Shri Lakshman ji is standing in a heroic posture just behind Lord Shriram ji. Think, who can defeat those for whose protection the incarnations of real time stand. From outside, it is as if the Lord has matured His defense in the presence of Sri Lakshmana. But is it enough for the seeker to get protection from outside only? Because, the enemies of the seeker are not only outside but also inside. Those five enemies are lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego. Because of being afflicted by these five vices, Ravana is engaged in sensual pleasures even at such a crucial time. In such a situation, if Shri Lakshman ji was rich in disinterest even in his protection, would Ravana have behaved in such an ignorant way even in this critical moment?

After this, Shri Ram ji has kept his sis in Sugriva’s lap. That mighty Sugriva, who has the strength of thousands of elephants in his arms. There is a beautiful description of who all are with Lord Shri Ram, and in what service they are engaged in Shri Ram Charitmanas-

‘ Prabhu Krit Sis Kapis Uchhanga.

Bam dahin disi chap nishanga.

Lotus improves by milking it.

Kah Lankes mantra lagi kana.

Badbhagi Angad Hanuman.

Grandfather’s lotus feet.

Prabhu Pache Lachiman Birasan.

Kati Nishang Kar Ban Sarasan.

That is, Lord Shriram ji has kept his sister in the lap of monkey king Sugriva. He has a bow on his left and a quiver on his right. Even in such a situation, they are improving the arrows with both their lotuses. Shri Vibhishan ji is also very close by. Those who are giving some advice to the Lord by touching all the corners.

The most fortunate Angad and Shri Hanuman ji are pressing the feet of Lord Shri Ram in many ways. Shrilakshman ji is adorned behind the Lord with a bow and arrows in his waist. The whole world is in awe of all these great charioteers present with the Lord. Angad and Shri Hanuman ji are serving by making the lotus feet of the Lord the basis of their life. The result of which is, that his feet are firm on the path of devotion. Even though the world may not give respect to Shri Vibhishan ji due to ignorance, but Shriram ji is listening to him most of all keeping him close to his ears.

Lord Shriram ji has shown that how people’s company should be mandatory in difficult times. But in this context, Shriram ji, looking at the moon with a gaze, asks everyone a question. What was that question, and what was its message and meaning for spiritual life, we will know in the next issue—(respectively)— Jai Shriram.

-Sukhi Bharti