Bhagavan Rama – The Supreme Ideal of Mankind
by Swami Jyotirmayananda
According to the Valmiki Ramayana, it is said that Sage Valmiki once recalled a conversation he had had with Sage Narada about human perfection. At that time Valmiki had asked Narada if there was anyone in the world who could be an absolute ideal for humanity, who could be an abode of perfection as a hero, as a husband, as a son, a father, a brother and as a ruler. In response, Narada had related to him a brief outline of the story of Rama. Recalling that fascinating story, the sage developed the sudden inspiration to share it with the world in verses of sublime poetry.
Indeed, the highest aspiration of mankind, the greatest ideals that serve as beacon lights in one’s journey to the transcendental Self are epitomized in the personality of Rama. From the ancient past, the glorious example of Sri Rama’s life has surged like a sparkling stream through the hearts of millions of devotees. The very name “Rama” is no longer a mere combination of letters, nor are the lilas (sportive actions) of Rama mere historical events. Rama is the bliss potency of Atman – the Self hidden in the hearts of all; and the lilas of Rama are Divine sports embodying the eternal truths of a perfect Divine life.
Bhagavan Rama represents Divine perfection in human consciousness. The Supreme Self manifested as Lord Rama, the delighter of hearts as an example to be followed by humanity. As one of the most adored of Divine manifestations, the symbolism in his life covers the entire range of mystic movement in an aspirant. On the highest level of mystic understanding, Rama is Brahman, the Absolute Self. On the relative plane, Rama is Lord Vishnu, the absolute with form and qualities. He appears as an incarnation or avatara of God and is an object of devout meditation for the devotee. In addition, Rama represents the individual soul which has entered the forest of the world process and struggles to overcome Maya (Cosmic Illusion) and attain liberation.
Rama epitomizes the noblest of beings – a valiant hero, a true husband, a devoted son and brother, an ideal ruler, and, in brief, an ideal of perfection to be emulated by all who would promote a lofty culture. The greatest ideals and aspirations that serve as beacon lights in one’s journey to the transcendental Self are all enfolded within his personality. Rama’s story portrays the process of bondage and release of every soul – the soul within you as well as the soul within every individual. Therefore, the story of Rama is the story of everyone’s evolution.
From the ancient past, the glorious example of Sri Rama’s life has surged like a sparkling stream through the hearts of millions of devotees. The name “Rama” is no longer a mere combination of letters, nor are the lilas (sportive actions) of Rama mere historical events. Rama is the bliss potency of Atman – the Self hidden in the hearts of all, and the lilas are Divine sports embodying the eternal truths of a perfect Divine life.
Hari OM Tat Sat!
