|
Rama-Navami
 Lord Rama was born on the ninth day of the month of Chitra,
hence we celebrate his birthday as a 'Navami'. Indian
mathematicians and philosophers see nine as a magical
number. Planets in our solar system are also nine, as are
the main forms of goddess Durga and the ways of bhakti -
devotion. Let us consider why we celebrate Rama-Navami, by
considering nine of Lord Rama's great characteristics /
virtues.
"Actions speak louder than Words " was Rama's chief motto.
He embodied all the virtues by practising what he
preached. More than his divine powers, his glorious
heritage or his incredible prowess was his unblemished,
untarnished, irreproachable character. His popularity,
bravery, courage in face of all adversities, kindness,
sense of justice, obedience, intelligence, limitless
patience, boundless compassion and steadfast following of
duty / "dharma" have endeared him to countless generations
of Hindus and non-Hindus alike.
-
Popularity :- To lay claim to the title of " Idol /
Hero ", one should be popular with the people. Kings and
politicians soon loose their popular appeal with loss of
power. Popular idol/ hero rules in the hearts and minds of
the ordinary people. Rama achieved this by his innate
characteristics of charm, kindness, openness, generosity
and a real willingness to listen to other's problem.
Everyone in Ayodhya felt they could approach Rama with
their problems. Rama was known to find swift, realistic
and just answers for every one. His aura, charm and
charisma made every one relax and feel happy in his
presence.
-
Bravery :- It is essential for a " Idol / Hero " to be
brave. It is not enough to be popular if you can not
achieve anything concrete. Rama fought for his people in
the battle field as well as the Royal Court of Ayodhya. He
stood his ground in all adversities and fought for the
cause of righteousness. Being adventurous, Rama took his
exile as a great challenge to explore new frontiers. Even
in the jungles He fought for the rights of the oppressed.
To be brave means to face danger with open eyes. Knowing
his enemies strong points aswell as the weaknesses, Rama
sought to rid the society of those who threatened to
undermine it.
-
Kindness :- This is one of Rama's major attribute. He
taught mankind how to be kind aswell as brave. Ravan was
brave but had a cruel heart. This eventually corrupted him
and made him a villain. Bravery should be tempered by a
kind and gentle heart, so that the God given powers of
strength are not misused. Power, success, wealth and
popularity can easily go to one's head and soon corrupt
the good intentions one begins with. Rama never let this
happen as his prowess was always tempered by a kind and
gentle soul.
-
Justice :- Kindness and generosity of heart should not
border on to being gullible. Rama's kindness was tempered
by his love for justice. He was always just and fair.
Seeing where kindness or punishment is due, Rama delivered
it accordingly. In his kingdom, every one had the
constitutional right to approach the King with their
grievance. Always in keeping with the spirit of justice,
Rama installed Vali's son on the throne of Kishkindh and
Ravan's brother on the throne of Lanka. He never coveted
anything that belonged to others and inspired love for
justice in his people with his own actions.
-
Obedience :- Most famous attribute of Rama was his
obedience and loyalty to his parents, guru and the
subjects. Rama sought to keep his father's promise and
willingly accepted fourteen years of exile. If Rama
himself disregarded his King and father's wish, what sort
of example would that set for the future generations? To
teach obedience, one should practice obedience.
-
Intelligence :- Obedience should always be tempered by
intellect. Obedience should not be slavish. Dasharath
ordered Rama to take the kingdom by force, imprison him
and if necessary call on the army to support him. But Rama
refused such suggestions. To break an oath / promise is a
sin but to suggest covert ways of escaping the oath would
be a greater sin. He always obeyed by considering what
would be right, proper and good for his people. Rama asked
his father, " If a drunk parent or guru should order the
child or disciple to cremate them, should such an order be
carried out? Of course not. Orders given by a clouded mind
can not and should not be obeyed. Sometimes it is far
better to obey the spirit of the order than the order
itself."
|
