- Author: Vidwan Shri Sudarshana Saamaga
- Translatior: Smt.Chomini Prakash
The very purpose of the birth of brāhmaṇas is to protect the vēdas. However, in present times, brāhmaṇas are barely acquainted with vēda-vēdānta. Even if acquainted, they lack the resolve to delve into the depths of the vēdas, understand its subtle aspects and assimilate it into practice. Even in life, excessive greed, egotism, anger, deceit and lethargy are reigning. It is the intrinsic nature of a woman to relinquish everything for the welfare of her family. However, in present times, they aspire for a luxurious lifestyle, engross in caring for the self; forsaking their responsibilities towards their husband and children. They ignore the welfare of the home and wish to roam around. A large part of their time is spent in worthless gossip. They think for hours without a productive thought process. Their bond with everyone, love and affection are mere exhibitionism. They are critical of everyone, have lost their ability to discern and are unable to comprehend the purpose of life, what their duties are, what is right and what is wrong. Everyone is frail and have short life spans. This is the biography of all of us living in Kaliyuga. We are oblivious to our own conduct. Even if we are aware, the desire and firm resolution to find a way out of this pathetic existence lies buried. This is our misfortune.
We are oblivious to the innumerable sins we commit. However, thousands of years ago, the sages perceived the influence of Kaliyuga and the resultant degradation of people. They began looking for a panacea. The foremost requisite for the elevation of anyone inundated in sins is purity of the mind. However, in Kaliyuga, nobody’s mind is pure. It is tainted with envy, ego and anger. So, the first thing one ought to do is cleanse the mind. How could this be achieved? – was the question of the sages.
Sage Sūta replied – The only means to burn all sins, attain dharma and the objectives of human existence, cross the ocean of worldly illusions and purify the mind, is by embracing the glories of the Lord and His devotees – listening to the story of Lord Rāmā.
mahāpātakayuktō vā yuktō vā sarvapātakaiḥ |
śrutvaitadārṣaṁ divyaṁ hi kāvyaṁ śud’dhimavāpnuyāt ||
No matter how sinful one is, if he listens to the story of Lord Rāmā, it is certain that his mind will be cleansed. If the complete story of that great Lord is understood, all the impurities of the mind dissolve and thus, possible for one to become virtuous.
varaṁ varēṇyaṁ varadaṁ tu kāvyaṁ santārayatyāśu ca sarvalōkam | saṅkalpitārthapradamādikāvyaṁ śrutvā ca rāmasya padaṁ prayāti ||
Rāmāyaṇa is a holy epic that awards eminence in life. It bestows the virtue and eligibility to cross over and rise above the lower realms. The Rāmāyaṇa grants all that one wishes for; including Vaikunta – the very abode of Lord Rāmā. Therefore, let us listen to the Rāmāyaṇa and garner the superior merit it brings. Let us cogitate and contemplate upon Lord Rāmā constantly. Let us purify our minds. Let us tread the path of realization. Let us earn the grace of the merciful Lord Rāmā.
