T Ram Sewak

DHARMA RATH

Shri Ram concludes the Vibhishan Gita (Shri Ramcharitmanas 6.79) his metaphorical representation of the dharma rath (chariot of righteousness) with an emphatic declaration:

"sakha dharmamaya asa ratha jankey, jeetan kahan na katahun ripu tankey"

"My friend, he who has such a chariot of righteousness shall have no enemy left to conquer anywhere."

Vibhishan Gita not only explains the attributes we must inculcate for a righteous life in this world but also reveals a path to salvation. A person with such a dharma rath sees himself in all humans. He attains that self-realisation that he is a part of the Supreme Being. Thus, he has no enemies left.

Once that realisation has dawned, one has also conquered the most significant enemy within, the 'I' our ego, our ahamkara. This world is nothing but a creation of our ahamkara, and once that is overcome, you are invincible. This state of mind, while extremely difficult to achieve, is possible, and here Shri Ram gives us that dharma rath that leads to achieving it. Shri Krishna also declares in Gita 16.5, after delineating similar attributes, that a person with such attributes is deemed for liberation.

Shri Ram has used a straightforward allegory in response to a simple doubt born out of a bhakta's (Vibhishan) love. HE reinforces the anchor of the bhakti movement that one can attain union with the Almighty through simple, uncomplicated devotion. No priests or intermediaries are required no complicated erudite language. No rituals just pure love and HIS remembrance, with full faith and simplicity.

The message is succinct, but we shouldn't miss its metaphorical importance. The venue is a battlefield, and the battle is between dharma and adharma. This message is for all of us since this world is a battlefield where we have our own similar everyday battles. Also, this was Shri Ram's advice to Vibhishan the future Lankesh for re-establishing dharma the purpose of HIS avatar. / DAILY WORLD /

Namami Ramam Musings-21

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com