The Glorious Heart of Sri Raama

The Glorious Heart of Sri Raama

What the Hindu and Indian civilization owe to Sri Rama cannot really be estimated. In the Valmiki Ramayana we read of the prophesy of Brahma: “As long as the hills stand and rivers flow,  so long will the story of Rama be current in all parts of the world.” 

Millions of people read or hear some literature on Him; millions more constantly take His name while rising and going to bed, in sorrow or despair, wonder or joy, on birth and death, on meeting and parting. ‘Raam Raam’: this is Hinduism most understood language, philosophy, inspiration and medicine for the sufferings of life.

Vibheeshana, after being banished by his brother Ravana, sought protection and blessing from Rama. However, Rama was advised by those around him to look upon him with suspicion and not to entertain him. Knowing his background, Vibheeshana was looked upon as an enemy and, maybe, had come as a spy. They all agreed that his intention was not good. But what was Rama’s reaction? “My vow,” he said, “is to dispel all fears from the mind of those who come to Me  for refuge. He who comes to Me to plead for My mercy, I will protect him. Only a man of pure soul can find Me. If Vibheeshana were wicked, how could he find himself in My presence?  (S. K. 43).

Vibheeshana’s introduction to Sri Rama was dramatic. He did not mince words. “Lord, I am the brother of Ravana, born of an evil family,” and appealed for His compassion; “Save me, Lord! Save me.” Tulasidasa describes Rama’s reaction, thus:

“When the Lord saw Vibhishana overcome by emotion, at once arose and took him in His mighty arms and clasped him to His bosom. Then, seating him by His side, spoke to remove his fear.”                  

This quick response on the part of Rama indicates that He was very anxious and concerned to reassure Vibhishana of His love.  Rama could have allowed Vibhishana to fall at His feet and stand on his own, or, He could have lifted him after he had prostrated. Either choice, however, might not have communicated the same intensity of the Lord’s Love and warmth. One certainly feels a greater degree of reassurance if a friend reaches out to embrace him. The Lord is our dearest of Friend. Rama then spoke to Vibhishana:

“Tell me, Vibhishana, is all well with you and your family? Your home is an evil place. Living as you do, day and night, surrounded by wicked persons, how do you practice the duties of religion? I know all about your way of life, your proficiency in virtue and your aversion to evil.” 

Rama showed a great concern for Vibhishana by asking about his well-being and the well-being of his family. He did not immediately seek to know how Vibhishana could be of help to Him. We then get a remarkable question from Rama, indicating not only His compassion and understanding, but His genuine interest in Vibhishana as a person. “I know all about your way of life” said Rama. “Your home is an evil place. Living as you do, day and night, surrounded by wicked persons, how do you practise the duties of religion?

Coming from Rama Himself, what does this question tell us? The question underlines Rama’s admiration for the virtuous life which Vibhishana lived in Lanka, and, by extension, our efforts to be virtuous, also. He knows the challenges facing us and the efforts we make to meet those challenges.

By asking Vibhishana how he managed to live such a life of righteousness in the midst of evil, Rama is revealing a tremendous amount of compassion and understanding, that is to say, it is not easy to pursue a virtuous life in an environment where the tendencies to evil practices prevail. Rama shows awareness of the way in which our characters are formed or influenced by the environment in which we live, and particularly by the people who constitute that environment. A virtuous life in an unrighteous society requires tremendous dedication, perseverance and vigilance. Rama’s question to Vibhishana indicates that those of us who aspire to such a life in the midst of challenging circumstances are assured of God’s support.

Rama’s second question called for an explanation of how Vibhishana managed to practice a life of virtue in the midst of all the evil in Lanka. Vibhishana gave a beautiful answer and a wonderful interpretation of the symbolism of Rama. “There can be no happiness for anyone, nor can one’s mind know any peace so long as one does not relinquish evil, and worship Rama.”

After Vibhishana had spoken, Rama immediately responded. “I will declare to you My nature. Even if a most vile person comes to Me for protection, forsaking vanity, guile and hypocrisy, I make him at once like a saint; and it is only for their benefit that I have become incarnate.”      

This is obviously an important statement by Rama, because He prefaced what He was about to say by informing Vibhishana that He was going to reveal His true nature. The quality of His nature, which Rama chose to reveal to Vibhishana, is Bhakti – Love. To emphasize the boundlessness of His love, Rama used the example of a totally unworthy person. Even such a person, explained Rama, would be assured of His grace if he comes to Him in humility and honesty. It is important to note here that while Rama is emphasizing His love, He is also stating the need for a genuine change of attitude and conduct. The love of God becomes like a single cord which binds one to all beings.

(Pandit Ramdial Balbadar is a prominent Aachaarya (Teacher) of Hinduism in Guyana. He is the compiler and author of many titles and has over 30 years experience in Pandits’ Training across Guyana. He is currently the President of the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3).