The Essence of Rama

Here is an illustration of this truth: When the people of Ayodhya came to know that Rama [their king] was leaving for the forest, a poor aged brahmin lamented, “I hear Rama is going to the forest for 14 years. I do not know whether I will live that long.” Feeling thus, the old Brahmin, named Trijata, walked a long way to have a last glimpse of Rama. Eyes are given to man not to look at the world but to see God. Hence, the power of sight should be dedicated to God. With that aim, after enduring many hardships  the old man came to Rama. What was Rama doing at that moment? The one who was to be crowned at one moment was getting ready to go into exile in the forest that very moment.

Will any human being be able to bear such a reversal of fortune with equal mindedness? Will he be able to look upon both in the same manner? Anyone other than Rama would be plunged in grief. But Rama (before leaving for the forest) was engaged in giving away to the poor all His jewels and possessions. Rama turned the moment of distress into an occasion for joy by distributing all to the people. Nothing is lasting in human life. No one can tell when, where, and in what circumstances life will come to an end. Life may end in childhood, adolescence, middle age, or old age. Death is certain. Hence man must learn to give up attachment to possessions.

Rama and the old brahmin

Rama was giving away all his personal possessions. Just as the old brahmin approached Him, Rama was distributing his cows and furniture. When Trijata saw this, he exclaimed: “What an embodiment of sacrifice is the Lord! He is truly immortal because He is abiding by the Vedic dictum that immortality can be achieved only through sacrifice, and not through good deeds, progeny, or wealth. He is the embodiment of bliss. He is the very form of dharma.” Looking at Rama, he exclaimed: “Rama! You are indeed the embodiment of dharma!”

Dharma is the life-breath of everyone. Tyaga [sacrifice] is one of its elements. Prema (love) is the basis for both dharma and tyaga. Hence dharma, tyaga, and prema are essential for every human being. They are the three forces that activate the body, the mind, and the atma [the soul].

Seeing the aged brahmin, Rama bid him to come closer. He asked him: “O noble brahmin! For what for have you come?” The old man replied, “Swami! I am advanced in years. I learnt that you are going to the forest for 14 years. I do not know whether I would live that long. I wish to gaze upon your splendorous face for once, experience your love for at least a brief moment, touch your sacred feet, and redeem my life.”

Rama asked him: “Have you no other desire?” “I do not have any other desire. I have difficulty in living. But I am reconciled to what I deserve according to my karma [actions]. I am not concerned about it. I am only keen to have a vision of You, to speak to You, and touch You,” he replied. Hearing this, Rama asked the brahmin what benefit did he expect to gain from all that.

“Darshanam papanashanam” (Vision of the Lord destroys all sins;) “Sparshanam karma vimochanam” (Touching the feet of the Lord frees one from the bondage of karma) “Sambhashanam sankata-nashanam” (Conversing with the Lord dispels all distress.) The old man said, “Swami! Man is haunted by three problems: sin, consequences of his deeds, and sorrow. To overcome these, I need a vision of You, contact with Your feet and conversation with You.”

Rama was supremely pleased with the brahmin’s words. He drew him close to Himself, embraced him and asked him, “Does this give you joy?” Shedding copious tears, the old man said, “I do not know what heaven is. I have no idea what is Kailash or Vaikuntha [Lord’s abode]. But, I have experienced all these in Your embrace. This is my heaven. Give me some alms. I shall return to my place.” Rama said: “Child! When you have offered Me your love, I must offer My love to you in return. That is the way of love—give and take. As I have received your love, you must accept something from Me.”

The old man was using a stick as a support. Rama said, “Child! Through my touch, you have received considerable strength. Your old age has disappeared. Cast your stick as far as your strength will permit. All the wealth and the cows in the area covered by your throw will be yours.” Rama’s touch had endowed the old brahmin with immense strength. The brahmin felt that he should obey Rama’s command. “Although I have no desire, I shall obey Rama’s command, otherwise my life will be meaningless,” he thought. With this feeling, he hurled the stick with all his might. Thanks to the power of Rama, the stick traversed the banks of the Sarayu [river] and returned to where Rama stood. Several mansions, buildings, and cattle within the area became the brahmin’s as Rama’s gift.

The brahmin said to Rama, “O Lord! When I came solely to have a vision of You, why are You burdening me with so many possessions?” Rama replied, “O noble brahmin! This is the fruit of your good deeds in your previous life; this is not the reward earned in the present life. Imagine how many came to see Me from afar while I was preparing to leave for the forest. It is your wish that stirred My love. But for the laws relating to the governance of a kingdom, I would have given this entire kingdom to you. My love for you is My greatest gift.” So saying, Rama gave the land to the brahmin. Then the brahmin said, “This is a supreme example to all the people. Even at the moment when He was leaving for the forest and the whole of Ayodhya was plunged in grief, Rama displayed His love by giving away all His possessions. His supreme quality is sacrifice!”

Thus, the Rama principle teaches us the supremacy of the qualities of charity and sacrifice. The Rama principle does not embody just one or two great qualities. Rama’s entire life was filled with ideals of every kind.

Source: Sanathana Sarathi, June 1994