RELEVANCE OF RAMAYANA IN MODERN LIFE

SRI RAMA NAVAMI

DATE: SATURDAY, 20th APRIL 2013 Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre, Queenstown

CONTENT

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*Introduction – Why When and How it is Celebrated

*Worship of Rama and Worship of the Sun

*Attributes of Sri Rama – An ideal, His characteristics/ virtues

*Rama and Ravana – A Comparison

*Ramayana in our Modern Life

*Swami’s Message

THE FESTIVAL OF RAMA NAVAMI

*The festival commemorates the birth of Rama who is remembered for his righteous reign.

*Lord Sri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

*The 9th day (Navami) in the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra

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RITUALS

* Performing Kalyanotsavam (marriage celebration) with small deities murtis of Rama and Sita in their homes, and at the end of the day the deity is taken to a procession on the streets.

* Periodic readings (parayans) of the Ramayan, organising spiritual discourses (kirtans) and beautifully embellishing Sri Rama’s idol.

* Rama Navami Celebrations start on Gudi padwa, the first day of Chaitra; and continue for 9 days.

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*Rama Navami occurs at the beginning of summer when the sun has started moving nearer to the northern hemisphere.

*The Sun is considered to be the progenitor of Rama's dynasty which is called the Sun dynasty (Raghukula or Raghuvamsa, Raghu means Sun and Kula or Vamsa mean familial descendant)

*The hour chosen for the observance of the lord's birth is that when the sun is overhead and is at its maximum brilliance

WORSHIP OF RAMA AND WORSHIP OF THE SUN

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ATTRIBUTES OF SRI RAMA

* The Ideal son: He always obeyed His parents; at times even advised the elders.

* The Ideal brother: Rama-Lakshman's love is cited as the ideal of brotherly love.

* The Ideal husband: He was devoted to His one and only wife. Kings, then, use to have many wives.

* The Ideal friend: He helped Sugreev, Vibhishan and many others during their difficult times.

* The Ideal King: He followed all codes of conduct for Kings as laid down in our scriptures.

* The Ideal Enemy: Vibhishan refused to perform the last rites of Ravan, his brother. Sri Ram said to him, ''If you do not do it, I will. He was my brother too!‘’

* Maryadapurushottam: He represents the Supreme extent of Righteousness.

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* Popularity

* Bravery

* Kindness

* Justice

* Obedience

* Intelligence

* Patience

* Universal Love

* Dutiful

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CHARACTERISTICS & VIRTUES OF RAMA

RAMA RAVANA

•Rama was a good man •Rama used his knowledge for the benefit of his people and made them happy •Followed the path of righteousness and truth(Dharma)

•Ravana was a great man •Ravana misused his knowledge, had ego and uncontrolled desires that brought about his ruin •Followed unrighteous courses (Adharma)

RAMA & RAVANA – A COMPARISON

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RAMAYANA IN MODERN LIFE

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* The moral, social, and spiritual values of Ramayana

* The best sadhana: love everybody

* The Divine nature in Man

* Control your desire to the extent possible

* Spirituality promotes spirit of unity

* Spend your life in selfless service

* Heart is the real temple

Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema, and Ahimsa are the five cardinal human values. One who practices these human values is a human being in the true sense of the term. One who lacks even one of these cannot be called a perfect human being. Therefore, we should develop all these five values. Unfortunately, when we look at the present scenario, we do not see truth anywhere, and we don’t even hear the word ‘Dharma’. Therefore, man today is beset with unrest. People want peace but what they get is pieces only! Due to the lack of peace, love has become non-existent in man. Therefore, we should develop peace. Then only will love develop in us. When love takes root in us, we will have no enemies. Then all will become our friends. Hence, Man should develop love and consider all as his brothers and sisters. This is the main essence of the Ramayana.

- Sri Rama Navami Divine Discourse 3rd April 2009

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SWAMI’S MESSAGE

A Presentation By,

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