The Cultural Wealth

The epic Ramayana of Valmiki is the most popular and revered Magnum Opus of our country Bharat. The Ramayana is not just a piece of literature, but the heart and soul of Hindus. The Ramayana is beyond all ages, national boundaries and cultures. It is not just a religious text, but the mirror to the societies of all times, ethics of politics and morals of relationships- altogether a way of civilized life. 

Adikavi Valmiki

An individual can have either Sattvik or Rajasik or Tamasik components or energies of mind, or can have a mixed amount of all the three in varied proportions. The predominant one determines the quality of mind which in turn decides the quality of life. Adikavi Valmiki has drawn three scintillating pictures of three distinctly contrast societies and levels of civilizations- 1. Sattvik in Ayodhya reflecting a high level society  2. Sattvik and Rajasik in Kishkindha representing middle level 3. Tamasik in Lanka representing low level.

The Sattvika culture of  Ayodhya 

The Aryan society of Ayodhya was a Sattvik society with high values. It had a highly organized political institution managed by benevolent king assisted by counselors and spiritual guru like Vasistha. The king enjoyed the obedience and trust of the citizens of all varnas. Values like respect for parents, mutual devotion between husband and wife, love and concern among brothers were the strong foundation on which family tree grew stronger and lived longer. Donate, sacrifice, protect, do charity, penance, worshipthese were the guiding principles. Ayodhya represents a worthy society cherishing Sattvik values.

The Rajasik culture of Kishkindha - brothers against each other

On the other hand, Valmiki has portrayed the Vanara society of Kishkindha. Neither animals nor humans nor demons, they lead a kind of strange life. But for Hanuman who stands out as an exception by being wise, intelligent, pious, honest and dependable emissary, all other Vanaraslead an awkward life. Their culture had the characteristics of both Sattvik (good administration, devout friendship) and Rajasik (loose family bond, hatred between brothers). They had wealth but no morals. Womanizing, restless mind, destructive actions, intolerance, drinking and rejoicing these vices controlled their lives.  

The Tamasik culture of Lanka

In contrast with Ayodhya and Kishkindha cultures, Valmiki presents an altogether different society of Lanka- the Rakshasa society. Ten heads and twenty hands of Ravana, unusual sleeping pattern of Kumbhakarna, heavily built bodies of males and females, excessive eating - everything uncommon. The kingdom had huge palaces, powerful military, heavily built and guarded fort, enormous wealth and learned king. But learned Ravana lacked wisdom, lacked brotherly love and concern, was egoistic and stubborn. Vibhishana was a misfit in the society.

Valmiki’s message is very clear and loud. Any culture or civilization with only military power, political strength, immense wealth, splendid buildings and scholarship will not survive for long.  Many civilizations like Egyptian, Babylonian, Roman, Greek civilizations were born and later perished.  India suffered external invasions for more than 2000 years. Though India was exploited politically and economically by the outside forces, its culture remained intact. India successfully encountered all invasions. The core ideals of our culture cannot be broken or shaken. The civilization of Bharat continues to flourish with its deep rooted value systems which are universal in nature. A country becomes great not with its wealth but with its spiritual strength and high moral values which give a sound foundation for the country as stronger roots of a tree hold it longer. A strong culture is perennial; flows incessantly from generation to generation.

Valmiki has portrayed the three contrast societies to clearly establish the fact that only a distinctive culture with strong universal values will be able to survive. Kishkindha and Lanka had to bite the dust and perish while Ayodhya rose to the pinnacle of glory.

photos source- internet