GREETINGS

The story of Ramayana is familiar to all of us, young and old alike. Ram, Sita, Ravan, and Hanuman are very sacred and familiar names in our glorious nation. We see the influence of Ramayana even in countries outside India like Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand etc. Although many great literary works have enthralled human minds in the history of mankind, Ramayana continues to be regarded as the immortal timeless epic whose message is all the more relevant in today’s times. What makes this classic tale immortal? Today, we live a life steeped in material comforts and relentlessly strive to appease our sensual cravings one after the other. But are we happy and secure in this society? If yes, why do our daily newspapers report unimaginable tales of violence, abuse, torture, and misery the world over? If no, what is the solution to these man-made or mind-made problems? Modern science does not seem to have the answers for the problems that plague the human mind.The “Adi Kavya”, Ramayana is that divine nectar that guarantees Mukthi from the seemingly never-ending misery of human existence. Ramayana marks the journey (ayanam) of our minds from egoistic, selfish, and negative tendencies (that only cause sorrow and suffering) towards a positive and divine nature that spreads harmony, and love thus paving the way for a joyful and prosperous existence for all. Saint Tulsidas, the blessed author of Ramcharitmanas says : “Shriramachandra kripalu bhaju mana harana bhavabhaya darunam, Navakanja-lochana, kanjamukha kara kanja pada kanjarunam.” O blessed mind! Always meditate upon Lord SriRamachandra, Who is full of Grace! He surely eliminates the dreaded fear of Bhava (transmigration through worldly existence), which is extremely fierce!. Oh, fortunate mind! Adore the beauty of His eyes, resembling the pink petals of freshly bloomed lotus. Worship His tender, fragrant, lotus face, the delicate reddish lotus flowers of His hands and feet.