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6-41-102-Geetaa in Raamaayan
[Branched from  V-Raamaayan, 6/41/102]

Geetaa in Raamaayan - Vibheeshan Geetaa

The word Raam comes from the root RAM – “the one who delights”, "in whom everyone revels”. Ramante Yogio Yasmin (in whom all Yogee reveal).

As a person, Raam always gave happiness to everyone even though He Himself had to suffer and sacrifice so much for others. On the contrary, Raavan (meaning “the one who makes you cry“) caused everyone sorrow. Raavan is Moh Swaroop, the embodiment of delusion, ignorance. From this evil tendencies arise – like anger, jealousy, hate and immorality. He was a greedy person.

Raam was a Ran-veer, Daan-veera, Vidyaa-veer, Tyaag-veer and Dharm-veer - all kinds of Veer, but Raavan was only a Ran-veer.

Raam is on one side of the battle field and Raavan on the other. When Vibheeshan saw Raam standing on the ground without any armor (and even shoes), he feels very concerned about Him. Raam’s discourse to Vibheeshan is given now and this constitutes the Vibheeshan Geetaa about which most of us are not very familiar.

"That chariot by which one gains real victory is totally different” says Raam. He means that to gain a permanent victory one should have the Dharm Rath. The wheels of the chariot are valor, and fortitude. Steadfastness in truth and good character are its flags of victory and safety. The horses of the chariot are strength, discrimination, self control and care for others. Its reins are made up of the ropes of forgiveness, compassion and equanimity……."

What is Dharm?

It is difficult to describe the word Dharm satisfactorily as it is an expansive and intricate subject. As Swaamee Shivaanand said - “Dharm is like a priceless jewel with numberless facets of brilliance of knowledge." Dharm has several meanings --

That which beholds the Universe is Dharm. It  may mean Natural Laws (Prakriti Dharm), Justice Dharm (Nyaaya Dharm), Natural Characteristics (Swabhaav Dharm), Different Species' Nature (Jaati Dharm), Social Conduct (Samaaj Dharm), Religious Conduct (Shraut Dharm), Vaidik Varn Aashram Dharm, Paarmaarthik Dharm, Aachaar Dharm, Neeti Dharm, Pravritti Dharma (professional Dharm), Nivritti Dharm (Sanyaas Dharm) etc.

That which is the cause of prosperity and salvation is Dharm.
Laws of nature which behold all creations are called Dharm.
Dharm bestows perennial happiness and A-Dharm produces sorrow and misery.
That which is eternal is also Dharm - only God is eternal.

Some quotations from great personalities about Dharm -
“That which takes us from the world to Moksh is dharma.” - Vinoba Bhave.
“That which makes you forget yourself is Dharm” - Masti Venkatesha Iyengar.
“If you protect Dharma, it protects you.” - Bhaas.
“Dharm is in action, not in blind belief.” - Dr Radhakrishnan.
“Good of everyone is Dharm” - Shankaraachaarya.
“Dharm is self sustaining“ - Madhwaachaarya.
“Service for others is Dharm” - Vivekaanand
“Whoever feels sorry for others’ misery and feels happy with others is a Dharmaatmaa” - Bhaagavat Puraan.
"Truth, non-stealing, conquering anger, feeling sorry for mistakes committed, cleanliness, firm mind, discrimination between good and bad, absence of haughtiness, control of senses and good education are the essential parts of Dharm” - Yaagyavalkya.
etc, etc.

Raam continues His advice to Vibheeshan : -
(1) Chariot of Righteousness - The wheels of the chariot are valor and fortitude. Steadfastness in truthfulness and good character are its flags of victory and safety. The horses of the chariot are strength, discrimination, self control and caring for others. Its reins are made up of the ropes of forgiveness, compassion and equanimity.

(2) The wheels: Valor and fortitude - Only by means of these two qualities can a religious move forward on the path. Without them there will not be any progress. Many people have valor but not the ability to withstand the onslaught of all the inner
weaknesses. Someone who is a great hero on the battlefield may still get destroyed by the lust and passion in his own heart. A real Dheer Purush is one who is unaffected even when all situations in front of him are capable of creating fear, anxiety or lust in the mind. It is common that the person is a hero outside, but zero inside! A Dheer has to be a patient person.

(3) Flags of the chariot - The flags of the chariot are not made of cloth, but from Truthfulness and good character. The one who has firmness in these qualities will be ever safe and he wins.All the transactions should be truthful and all promises should be fulfilled.

(4) Horses - The horses of the chariot of righteousness are strength, discrimination, self control and welfare of others (Par Hit).

(5) Strength - Strength is not only physical strength. The strength should be devoid of desire and attachment. Vivek or the ability of the intellect to distinguish and discriminate is also essential. It is essential in order to distinguish between Dharm and A-Dharm. Control of senses is the third horse which does not allow us to get distracted or tempted. Caring for the welfare of others or Par Hit is equally important and there should be no place for selfishness.

(6) The Reins - The above four horses - Bal, Vivek, Dam and Par Hit are to be controlled by the reins of forgiveness, compassion, and equanimity. The intelligent charioteer should have devotion to God.

(7) Weapons - Dispassion is his shield and contentment is his sword.

(8) Enemies - Attachment and greed are our enemies.

These in brief form the basis of religion and righteous living.

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