Posted by Anil Parekh on August 21, 2002 at 09:59:03:
How Relevant is Hinduism Today? A Youth Perspective
In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with the idea of "real life". Even on TV, the networks are packed with "Real TV" programs like Survivor, Amazing Race and others that depict the daily and all too realistic trials and tribulations of ordinary people. These are the very trials and tribulations that our generation can relate too! We empathize with the people on the screen because they share our environment, our personality and as a result we can appreciate their situation. In contrast, the story of Ramayana, which many of us have heard countless times throughout our childhood, appears to be just that - a story. As a kid, I, myself had heard the Ramayana told in many ways, all versions explained the glorious life of Lord Shree Rama. It seemed to me, the story took place above the clouds... once upon a time... in a land far far away. How can I possibly relate to a tale about kings, queens, wars, and monkeys?
This past May, the Chinmaya Mission Ottawa was blessed and excited to have Swami Chidatmananda, a teacher from Andra Pradesh, conduct a lecture series on the "Art of Relationships & Success through Ramayana". With his humor, charm and energy Swami Chidatmananda focused less on explaining the story and events of Rama's life and more on the importance of each relationship represented in the Ramayana. With many examples, and real life stories Swamiji first explained the connection between Rama and his beloved brothers. Lakshman's loyalty and devotion towards his older brother is inspiring in many ways. Swamiji illustrated how Lakshman always puts Rama before himself. Lakshman would purposely make himself appear in a negative light or inferior so that others would compare Lord Rama favorably to him, thus glorifying the Lord even further! With many examples, it becomes clear that Lakshman's devotion towards the Shree Rama is unbreakable. Swamiji also went on to explain the relationship between Bharat and Shatrugan. Bharat represents one who is always happy. For Bharat it is not the winning or losing that matters, but that Shree Rama remains happy. Finally, Shatrugan's dharma is to dutifully serve Bharat, who in turn serves Rama. Swamiji's gave an example by saying that serving a famous person is very easy because we are also in the lime-light, but the goal and ambitions of Shatrugan is not to be glorified, but to see his service to Bharat indirectly serve the Lord. Swamiji, beautifully explained that by examining the relationship between the four brothers in the Ramayana we are able to understand that making another person totally free and totally available to be his best... is the art of relationship!
As the three day lecture series continued, Swamiji talked about Hanumanji and his relationship with Rama. Hanuman, of course, is Rama's greatest devotee. His sole purpose and greatest motivation is to serve Shree Rama. In doing so Hanuman has to overcome many obstacles. Swamiji explained in detail that each one of these obstacles represents some very real-life problems that we face today. Doubt, Ego and Temptation for the sense pleasure are all commonplace problems that have to be conquered in order to succeed in any sphere of life. Swamiji justified that confusion in life is often caused by a lack of skill to be able to deal with these three issues correctly. He explained that to overcome them one must have effort, time and faith. By analyzing Hanuman's actions, Swamiji was able to show us that although we have the right to perform actions, we do not that the right to decide the result. Swamiji summarized some of the overall lessons depicted through Ramayana by sharing an analogy about a flower and tree. He reminded us that every flower and tree survive only because of the support of the roots. A roots sole purpose is to allow the flower to grow. The message was loud and clear - every family, organization and relationship requires a balance of flowers and roots in order to make each relationship successful. Even today, I can hear Swamiji's loud echo... "A root never competes with a flower! Without the root the flower will never survive!".
Swami Chidatmananda's visit and lecture series was indeed inspiring and enlightening. Weeks after his departure we are still enamored by his charismatic ways and humbleness! His modern and enthusiastic explanation and words made the answer seem so clear.... Ramayana's not above the clouds.... it's for us to LIVE it here.
Radha Bharania
Ottawa, Canada