The Adventure to Mithila
The journey begins when King Dasharatha is approached by the Great Sage Vishvamitra with a request to slay a demon. It is important to note that all the demons that Rama kills are negative aspects of the ego that are causing suffering to the one afflicted or possessed with the demon or demonic qualities as well as all those around them...and, as we are all connected, we all feel the effects in some way shape or form. Vishvamitra can not kill the demons himself because of a vow in ahimsa or non harming, though Rama has the ability to, rather than harm, heal those that have been afflicted with the demons. The King does not want to let Rama go on this journey, but eventually Vishvamitra convinces him that not allowing Ram to go would break the sacred word of his kingship and that of the line of Ayodhyan kings. Dasharatha is known for keeping his word and vows throughout the Ramayana.
Ram and Lakshman slay the demon Tataka per Vishvamitra's request, and then become the great sage's students. They learn a great number of things on the art of kingship, sacred scripture, the art of war, and the origins of the world including the story of the Ganga river and eventually the story of how Vishvamitra became a great sage. After a time Vishvamitra took them on a journey to Mithila where Rama would find great purpose.
And the Treasures Along the Way
One of the Great Treasures of Mithila was the bow of Lord Shiva know as Pinaka. This bow had been kept by the ruling family of Mithila for generations. King Janaka, king of Mithila, decided to use the bow for a just way to find a suitor for his daughter Sita. Sita's great spiritual strength allowed her to lift the bow as a small child, a feat that no one in the kingdom of Mithila was capable of. So it was decided that someone with enough spiritual strength to string Pinaka would be worthy of marrying princess Sita. This event was called Sita's swayamvara.
When it was Ram's turn to string the bow it snapped under his great strength! The sound of the great bow breaking, the bow constructed by the gods, could be heard from many kingdoms around including Ayodhya. This Adventure is how Ram learned to be a great man and of his divinity, as well as his worthiness of the pure and beautiful Sita. Sita is a female deity of agricultural fertility, and the ideal woman, much like Ram is the ideal man.
Practice
What could this time in my life be preparing me for? Throughout the day we have so many experience and learn so many things. There are situations that we are put in which challenge us, and others that bring us joy and delight. Perhaps we are blessed by connecting the joy of the journey with the challenge of it and the growth that results in our evolution? Take this early Adventure of Rama as inspiration on persevering in the journey, finding the Treasure of it! Ultimately, it is not the glitter and gold that is the reward, but rather the understanding heart, equal vision, and balanced mind that is shaped through an education with God awareness at the center just as Ram received, slaying our inner demons and showing us the way of harmony and Peace with all creation.
Thank you Ramayana, Swami Dharmakirti, Swami Sankarananda, Shanti Ashram, Divine Grace Yoga Ashram, satvic food, nature, honest seekers, fellowship, the Adventures and Treasures that lead the way like the Ramayana and help us discover our own as we meditate upon them, and apply what we learn to our own lives :-) Have a wonderful day, my friend! Thank you so much for joining me, for being wonderful you! I hope that you enjoyed “Thank You Peace :-) For Adventures and Treasures :-)” May all living beings find their life a joyous Adventure, discovering the Treasures of Love and Peace along the Way :-) Love, Aaron :-)