By Prof. A. N. Pandey, Director , Spiritual Awarness Program (SAP), Hyderabad
Most Indians are familiar with Ramrajya from Ramayana; where Life was perfect in all ways possible and evoked the feeling all around that they could not wish for anything better than this. Prince Rama, the son of King Dashrath, ruled the kingdom of Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. His benevolent reign of many years brought such peace and prosperity to the kingdom that it idealized the concept of a “welfare state” where the King was seen as a guardian, the state’s citizens across all walks of life lived peacefully, and ‘want’ was unheard of. This is because the just ruler saw to it that people’s basic needs were sufficiently provided to meet their requirements of justice or whatever else contributed to a life of peace and harmony.
Ramrajya was ruled by Sri Rama but the actual foundation of the same was paved by Bhagwan Parashurama who is the sixth Avatar (Incarnation) of Sanatan Dharma. He established Dharma (Righteousness) which in turn, was the favorable condition for the establishment of a popular kingdom, later known as Ramrajya. The prevailing condition of Ramrajya got lost due to many hidden factors. Present day, there is a dilemma whether Ramrajya could be re-established. To understand the favorable conditions of Ramrajya, the present-day scenario has to be reviewed.
1.0 Spiritual aspects of Ramrajya
“Ram Uttar Tapanya Upanishad” provides the structure of Ramrajya. “Ram Uttara Tapanya Upanishad” is the “Vishnu” Upanishad; which is a part of Atharva Veda. Upanishad explains “Om” as Brahm; by realizing the same (Om), one can get Salvation. In the list of 108 Upanishads, “Ram Uttar Tapanya Upanishad” and “Ram Purva Tapanya Upanishad” have been clubbed and called “Ram TapanyaUpanishad”; which occupies the 55th serial number in the list of 108 Upanishads. In this Upanishad, there is a conversation between Brihaspati and Yagyavalkya (a Spiritual Master). The Upanishad states that the sound of “Om” should be chanted; this is because the “Om” sound symbolizes Brahm (Truth). The same (Om) is “a combination of “Sat, Chit, and Anand” and the sound of Om should be remembered as Brahm. This Upanishad also illustrates the relation of the six syllables of Om with the six Devas of the Ramrajya scenario.
In connection with Akshar Om, there was a conversation between Rishi Bharadwaj and Rishi Yagyavalkya. Rishi Yagyavalkya explained that Akshar Om should be taken as Brahm (a combination of “Sat, Chitt, and Anand”).
In this, A (अ) is the first syllable, Au is the second syllable, and M is the third syllable, the crescent moon is the fourth syllable, the dot on the crescent moon is the fifth syllable and silence above dot (resonance) is the sixth syllable. Yagyavalkya further explained what is the relation between the Six syllables of Om with Lord Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, Shatrughana, Mother Janaki, and Shri Hanumanji; who (a combination of all six) represented the Divine Identity in the rule of Ramrajya in Treta Yuga.
Om is Brahman and its 6 syllables are also referred to as the Base (Foundation) for the Universe; these are explored in the eighth chapter of Bhagwad Gita (in the beginning verses) and they are i) what is Brahm ii) what is Karma iii) what is Adhyatam iv) about Physical Domain (Bhoutik Loka) v) about Subtle Domain (Daivik Loka) and vi) what is Aadi Yagna. Lord Krishna answers the queries of Arjuna to indicate that the Lord Himself is Brahm and the Foundation (Base) of the Universe; and on which, the whole Universe exists. Similar is the case with the Human Body and Brain as human beings are the replica of the universe. This indicates that the foundation of the Universe and the foundation of the Ramrajya both emerged from Brahm (Om). Because of this, the age of the universe is supposed to be many hundred billion years.
“Ram Uttar Tapanya Upanishad” clarifies the divine personalities functioning in Ramrajya, are the emergence of the Brahm (Om). Based on the divine personalities, the life of Ramrajya lasted many hundred thousand years.
This indicates that if the government of any country has ministers and bureaucrats who satisfy the divine qualities to some extent; then, the government will produce a result connected with the overall development of the country on par with the Ramrajya model. It is worthwhile to note that the Lawmakers (Ministers) and Law executors (Bureaucrats) are evolved persons; they will be surely very truthful to the poorest of the poor and richest of the rich living in the country. That is why, Spirituality the knowledge of the inculcation of the same (Spirituality) should be an added virtue for Politicians and Bureaucrats.
1.1 Basic Footing of Ramrajya by Bhagwan Parashurama
Bhagwan Parashurama being the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, did the spade work for Ramarajya by cleansing the Adharma (Unrighteousness) of all wicked kings, who did injustice to the people of the kingdom, especially to the general people. He (Bhagwan Parashurama) is generally presented as the fifth son of Renuka and Rishi (seer) Jamdagni. Like other incarnations of Vishnu, he was foretold to appear at a time when overwhelming evil prevailed on Earth.
The legends of Parashurama appear in many Hindu texts, in different versions: In Chapter 3.33 of the Mahabharata, in Chapter 6 of the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Chapter 4 of the Vishnu Purana, in Chapter 2 of the Vayu Purana, Ramrajya has been defined in every Ramayana and the most prominent are Valmiki Ramayan, Tulsikrit Ramayan. According to the definition given in Ramayana, King Rama’s reign is known as the Ramrajya which lasted for about 11,000 years or more.
During this period, people were healthy, holy, satisfied, and lived in complete peace and harmony. There was no evil, no wars, no natural calamity, and no diseases. Lord Rama ruled the whole earth without using military force as all kings submitted themselves to him. Rama acquired a rare gem from Rishi Agastya which entombed the powers of the Gods, Indra, Varuna, Yama, and Kubera, which helped the king rule efficiently.
1.1.1 How did he establish the Dharma?
He (Bhagwan Parashurama) incarnated to establish the balance (Dharma) between Ahimsa (Non-violence) and Violence (Himsa), Asura and Sura, and the growth of Purushartha (Kama, Artha, Dharma, Moksha are assets) among the common people. Being the son of a Brahmin Rishi, he possessed the true nature of a Brahmin endorsing the complete sense of forgiveness (Kshma) but at the same time, he saw the Adharma (Unrighteous Action) of the kings around the world. This forced him to change his nature from forgiveness (Kshma) to becoming aggressive for the establishment of Dharma in the world. Because of this, Parashurama carries to a mythic extreme an enduring Brahmin conflict; on the one hand, restraint, purity, non-violence, and detachment; on the other hand, along with inherent power and the recurring temptation to use it in the violent pursuit of an uncompromising vision.
Brahmrishi Samaj of present-day India worships Him (Bhagwan Parashurama) for establishing the true Dharma in individuals, in Society, and also in the country for exploring the richness of Life and World Peace.
1.2 The Structure of Original Ram Rajya
Original Ramrajya was based on the Cultural, Educational, Economic & Environmental development of Kishkindha (Environment and Culture for Heritage) and Lanka (Economy and Education). The Kishkindha kingdom was rich in Environment and Culture or Heritage. Likewise, Lanka was prospering in Economy and Education.
These factors (Environment, Economy, Education, and Culture or Heritage) are the Basic Fabrics of a Healthy Society. Lord Rama has strengthened these factors taking the model of Kishkindha and Lanka.
The Healthy Fabrics of Society consisting of factors like Environment and Culture or Heritage were taken from the Kishkindha kingdom. Likewise, the Economy and Education (High Technology) were taken from the Lanka kingdom. Keeping these factors in proper development, Ramrajya in Ayodhya (capital of Rama) was established. The image describes the original concept of Ramrajya in brief.
Original Ramrajya was based on truth. Dharma was its foundation. Shastras were the guiding principles. Rishi, Yogi, Muni, and Brahma Gyani were the guiding lights. The Vedas were respected and followed. Therefore, Ramrajya endured and prospered. It (Ramrajya) is even now spoken of as the most perfect form of government. The ancient ideal of Ramrajya is undoubtedly one of true democracy in which the last-placed (meanest) citizen could be sure of rapid justice without an elaborate and costly procedure.
Ramrajya was ruled by Sri Rama but the actual foundation of the same was paved by Bhagavan Parashurama who is the sixth Avatar (Incarnation) of Sanatan Dharma. He established Dharma (righteousness) which in turn, was the favorable condition for the establishment of a popular kingdom, later known as a Ramrajya. The prevailing condition of Ramrajya got lost due to many hidden factors. Present day there is a dilemma whether Ramrajya could be re-established. To understand the favorable conditions of Ramrajya, the present-day scenario has to be reviewed.
The call of the world needs “Sustainable peace” in all rounds, especially in the scenario of “Networking” & “Trafficking”. These (Networking & Trafficking) are the parts of Energy & Space. This means that the Energy & Space of Individuals, Society, Country & the World are to be well balanced to meet the smooth function of the computed universe including worldwide human transactions.
To achieve the best possible result of Ramrajya in the Modern Era, the Axe & Love (used by Bhagwan Parashurama) are the two means to establish Dharma (Righteousness) among bad & good, cruel & peace-loving, anti-social & law-abiding elements. This principle will minimize the discrepancy among environment, economy, education & heritage factors prevailing in different parts of the world.
Does the structure discuss the subject like a) What is the scenario existing in the Present Moment b) Basic Foundation of Ramrajya by Bhagwan Parashurama c) What is Ramrajya? d) The Structure of Original Ramrajya e) Concept of Ramrajya in Independent India f) Vision of Mahatma Gandhi about Ramrajya g) The basic elements of Ramrajya h) Vibrant Individual and Vibrant Society i) The Fabrics of Healthy Society j) Present day Status k) Dream India 2022 needs Ramrajya k) Modern Concept of Ramrajya l) Least disparity in society encourages achieving Ramrajya model m) Why to integrate Ramrajya model with Yogic approach?
The probable structure consists of i) the Basic Foundation of Ramrajya by Bhagwan Parashurama ii) the Original Concept of Ramrajya iii) the Key Features of Ramrajya iv) Fabrics of a Healthy Society v) What is the need for Ramrajya vi) Balanced Society vii) Improvement of Quotient against Corruption and Unrighteousness images; which explain the contents in brief.
1.3 Scenario of Ramrajya described in Ramayana
Sri Tulsidasji has written Ramayan in the Avadhi Language; which can easily be followed by Hindi-speaking people. There is Valmiki Ramayan in Sanskrit and there too the scenario of Ramrajya is described in Sanskrit. In Uttar Kaand of Tulsikrit Ramayan, a scenario of Ramrajya is described and the brief of the same is shown below.
The verse described in poetic language clarifies that no one was suffering from physical illness (DaihikTaap), there was no agony of global warming or harsh changing environment (Daivik Taap) and no one was having anguish from flood and drought (BhoutikTaap).The language describes that the people living in Ramrajya were free from all kinds of Taap (Pain, Agony, and Anguish).The men and women in Ramrajya have unconditional love (Preeti) among themselves and they follow the Swadharma by listening to the scriptures connected with true living patterns based on Nature’s law and following them.
The Swadharma is not based on any cult following; but to follow whatever dimension, one possesses. This indicates that people have three main Nadis i) Ida (connected with Right lobe) ii) Pingla (connected with Left lobe) and iii) Sushumna Nadi (connected with spinal cord). They are responsible for generating Energy, Space, and Consciousness; by proper combination of them, Nature’s law can be truly followed. This clarifies the meaning of Swadharma.
During the rule of Lord Rama, all were egoless (Nirdambh) or had the bare minimum ego in day-to-day dealing with people, objects, places, and situations. In that way, they were following true Dharma and yielding Punya Karma. In this connection, it is to be noted that the followers of True Dharma will be ego-less, otherwise, they will indulge in Adharma Karma (Unrighteous Action). The sufficient doer of Adharma Karma will yield the fruits (Karma Phala); which will be the measure for deciding the species (categories) for the next birth. But followers of Dharma Karma (Righteous Action) will enjoy a great deal of Karma Phala in terms of a prosperous life (Bhoga for enjoyment). This indicates that in the Ramrajya scenario, the people were more prosperous as they were true Dharmik (egoless) or carrying the bare minimum ego. In that process (doing Dharmik), the men and women of the Ramrajya period were good decision-makers (Chatur) and processors of wisdom and knowledge. Here Chatur does not mean clever people or having cut-throat competition among each other.
During the same (Ramrajya) scenario, everyone had scientific as well as spiritual knowledge (Sarv Gunagya), and they were scholars in their respective fields to exchange knowledge among themselves. That indicates that they were following the concept of the Yajur Veda verse.
Here Yajur Veda states that people having only Vigyana (Spiritual Knowledge) but not having Gyana (Worldly Knowledge) including Scientific Knowledge, are supposed to be the possessors of half the knowledge. The vice versa is also true. In other words, if someone has only worldly expertise and scientific knowledge; but does not have spiritual knowledge; they are also the possessor of half the knowledge.
But in the scenario of Ramrajya, it seems that the people had both kinds of knowledge (Spiritual Knowledge as well as Scientific and Worldly Knowledge); hence they were called Sab Gunagya Pandit. In the same reign (Ramrajya), the people had a sense of gratitude for each other (Kritagya) and they were not clever enough to cheat others. This indicates that they were very simple and lawful behavior; so that, they were processors of IQ (Intelligence Quotient), EQ (Emotional Quotient), and SQ (Spiritual Quotient).
The above analysis indicates that it is difficult to achieve all the positive facts described above during the Ramrajya period of Treta Yuga. However, the background of the development of Modern Science and Technology can be clubbed with spiritual and yogic concepts to evolve the modern kind of Ramrajya scenario; so that, World Peace can be achieved among the followers of Ramrajya.