Unity in divinity: Embracing the true essence of Ram this Diwali

It is a special Diwali for the city of Ayodhya today, being the first since the consecration of the Lord Ram idol in the city. The government there has endeavoured to break last year’s record of 25 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) being lit across the banks of the Sarayu river.

Such a spectacle is undeniably grand, stirring the hearts of devotees with profound joy. For Hindus, however, its significance transcends the mere display. It embodies the very essence of bhakti, or devotional faith—a practice rooted deeply in the heart, devoted to one’s chosen deity with sincerity and love. True bhakti is far more than an exercise of the mind; it is an expression of wholehearted reverence and connection. The rest is transactional.

While I feel a deep connection to Lord Rama as a Hindu, my effort has always been to uncover profound insights within our sacred texts—wisdom that transcends religious boundaries and resonates with people of all faiths.

And Ram has a deeper meaning in Hinduism, beyond the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and the King of Ayodhya we adore so much. In Advaita Vedanta tradition, it is interpreted as a representation of the Supreme Consciousness or Brahman—the non-dual, all-encompassing reality that is beyond name, form, and duality. Rama also means "the one who is pleasing" or "the source of joy," referring to the ultimate bliss that is inherent in Brahman.

As Hindus, we worship Lord Ram as 'Maryada Purushottam,' a term that beautifully encapsulates his essence. "Maryada" refers to the ideals of duty, honor, and moral boundaries, while "Purushottam" translates to "the Supreme Being among men." Together, this title portrays Ram not just as a divine figure, but as the epitome of righteousness and virtue, embodying the highest standards of human conduct.

But in the interest of a universal message, I am focussing on the deeper meaning of Ram today, on the occasion of Diwali. From the famous Advaitic perspective, chanting Rama or contemplating on Rama aligns the mind with its true nature, leading it to realise that there is no separation between the individual self and the divine. Therefore, chanting Rama becomes a means to transcend the ego, dissolve dualistic perceptions, and attain liberation.

It is considered a powerful name for meditation. My grandmother used to write Ram repeatedly every day in her personal notebook as a form of meditative practice. Since ancient times, Indians greet each other with the phrase ‘Ram Ram’. When you greet someone in this manner, it implies this, “You and I are ultimately the same supreme identity. Only our masks (body and mind) are different.” Lord Hanuman famously described his relationship with Ram thus (sourced from Yog Vashisht):

As a physical being: "When I identify as the body, I am your servant" (dehabhava). As a soul: "When I identify as an individual soul, I am a part of You" (jivabhava). In ultimate truth: "When I realize my true nature, You and I are one" (paramarthika satya).

People across borders and faiths will certainly relate to the Adhyatmik Ramayan, a beautiful spiritual interpretation of the Ramayana that views its characters and events as symbolic of greater truths.

In this interpretation, Ayodhya (a place where there can be no war, or a place that cannot be defeated in war) is symbolic of our body where divine consciousness, the inner divine light or the true self (Ram) resides.

Sita represents the mind, which longs to unite with the soul, Rama. Her separation and journey back to Rama symbolize the trials of the mind seeking union with the inner divine presence. Lanka, ruled by Ravana, represents ego, ignorance, and material attachments that bind the mind (Sita) and separate it from the true self (Rama). The “battle” of Ramayana is thus the internal battle against ignorance and ego to achieve self-realization.

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"He who sees Rama as the Self within, sees the entire world as one unified existence."

In essence, the Adhyatmik Ramayana conveys that the events of the Ramayana mirror the universal spiritual journey within each of us. Regardless of the religious path we follow or the name or form we worship, the ultimate goal is to realize the divine presence within ourselves—the true source of peace, joy, and freedom from sorrow & strife. If all of us are one, and we realise it, where is the reason for hatred or killing? This inner realization holds the key to harmony within and among us all, fostering a world of peace and prosperity. May this timeless wisdom resonate across cultures and unite hearts globally.

Happy Diwali everyone!

Article authored with inputs from ChatGPT