Conversations with Sri Swamiji – 3

I continue to share a few of my conversations with His Holiness.

-K. Janakiraman, Chennai.

Ramaacharya

In Srimad Ramayana, at the very outset, Valmiki Bhagavan asks Sri Narada a few questions. He asks if there is a person in this world at present, who is full of virtues(Gunavaan), is valorous(Veeryavaan), knows the path of Dharma(Dharmajna), is grateful(Krutajna), is truthful(Satyavaakyo), is of steadfast vow(Dhrudavrata), has a right conduct(Chaaritrena yuktah), is considerate towards all beings(Sarvabhoothahitah), is erudite(Vidwaan), is capable(Samarthah), is the only one of appealing countenance(Ekapriyadarsanah), has subdued his mind(Aatmavaan), has conquered anger(Jitakrodhah), is splendorous(Dyutimaan), has no jealousy(Anasooyakah), and whose anger the devas too dread(kasmin bhibhyati devah). These are the sixteen qualities that were questioned by Valmiki Bhagavan.

It is said that these sixteen qualities must be present in God, a King, and a Guru. Shri Rama was the only person who had all the qualities that Valmiki had asked. Shri Rama was the supreme Lord himself incarnate. He was a king too, of the solar dynasty. By the mere presence of all the 16 qualities, He was a Guru also. So, just as we call Shri Krishna as ‘Geethaacharya’ we can aptly call Shri Rama as “Raamaacharya”!

Rama is no doubt a Guru to all of us for He showed the ideal path of Dharma by way of the life he led. In Srimad Ramayana, Bharatha meets Rama in the forest seeking solace. Valmiki decribes this meeting thus- ‘dadarsha bharatho gurum’ – Bharatha met his Guru!, thereby showing that Rama is a Guru too, the bestower of peace to the struggling heart!