Dharmas in Bala Kanda

Srimad Ramayana goes to show the Dharmas through its each and every sloka. For instance, if we take Bala Kanda, Sri Rama goes along to protect the sacrifice of Viswamitra from demons (’Yagna Samrakshana’). This shows us the Vaideeka Dharma.Further, during his sojourn with Viswamitra, Sage Viswamitra narrates numerous stories to Sri Rama, including those of the kings of the solar dynasty, the birth of Lord Kartikeya and the story of the birth of the Ganges. And Lord Rama listens to these stories intently, with utmost interest and longing. This goes to show ‘Katha Shravana’ – which is part and parcel of the Bhagavata Dharma.By liberating Ahalya from the curse of her husband that she will remain invisible for the sins she committed, Lord Rama seemingly shows us that, if we are unable to catch hold of any Dharma, especially in this age, by merely chanting His Name, ‘Rama’, we shall be liberated from our sins.[Excerpted from Sri Sri Swamiji’s discourse on Srimad Ramayana in November 2010]