Life - a Drama

Ramayana explains the drama of life. Sita represents the Jeevatma, who, having been attracted by the fancies of this world presented in the form of a deer, is suffering the consequences in the Asoka grove.

Temptations (the rakshashis of Asokavana) try to sway her trust. But the Jeevatma, repenting for having given room once for temptations, is constantly contemplating on the Paramatma, Rama.

Pleased with her progress, the Paramatma sends a guide (guru: Hanuman in Ramayana) to inform her that the Paramatma is also eager to merge her unto Him. The guide motivates her to continue praying. The unstinted faith of the Jeevatma accelerates the process of victory over the senses.

The Jeevatma has to purify itself before it can merge with the Paramatma. That is the process of catharsis in the fire episode (represented by the process of cremation) which ensures that there is no residual attachment to the lures of the world.

But because Sita initially fell a prey to the charms of the golden deer, she was forced back to the forest consequent to the words of a launderer. Who is a launderer? One who cleans clothes.

Similarly one has to cleanse oneself thoroughly of the stains of worldly enticements. And that is why a soul undertakes many births before it ultimately merges with the Ultimate.

This spiritual union will be expedited if the Jeevatma concentrates always on the Lotus Feet of the Paramatma and seeks His Grace.

Nothing is constant. Change is the only thing permanent in life.