Vishnu's
Stars: Rama's
Realization
Rama
stood silently on the battlefield. He felt no fear. He felt that
everything that was about to happen was his destiny. He looked across
the battlefield to see his opponent, ready for him. Rama took a deep
breath
in of cool evening air and looked up to see the heavens full of stars.
He would be able to see his opponent well tonight. The abundance of
stars had been created by Vishnu, so any battle at night would be
fair. Rama heard Ravana's war drums sound and prepared himself. He
heard a gong sound
from his side. The sound reminded Rama of something he used to know but
could not remember. This was the gong of Vishnu,
used when his strength or presence was needed.
The gods were
watching intently above, they wanted Ravana destroyed forever.
The drums sounded, announcing the
beginning of the battle. Arrows flew faster than the speed of light.
Onlookers stood in silence, listening to thousands of arrows hitting
the ground. Indra had sent his chariot to Rama and the battle
carried on in the air. Thunder sounded and lightening bolts struck
all around. Rama used his arrow blade to cut off Ravana's heads as he
flew by, but they kept growing back! The two warriors each used
different elements
of nature against each other.
Finally Ravana pulled out the weapon he was saving.
His most powerful weapon was a weapon of illusion, a confusion weapon
that
enveloped the opponent. Suddenly the sky was raining arrows, headed for
Rama's horses and the heart of his chariot- driver Matali. Rama,
distracted by the illusion,
regained awareness and saw that Matali hurt. He could not bear to
see the
sight of his friend in pain. He could feel panic growing in his chest.
"What have I done? I have killed an innocent man who wanted to help
me! I should be the one in pain! Not you, my dear friend."
Matali looked up at Rama, stunned. "Rama, why do you act like this?
Don't
you know who you are and what you are capable of?"
Rama looked at Matali and said, "Know who I am? I am Rama, and I have
let you down, friend!"
Matali's eyes looked deep into Rama's as he said, "Yes, you are Rama;
you are the
creator of all things in the universe! No other man's strength matches
yours. Search your heart for the truth and you will no longer be fooled
by these illusions!"
Rama froze, thinking for a split second. He could feel
something else inside of him, demanding that he keep going and finish
Ravana. He immediately go to his feet and continued with the battle. He
could not fully comprehend what Matali had said, but he was
beginning
to realize he was something much greater than he had ever realized. He
felt
a change in the battle. He was able to recognize Ravana's weapons and
see through the illusions. All the tension in Rama's body eased away as
Ravana's furious state intensified. As Ravana drew closer, Rama looked
up at the bright stars shining from the Heavens and took out his most
precious arrow.
Ravana reached for his most prized weapon. His
invincible sword that never failed death. Rama was faster than Ravana
and shot his precious arrow directly into Ravana's heart. Rama saw
Ravana fall and looked up at the stars again. He heard them speak to
him, "Great Rama, you have defeated the evil demon king forever. Only
you could do this. You are the creator and truth
in everything. Only you could be Vishnu. "
Rama, finally putting it all together ,sat in silence. Onlookers
watched Rama stand in the battlefield. Rama picked up his bow, stood up
straight and took his first deep breath in with the knowledge of his
great power. His skin, eyes, and bow were all aglow. He was the
greatest god in Heaven and creator of the stars.
Author's Note:
Throughout Rama's journey he is working to rid the earth of evil and
work for the greater good. However, he never realizes his superhuman
strength. Rama never compared himself to others. During Rama's battle
with Ravana he realizes that he can see through Ravana's Illusions. The
stars and Matali try to give him clues as to who he is. The stars are
an important clue because Vishnu created them. The stars spoke to him
in the end when his heart was searching for the truth. As a human he
needed many signs that he was indeed greater than all others. The scene
where he comes to terms with his true identity is a critical
point in the story. This point allows for the rest of his life to fall
into place. Although some incarnations never know who they are in past
lives, it is important for Rama to realize who he is. This completes
the battle scene and allows him to overcome his opponent and be
victorious.
Link back to Cover page
Sources:
Buck, William. Ramayana. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1976.
Narayan, R.K. The Ramayana. New York: Penguin, 1972.
Picture
Information
Picture 1- Battle of Rama and
Ravana. Web source: BoloKids.com
Picture 2- Vishnu's Stars.
Web source: Nasa.com
Picture 3- Rama. Web source:
Punjabkesari.com