LORD SRI RAMA THE APOTHEOSIS OF HUMAN PERFECTION-2.
LORD SRI RAMA THE APOTHEOSIS OF HUMAN PERFECTION-2.
22/02/2018
2.
The whole of the Ramayana is an Epic of humanity. Humanity does not mean mankind but that which particularly characterises human nature.
It is in this sense, Sri Rama is oftentimes called the paragon of humanity, an example of the perfection of human nature.
This perfection of human nature is not inclusive of the foibles of man in his lower endowments.
In the majestic words of Valmiki with which the Epic commences, we are given a description of what this perfection of humanity is, as an answer given by sage Narada to a question put by sage Valmiki as to who is the ideal of human nature.
"Whom do you think, O sage, is the perfect embodiment of humanity in this world and can you give me an example of such a perfection?" was the question put by Valmiki to Narada.
And then, Narada commences a dignified description of a personality whom today we know and adore as Sri Rama.
That majestic feature of bodily personality, the ideal perfection of physiological structure, the profundity and beauty of understanding, dignity of behaviour, exemplary nature of conduct,--to put it in one word 'perfection' as conceived or as conceivable by the human understanding--this is what comes forth as an answer from the great sage Narada.
To be continued ..
Swami Krishnananda
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