It’s through developing a connection between man and God that one can achieve a world where purity, love and peace conquer the evil mind, says Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji
Before India gained independence from British rule, Mahatma Gandhi announced that Ram rajya would be brought once the country was free. By Ram rajya, Gandhiji implied a state where the values of justice, equality, idealism, renunciation and sacrifice were practiced. While writing on the subject, he clarified that “My Ram is another name for Khuda or God. I want Khuda raj, which is the same thing as the kingdom of God on earth”.
Now what does such a kingdom look like in reality and how can it be brought aboutIJ That’s a million dollar question indeed.
A society or nation is made up of individuals, and the character of those people defines the society or the nation. It is on this basis that a society is known as Ram rajya or its opposite, Ravan rajya. Both these terms are based on the two principal characters in the epic Ramayana. On one side there is Ram, who is a virtuous deity and on the other side is Ravana, a learned but evil-minded demon king. Ram and Ravan personify the qualities of people in Ram rajya and Ravan rajya, respectively. These contrasting qualities have been described at length in the Bhagavad Gita as the divine nature and demonic nature. The chapter 16 of Gita lists the divine and demonic traits and urges the eradication of the latter and cultivation of the former. It explains the link between ethics and spirituality and between a life of virtue and liberation from sorrow. The divine qualities are said to foster peace and lead to liberation while the demoniacal qualities lead to bondage.
Fearlessness, purity of heart, cultivation of spiritual knowledge, charity, self-control, sacrifice, austerity, simplicity, non-violence, truthfulness, freedom from anger, tranquility, aversion to fault finding, compassion for all living beings, freedom from covetousness, gentleness, modesty, steady determination, vigour, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, and freedom from envy and from the passion for honour — these qualities are said to belong to men endowed with a divine nature. On the other hand, hypocrisy, arrogance, self-conceit, harshness, anger and ignorance belong to the one who is born in a demoniacal state. Describing such individual at length, the Gita says: “The demoniacal know not what to do and what to refrain from; neither purity nor right conduct nor truth is found in them.” Such people are filled with insatiable desires and work with impure resolves. Given in to lust and anger, they strive to obtain materialistic gains by unlawful means. They also make a show of devotion, which is contrary to spiritual principles. Because of their evil deeds, such souls are reborn among people of similar demoniacal nature birth after birth, continuing their slide into hell.
According to Bhagwad Gita, lust, anger and greed are the three gates of hell, and hence it urges one to abandon them. One who is liberated from these three vices has the path to salvation cleared for him. It is obvious from the above that true Ram rajya can exist only when those living in that rajya have divine qualities. So, how does one get liberated from these vices and imbibe divine virtuesIJ The only way souls can become pure in this present era is by linking up with the Supreme Source of all virtues, who is known as “Supreme soul”. Through this link they can draw power and virtues that will enrich and strengthen them and take them beyond negative influences. This simple process of linking self with Supreme is called Rajyoga. When practiced regularly, it fills the soul with peace, love, purity and bliss. When a person gets filled with these qualities, they are reflected in his words and actions. And when a critical number of individuals transform themselves in this way, social transformation takes place making way for Ram rajya. That day is not far when we would see a world of purity, character and values, where every being would be divine and would co-exist in harmony with nature. There will be no violence, be it physical, mental or emotional. Every person will be an embodiment of truth and divine virtues. Pure love and respect will form the basis of relationships. They will be completely free from and ignorance, evil and suffering. Materially, they will be living in opulence and abundance. Science will be used for creating perfect technology and comforts that are necessary, eco-friendly and safe. People will enjoy perfect health, natural beauty and a long lifespan free from sickness and un-timely death. Everybody will be happy and content. There will be lightness, innocence, purity and joy in every action.
One would say, is this all a mythIJ Not really, we need to understand that Ram rajya or the new world is the harvesting period for the fruits of the pure actions that are performed by us in the present age that we call Iron age. It is actually now that we get an opportunity to create our best destiny. Once we conquer the vices such as lust, ego and attachment we regain our original divine nature and it helps transform the entire world into a new divine world. So, do not ever think that ram rajya is a myth. No, it is indeed a reality that’s as close as tomorrow.