Ram Navami - Appearance Day of the Most Pleasing Incarnation of Supreme Personality of Godhead

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Lord Rama is an incarnation of Lord Krsna who came down to earth to battle the

invincible Ravana in human form. Lord Brahma had been receiving complaints from

all the demigods about the havoc that Ravana was wreaking on earth, So Lord

Brahma approached Lord Krsna and Lord Krsna agreed to go to earth in the guise

of Prince Ram, the son of King Dasharath and Queen Kaushalya to kill Ravana.

Lord Rama was born on the ninth day of the month of Chitra, hence we celebrate

his birthday as a 'Navami'. Indian mathematicians and philosophers see nine as

a magical number. Planets in our solar system are also nine, as are the main

forms of goddess Durga and the ways of bhakti - devotion. Let us consider why

we celebrate Rama-Navami, by considering nine of Lord Rama's great

characteristics / virtues.

"Actions speak louder than Words" was Rama's chief motto. He embodied all the

virtues by practising what he preached. More than his divine powers, his

glorious heritage or his incredible prowess was his unblemished, untarnished,

irreproachable character. His popularity, bravery, courage in face of all

adversities, kindness, sense of justice, obedience, intelligence, limitless

patience, boundless compassion and steadfast following of duty / "dharma" have

endeared him to countless generations of Hindus and non-Hindus alike.

1) Popularity :- To lay claim to the title of " Idol / Hero ", one should be

popular with the people. Kings and politicians soon loose their popular appeal

with loss of power. Popular idol/ hero rules in the hearts and minds of the

ordinary people. Rama achieved this by his innate characteristics of charm,

kindness, openness, generosity and a real willingness to listen to other's

problem. Everyone in Ayodhya felt they could approach Rama with their problems.

Rama was known to find swift, realistic and just answers for every one. His

aura, charm and charisma made every one relax and feel happy in his presence.

2) Bravery :- It is essential for a " Idol / Hero " to be brave. It is not

enough to be popular if you can not achieve anything concrete. Rama fought for

his people in the battle field as well as the Royal Court of Ayodhya. He stood

his ground in all adversities and fought for the cause of righteousness. Being

adventurous, Rama took his exile as a great challenge to explore new frontiers.

Even in the jungles He fought for the rights of the oppressed. To be brave means

to face danger with open eyes. Knowing his enemies strong points aswell as the

weaknesses, Rama sought to rid the society of those who threatened to undermine

it.

3) Kindness :- This is one of Rama's major attribute. He taught mankind how to

be kind aswell as brave. Ravan was brave but had a cruel heart. This eventually

corrupted him and made him a villain. Bravery should be tempered by a kind and

gentle heart, so that the God given powers of strength are not misused. Power,

success, wealth and popularity can easily go to one's head and soon corrupt the

good intentions one begins with. Rama never let this happen as his prowess was

always tempered by a kind and gentle soul.

4) Justice :- Kindness and generosity of heart should not border on to being

gullible. Rama's kindness was tempered by his love for justice. He was always

just and fair. Seeing where kindness or punishment is due, Rama delivered it

accordingly. In his kingdom, every one had the constitutional right to approach

the King with their grievance. Always in keeping with the spirit of justice,

Rama installed Vali's son on the throne of Kishkindh and Ravan's brother on the

throne of Lanka. He never coveted anything that belonged to others and inspired

love for justice in his people with his own actions.

5) Obedience :- Most famous attribute of Rama was his obedience and loyalty to

his parents, guru and the subjects. Rama sought to keep his father's promise

and willingly accepted fourteen years of exile. If Rama himself disregarded his

King and father's wish, what sort of example would that set for the future

generations? To teach obedience, one should practice obedience.

6) Intelligence :- Obedience should always be tempered by intellect. Obedience

should not be slavish. Dasharath ordered Rama to take the kingdom by force,

imprison him and if necessary call on the army to support him. But Rama refused

such suggestions. To break an oath / promise is a sin but to suggest covert ways

of escaping the oath would be a greater sin. He always obeyed by considering

what would be right, proper and good for his people. Rama asked his father, "

If a drunk parent or guru should order the child or disciple to cremate them,

should such an order be carried out? Of course not. Orders given by a clouded

mind can not and should not be obeyed. Sometimes it is far better to obey the

spirit of the order than the order it self. "

7) Patience :- Intelligent people should be patient in order to earn people's

love. Often the intellectuals become impatient with the dull witted. Rama had a

great virtue of being gentle and understanding even with the uneducated jungle

dwellers. Often the intelligent become angry with people who can't see as far

ahead as they can. Rama endured his exile with legendary patience. When he came

to the Southern tip of India, He was patient with the Ocean. Rama knew that a

single arrow from his bow could achieve his purpose, but He decided to show

respect for the Heavenly Gods and waited for their answer. Though capable of

building a bridge of arrows, He let the monkeys build a bridge so they too

could be satisfied with their war efforts.

8) Universal Love :- Rama's love for all creatures great and small helped him

win over the hearts of rich and poor, strong and weak, scholars and villagers

alike. Rama's love was universal and boundless. Even Ravan, his mortal enemy,

received Rama's grace. Vali was also convinced of Rama's love and was liberated

from the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth. Rama's gentleness was legendary and

so even the uncivilised jungle dwellers came to him with out any apprehensions.

Rama's love and compassion make him an ideal for all time.

9) Being Dutiful :- Rama was forever aware of his duty - " Dharma ", and

followed it un-nerveingly. All his above characteristics were tempered by

desire to follow that which is right. Rama was never blind in his love.

Considering duty to be above all else, even life, Rama followed dharma - duty,

to the very last. Though he had boundless loved for his wife, He abandoned her

for the common moral good of his subjects. Rama followed his duty as a son,

brother, husband, prince, king, friend, and father at all times. Regardless of

personal cost / grief, Rama sacrificed everything in the pursuit of Dharma,

duty.

It is these qualities which have endeared Him to world's multitudes rather than

his good looks or great wealth. Physical beauty wanes with time, money is soon

spent, fame is soon forgotten but generous deeds, great character and boundless

compassion endure for all time. His wish to do good for the people, even at

personal suffering endeared him to the people more than elaborate speeches or

ceremonies. His personal conduct spoke louder than mere words of philosophy.

Such is the glory of His memory that even now people invoke " Rama Rajya " as

the ideal, utopian system.

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