Ramakatha Rasavahini Part two
Ramakatha Rasavahini Part two
Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Ramakatha Rasavahini, Part 2 continues the sacred stream of Rama’s story, carrying the reader deeper into the ocean of Dharma, courage, devotion, and victory over evil. Whereas Part 1 ends with the sorrowful abduction of Sita, Part 2 unfolds the path of reunion, a spiritual allegory of the soul’s return to God after being captured by illusion. Baba reminds us that this portion of the Ramayana is not only thrilling in its outer drama but also profound in its inner meaning: the struggle between righteousness and unrighteousness, between love and ego, between the soul’s longing and the world’s distractions.
The narrative opens with Rama and Lakshmana wandering through the forest in grief, searching for Sita. Baba draws attention to the fact that Rama, though an Avatar, chose to feel and express human emotions, for it was his mission to live as an ideal man. His sorrow shows humanity how to bear suffering with dignity, his search reveals the value of perseverance, and his trust in Dharma assures us that no adversity can overcome truth. At this stage, destiny brings Rama to Sugriva, the exiled vanara prince, and his general Hanuman. Their meeting is a turning point, not only in the story but in spiritual symbolism: the helpless human soul (Sugriva) finds refuge in the Divine (Rama), and devotion personified (Hanuman) joins itself in service to the Lord. Baba emphasizes that the grace of God and the devotion of the servant together form the bridge that leads the soul from despair to liberation.
Hanuman emerges as the shining hero of Part 2. Baba extols him as the supreme devotee, whose strength, wisdom, humility, and surrender make him the perfect instrument of Rama’s mission. When Hanuman leaps across the ocean to search for Sita in Lanka, his journey symbolizes the leap of devotion across the ocean of worldly illusion. Facing challenges like the demoness Surasa, the mountain Mainaka, and the rakshasi Simhika, Hanuman demonstrates courage, intelligence, and unwavering faith. His discovery of Sita in Ashoka Vana, sorrowful yet steadfast in her devotion to Rama, is one of the most touching episodes. Hanuman comforts her with Rama’s message, proving that the true devotee serves as the link between the Lord and the devotee’s heart. Baba highlights that Hanuman did not boast of his strength but attributed all power to Rama, teaching us that humility is the hallmark of true service.
The war preparations then begin. Sugriva rallies his vanara army, and Rama guides them to build the great bridge across the sea—Rama Setu. Baba reflects that the ocean symbolizes the mind, vast and restless, while the bridge represents the discipline and devotion that lead across it to the land of liberation. Stones that miraculously float when inscribed with Rama’s name reveal the power of the Divine Name; even inert matter becomes buoyant when sanctified by God’s remembrance. This is a lesson for seekers that chanting the Lord’s name (namasmarana) can carry one safely across the ocean of worldly existence.
The great war in Lanka forms the central portion of Part 2. Here, Baba explains that the battle is not merely between Rama and Ravana but between Dharma and Adharma, truth and falsehood, humility and ego. Ravana, though a mighty scholar and devotee of Shiva, fell because of unchecked pride and lust. His ten heads symbolize the ten negative tendencies—desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride, envy, hatred, arrogance, selfishness, and delusion—that enslave man. Rama, by destroying Ravana, demonstrates that the annihilation of ego and vice is the true victory one must strive for.
The battles described are both external and internal lessons. The fall of Kumbhakarna, Ravana’s brother, illustrates the destructive nature of sloth and ignorance. The slaying of Indrajit, Ravana’s son, teaches that deceit and arrogance, no matter how powerful, cannot prevail against truth and righteousness. Vibhishana, the noble brother who surrenders to Rama, stands as a symbol of discrimination—the ability to choose Dharma even when surrounded by Adharma. Baba underlines that one must have the courage to reject evil, even if it means breaking ties with family or society, and align oneself with truth.
The climax arrives with the final confrontation between Rama and Ravana. Baba paints Rama not as a warrior hungry for victory but as the embodiment of justice, calm, and compassion. Even in the midst of battle, Rama offered Ravana chances for repentance and surrender. Only when Ravana stubbornly clung to his ego did Rama release the fatal arrow, which symbolized not cruelty but the ultimate act of liberation. Ravana’s death is therefore not only the end of a tyrant but the fall of the ego that separates man from God. Rama’s victory is the triumph of Dharma, and the rejoicing of the vanaras and devas represents the joy that fills the universe when righteousness is restored.
The reunion of Rama and Sita is filled with both sweetness and seriousness. While Rama rescues Sita, he subjects her to the ordeal of fire (Agni Pariksha) to demonstrate to the world her purity and chastity. Baba clarifies that this was not to test Sita, who was always beyond reproach, but to establish her glory and silence slander in society. Sita emerges radiant from the fire, proving that true devotion and purity cannot be tarnished by any ordeal. Here, Baba reminds devotees that trials in life are not punishments but opportunities for one’s inner strength and virtue to shine.
The concluding chapters describe Rama’s return to Ayodhya, where Bharata, who had ruled as regent with Rama’s sandals on the throne, welcomes his brother with tears of joy. The coronation of Rama (Pattabhishekam) is not merely a royal celebration but the fulfillment of cosmic order. Dharma is restored, justice reigns, and love binds all hearts. Baba interprets Ayodhya as the heart, Rama as the indwelling Self, and the coronation as the realization of inner sovereignty. When Rama rules the heart, peace, harmony, and bliss prevail.
Baba closes Ramakatha Rasavahini Part 2 by urging devotees to see Rama not as a distant king of the past but as the eternal protector and guide within. Every seeker’s life is a Ramayana: the soul (Sita) gets separated from God (Rama) by illusion (Ravana), but through discipline (Lakshmana), devotion (Hanuman), discrimination (Vibhishana), and grace, the reunion is achieved. The battle of Lanka is fought in every heart, and the victory of Rama is the assurance that no matter how strong evil appears, truth will ultimately prevail.
Thus, Ramakatha Rasavahini Part 2 is not just an epic conclusion but a spiritual awakening. It teaches that devotion must be steadfast like Hanuman’s, that ego must be surrendered like Vibhishana’s, that purity must be unwavering like Sita’s, and that life must be guided by Dharma like Rama’s. The victory of Rama over Ravana is a call to humanity to conquer its inner demons, live in love, and crown God as the ruler of the heart. To immerse oneself in this Rasavahini is to drink the nectar of devotion, righteousness, and bliss, and to be assured that when Dharma is upheld, peace and joy will reign both within and without.
