Teachings of Lord Rama

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

The pastimes and teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra are described in two chapters of the Srimad Bhagavatam (IX.10-11). Now let us reflect upon these eternally relevant teachings that are both amazing and inspirational to hear.

I.Characteristics of the Ideal King

“Lord Ramachandra was a saintly king of pure character, raja rishi charitah shucih. He took a vow of accepting only one wife. And by His personal example, Sri Rama taught householders how to properly execute their duties.”

II. Characteristics of the Ideal Queen

Shukadeva Goswami describes the sterling qualities of the Queen, Sri Sitadevi: “Sri Sitadevi fully understood the feelings of Her beloved master, bhava jna bhartuh. She was submissive, chaste and shy. By her sweet love, good character and service, Sitadevi fully enchanted the mind of Her Lord.”

III. People Under an Ideal King

The popular term “Rama Rajya” refers to the reality of an ideal kingdom ruled by an ideal king providing peace, happiness and fulfillment to every living entity under his dominion. The phrase appears in the Srimad Bhagavatam (9.10.51), rame rajani.

What were the characteristics of that wonderful world ruled by the King of Kings, Sri Ramachandra?

“Sri Rama protected the citizens exactly like a father. And because the citizens accepted Lord Rama as their father, they performed their social and religious duties very nicely. Although it was Treta, because Lord Rama was a completely religious King, everyone felt they were living in the age of peace and truth, Satya-yuga.”

“No one experienced any type of bodily or mental suffering. Nor did anyone undergo any debility, lamentation, distress, fear or fatigue. And most amazingly, there was no disease, old age or untimely death!”

IV. Nature Under an Ideal King

“The forests, rivers, hills and mountains, the states, and all lands and seas fully supplied for everyone’s needs.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 9.10.50-55)

To conclude his description of rama-rajya, Shukadeva Goswami offers a blessing, phala shruti: “Anyone who hears about the glories of Lord Ramachandra will be freed from envy and be liberated from the bondage of fruitive activities, karma bandha vimuchyate.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 9.11.23)

Raghupati Raghava Raja Rama, Patita Pavana Sita Rama ki jai!

Sri Rama, Jaya Rama, Jaya Jaya Rama ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!