Ravana delusion
RAVANA DELUSION
Written by
Brij Sachdeva
Dussehra
Ravana’s greatness - a delusion
Every year, in the days around Dussehra, several media files and messages become viral about Ravana's goodness in the sense that he did not violate the chastity of Sita. People are forwarding such files without giving any consideration to their common sense or the very thing they have in their skulls. Ravana was under the spell of a curse that prevented him from doing such a kind of harm to Sita. In the epic Ramayana, Rambha is violated by Ravana, who is thereby cursed that if he violates another woman again, his head will burst. This curse protects the chastity of Sita when she is kidnapped by Ravana. It is crucial to remember that Ravana’s stand was largely driven by a curse rather than any inherent goodness. In fact, such media files keep coming out every year with new narratives. Sometimes about the Ravan within (andar ka ravan), sometimes about the idea that celebrating Dussehra is wrong. How can a festival that teaches humanity be wrong? It is said that if a nation is to be destroyed, its culture and identity must be attacked. This is done by spreading myths and misinformation and by creating a sense of doubt in people's minds about their own culture and identity. In psychology, this is called gaslighting.
Beware of gaslighting
Gaslighting refers to a form of psychological abuse where someone causes another person to question their sanity, memories, or perception of reality. This can involve manipulating them into doubting their own judgment and experiences, often through denial, contradiction, or misinformation.
The abuser uses psychological manipulative tactics by contradicting the victim's wisdom, statements and standpoint inducing self-doubt, anxiety and confusion eroding their self-esteem and confidence.
Gaslighting can also happen on a large scale through media coverage, advertising, or political campaigns.
Religions have their own ways
Religions have their own ways to convey their message of humanity to the masses. If any religion promotes humanity and compassion among individuals, then I don't see any point in seeking to reject the very wisdom of it. Humanity should always take precedence. After all, what is the essence of religion? What purpose does it serve if not to foster human welfare? It is difficult to grasp it in any other light than humanity. This is something to be understood. A portrayal that is unnuanced, simplistic, or black-and-white fails to capture the subtlety, complexity, and depth that a more nuanced representation would provide. A black-and-white perspective presents a situation as having only two sides, leaving no space for grey areas or variations of opinion. Before forming an opinion on a prevalent narrative or commonly held belief, it is essential to consider a nuanced portrayal rather than simply adhering to a black-and-white view.
Digressions of Ramayana and Mahabharata
The Ramayana and Mahabharata are filled with a multitude of boons and curses, featuring numerous digressions that showcase various stories intertwined with the main narrative. Each digression often reveals yet another story, leading readers on a journey far from the primary plot before returning to it later. To form an opinion or make a statement about a fact mentioned in these epics, one must delve deeper into these digressions. However, as you explore these layers of stories, which can number in the thousands, you may find yourself overwhelmed with confusion, causing your questions to dissolve and making it difficult to assert a clear viewpoint. This method has also been employed by various saints and sages to reach a meditative state or a "no-mind" state, which is regarded as a divine phenomenon. This timeless wisdom has been imparted by enlightened masters across the ages.
When your questions dissolve and you attain a mind free of thoughts, the mind becomes your servant and you become its master. In Shloka 6 of Chapter 6 in the Bhagawad Gita, Shri Krishna has imparted the wisdom that:
बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जित: |
अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत् ||
bandhur ātmātmanas tasya yenātmaivātmanā jitaḥ anātmanas tu śhatrutve vartetātmaiva śhatru-
In this Shloka, Shri Krishna says that the mind is the best friend of one who has conquered it but the mind is the greatest enemy of one who has not conquered it.
If you go through these scriptures superficially, your mind will become balanced and you will attain a fulfilled, successful life. However, if you dive deep into the vast and profound digressions featuring a series of boons and curses, your questions will dissolve and you will reach a state of no-mind which ultimately leads to spiritual liberation.
Awareness Advice:
• Never fall victim to Gaslighting
• Never forward a media file that goes against the fundamental wisdom of your religion.
• Check the facts.
• Don't end up constantly examining your own behaviour rather than doubting the subtle and covert, persuasive, and manipulative tactics of others.
• Be cautious of a hidden, manipulative agenda disguised as morality and humanity.
• Watch out to see whether the content is intended to target or unintentionally targets one particular community. For example media files titled “ inner Ravana” ( andar ka ravan) because inner Ravana is there in every community.
Read in Hindi
Key words:
Ravana | why did Ravana not harm Sita? Ravana’s greatness - a delusion/ a myth | Digressions of Ramayana and Mahabharata | Why Ravana didn't harm Sita? Gaslighting, psychological manipulation tactics | manipulative tactics | Dussehra |
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Brij Sachdeva