"Divine Mother Lakshmi"

 It is appropriate to worship Lakshmi as our Divine Mother during the Dasara festivities. We also worship Devi Saraswati and Devi Durga as the Deities of Vidya and Valor on the days of Ashtami and Navami of the Dasara. Who are all these Shakti aspects?

 Lakshmi Tantra, a Pancharatra Agama Shastra Text clearly explains all these starting from the primordial state step by step from basic stages. Accordingly, there are Thirty-five Sattvata realities, with Brahman as the Transcendental supreme power. Thus, first comes Bhagavan (God), param dhamam, the highest seat where everything is still. This is identical with the potential aspect of Lakshmi, It is brahmn, Absolute Void, rather, mahattanta shanta, with absolutely no vibration (Supreme Silence). Then comes the manifest aspect of 'Adi Purusha' (the First Person). followed by His Shakti (valor), niyati, kala, and the thre qualities of sattva, rajas, and tamas. Then follow maya, prasuti, prakriti, and the three components of mnas, buddhi, and ahankara. These are followed by the ten organs (Indriya- jnyana and karma). These are the basic stages of creation as accepted by agama scholars.

   Bhagava (God) includes all divine emanations. Lakshmi says, "I am Brahmn" and I am identical with 'tat' sat.-. Mahalakshmi, She, Mahalakshmi becomes dynamic (kriyashakti), the active aspect of God. Purusha is the collective man (living being) and his shakti is Mahalakshmi. (Lakshmi Tantra p. XXIII). Niyati is Mahavidya, who reoresents cosmic wisdom Who controls law and order in the universe. Mahakali is Kala (Time), Who is in fact the Creator,of the material universe. Then there are the purana (epic) that describe the universe as in Brahmanda purana, Shiva purana, Vishnu purana and the like. , 

Liberation (mukti/moksha)

 The term 'Liberation' or 'Release from Bondage' (bandha mukti) here refers to the jiva (living being) that suffers repeated births and deaths. Some people argue that the question of liberation arises only when 'one feels that he/she is in bondage and needs to be liberated'. This may be true to some extent. The ignorant never realizes the fact that taking birth on this earth where everything is subject to time, space, and causality is itself a bondage. Moreover, the living beings are subject to serious limitations. Hunger, thirst, shelter are very serious problems. It is very difficult to overcome these and attain liberation, freedom. 

  In 'Lakshmi Tantra', liberation from worldly bondage means that the jiva (being) has been freed from his three limitations of space (anu), of knowledge (asarvajnya), and power to act (aishvarya). It is also stated that, there are four ways of attaining liberation. These are the path of karma, samkhya, yoga and sharanagati. These are also the paths proclaimed by Bhagavan Shree Krishna in the Gita. Ultimately, it is total enlightenment only that brings liberation. This total awareness, Absolute Consciousness, para vasudeva. After one gets enlightenment he/she enters Shakti, the presence of Divine Mother. And, it is the prerogative of Ma Lakshmi to bestow Her Grace. Devi anugraha is what is important. The jiva should cry for the Mother! Isn't only the baby that cries, gets milk?

 There are great Saints and Rishis, jnyanis who are said to be liberated ones. There are millions of them in this country of ancient lores, India, ie. Bharata. What is this attainment, 'Knowledge' (jnyan), that liberates one from eternal bondage, repeated births and deaths? It is the realization that 'Desire' is at the root of the problem of bondage, and one should desist from this 'desire'. The true knowledge is that which makes a person realize the fact that these desires are insatiable, no end, and can never be satisfied. Each sense organ has a thousand desires! And it is also true that desire is 'brahmn'. It is not in one's hands to overcome it. It is said, 'He Willed'. Hence what is the solution? Thus, once born on this elemental body that is unconscious, it is difficult to get liberated, released from bondage. However, the great sages have shown us the way.

 The living beings can seek liberation, mukti, moksha, by sheer surrender to the 'Will of the Lord'. It is the 'Will of the Lord' that we are all here. He said, "Eko'ham, bahusyam' and there appeared all these paraphernalia of the Stars, Sun, solar system, earth, and its all living beings. The supreme Lord (pramatman) only became the jivatman. He created and entered it! Tadsrushtvaa tadevaanupravishat !

  Thus, liberation is attained with the realization of the fact that everything is 'Lord's Will' and surrender to Him. This is the 'sharanagati tattvam'. It is like hiring a Taxi for a long journey instead of taking one's own vehicle and face problems, if any occur, on the way? It's the firm belief, faith, trust in the Lord that saves one from the problems. Bhagavan Shree Krishna has explicitly stated that He will protect all those who seek refuge in Him. He also assures redemption, liberation, release from bondage and rebirths!

  maam upetya kounteya sarva paapebhyO mokshayishyaami ma suchaa ! ... punarjanma na vidyate!

'The Predicament' (Contd.)

 Having born on this Elemental Planet Earth composed of the pancha mahabhuta, it is but natural that everything disappears when the parts fall apart! All that are made up of parts are thus, not real! What is real is "That which is behind all these parts"! It is explicitly stated in the Vedic Texts that "no one can for sure say that in the beginning, there was either something or nothing". if we say, "Everything was already there", the question arises "How come?" The same question arises even if we say "There was nothing" This 'neither', 'nor' constitute the predicament. Yet another predicament is that no one can be certain that, "all that we see today in this material world always existed." This idea is based on our perception that "whatever that did not exist cannot come into existence later", If we say nothing existed before and all that we see today came into existence either 'all of a sudden' or 'one by one later'."  If all that we see already existed before, this should be accounted for. There is a via media to overcome this predicament. What if we say everything existed in a primordial state in an invisible or imperceptible manner? The Vedic texts give the answer. 

 Now this predicament can be overcome by simply saying that "everything that exists is 'brahmn'." The 'term 'brhamn' stands for 'That', that which 'IS' and 'IS NOT' (sada and asada). First, there existed akasha (Space), that is 'brahmn'. This Space accommodated everything that came after, such as, Vayu (air/ primarily Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, etc)), Agni (Fire), jal (Water (Hydrogen 2 + Oxygen), and Prithvi (Earth consisting of Nickel, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Aluminum, Silicon, Carbon, Calcium, Gold, Silver, Uranium, Vanadium, etc.). These gaseous and non-gaseous, as well as metallic and non-metallic elements are all the manifest aspects of 'brahmn'. Hence it is said: "sarvam khaluvidam brahmaa". 

 

  The term 'brahmn' is applied to the 'Absolute One', Indivisible, Unborn, Eternal, Immortal and the 'All-pervasive". Since it is the 'core of the substance', the "Self of All', it is said to be 'Vishnu', the mahat-prajnya (Pure Consciousness). This pure consciousness is the basis, the fundamental aspect of all that manifest here in this cognizable universe. This is also called the Transcendental miniscule aspect of brahmn, pure Consciousness. This explains why there is a cognizable universe. Nothing (Objects) can exist without the subject (consciousness). It is so easy to understand. If one looks westward all that exist in other directions simply do not come within the purview of one's consciousness. Only a yogin, a saint who rises above these lower levels of existence can perceive everything that exists like a 'bird's view'.

  The predicament disappears once a person realizes the fact that everything is manifest brahmn and this includes the humans upward to Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara on the one hand and the quadrupeds and bipeds as animals, birds, plants, and other living beings numbering several Billions.

  This holistic view or the Samyak vision comes to a yogi who rises above the muladhara prajnya (Basal plexus of consciousness) and reaches gradually to Sahasrar (the highest level of consciousness through yoga. This is the reason why the Lord said, "tasmad yogirbhavaarjuna", said Bhagavan Shree Krishna in the Gita.  

'The Predicament'

 "To do, or Not to do" is the predicament like the Shakespearean "To Be' or 'Not to Be' in Hamlet. This refers to 'Karma' and 'Sanyasa' in the Gita. Bhagavan Sri Krishna says, "karma or action is a must, an ordained duty, that must be performed (Fighting the Battle is a must for Arjuna as a Kshatriya)". This has reference to caste system. But what is the position when there is no caste system is not clear? This is the case in a secular State or a State where there is no caste system. There is no compulsion these days and anybody can take up any job irrespective of the caste in which he/she is born. There is freedom of choice, and all are welcome to choose a profession of one's choice, if qualified for the job. There is no gender discrimination, too. However, the predicament here is to act or not in specific cases. It is very clear that a doctor cannot refuse to treat a patient. No one can run away from the assigned duties, especially in the Defense forces. However, nobody can force a person to join the Defense forces unless there is an emergency and conscription. It's one's sweet will and pleasure to join the Air Force or Navy or Army.

  The real predicament is one of action (karma) or inaction (akarma). This has reference to Bhagavan's utterances with regard to inferior values of action (of karma) when compared to sanyasa (karma sanyasa) where giving up the greed or expectation in return for action that is superior. karma saynyasa is free from bondage although the fruits of action accrue. One is advised to do action without any expectation in return (nishkama karma). Giving up greed or doing work with profit motive is stressed here. any work that is done for the welfare of people-at-large is more beneficial than work done with selfish interest. The Gita is all about nishkama karma. It says karmanyavadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana |

 The predicament disappears when one does action as per the principles of the Gita. Here, in the Gita, it is enunciated that Karma is good when done with selfless intention. It is better to act with wisdom and equanimity (yogasu karma koushalam). It is buddhiyoga (jnyan yoga). There are any number of ways to act with discretion, equanimity, social service without profit motive and even restraint from doing harmful things even under compulsion or situations that warrant! 

  Hence all actions are welcome when it is for the welfare of society and done with equanimity. Actions performed in the name of the Lord are far superior to actions done for personal benefits. Even preparing food and eating without first offering to God (as naivedyam) is a sin. Ultimately, it's the action oriented to liberation, salvation (mukti/moksha) through knowledge of the Self (Atmajnyan) that is far superior to all other actions. Act only if you must, and act with knowledge of consequences and desist from all actions that binds you to repeated births and deaths is the message conveyed here in the Gita (muktiyoga rahasya).    

' I '

 Everybody uses this letter (syllable 'I' that is a pronoun which stands for a noun. But what is that noun aspect is not very clear. It is just taken as a name that the person goes by. Actually, it is not so. Different people call a person by different names and which name is actually the correct one is not clear. Most of the people use surnames. Some people use the names of their native place or place of birth, or name of their ancestral family name. Thus, there is a lot to say about these. After all what is there in a name, they ask? Here the question is one of of deeper spiritual nature. What is this 'I'? 

  The syllable 'I' refers to the soul. Even a child touches its heart when it says 'I'. So the term is very clear. It is interesting to go further deep into this aspect. In Lakshmi Tantra, a Pancharatra Text, Devi Lakshmi says, "I am the I aspect of Sri Hari." It is aham, ahanta, self or 'I' aspect of Paramatma Sri Hari Narayana Who manifests as 'jiva' or 'jivatman'. Thus, the soul or the 'Self' is referred to as this 'I'. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Bhagavan Sri Krishna says, "I am the Self of all". But people introduce themselves as so and so connecting it to their profession, family name, or place, 

  Now, the spiritual aspect of 'I' is clear. the term 'I' stands for the manifest aspect of paramatman only who manifests, appears as jiva. Paramatma or Bhagavan says, "I only exist. There is nothing besides Me. This 'I'  thus refers to Brahmn. Sarvam khaluvidam brahmaa. The supreme Lord resides in the cavity of the heart, soul, as 'chaitanya; or Consciousness. This chaitanya is the Energy, prana, or the life force. It is this piritual power that runs the jiva is the I aspect. Hence all that exists is Sri Hari, the Noun and the pronou of that is 'I'. Whoever knows is a jnyani, yogi.     

Narayana-Narayani

  The term 'Narayana' means 'Eternal Flow (naarah yaana) of Consciousness'. It also means the path (ayana) of journey of jiva (nara). In the term 'Narayani', the 'a' at the end of the word Narayana stands for the 'brahmn' or 'paramatman and the same replaced by 'i' in Narayani stands for the creative energy, power of the supreme brahmn. Thus, these two are the two fundamental principles of 'Purusha' and 'Prakriti'. 'Purusha' is Supreme, and 'Prakriti' borne out of Purusha is Sovereign. This sovereign power is 'Mahalakshmi', the 'I-hood' (ahanta) of Narayana. In Lakshmi Tantra, Devi Lakshmi speaks to Shakra (Indra). See ''Lakshmi Tantra'', Pub.: MLBD. Here, it is very interesting to note how Lakshmi wields Her sovereign power in creation, sustenance, and dissolution in Her different forms and functions.  She, Mahalakshmi only manifests as Mahashree, Mahavidya and Mahamaya. She is called by different names like Lakshmi, Sarswati, Sharada, Kali, Durga, Roudri, etc. There is no question of any 'limitations to her Shakti (powers) or jnyan (Knowledge), or aishvarya (resources), or even bala (strength), virya (valour), and tejas (glory) for She is the reigning queen (samrajni) of the cosmic entity called the Universe. She creates the universe and enters into it as 'chit shakti' (Consciousness). She has, no doubt, conceded that the power She wields is that of Sri Hari. However, She, the Devi, is not bound by any limitations or control of any sort by any authority. She is thus Independent. She is the supreme Mother.

  The supreme Lord Paramatman, called parabrahman only manifests as 'Atman', and enters into all living beings as 'jivatman'. This aspect of Atman is Myslef pronounced as 'I. I-hood' of paramatman is attributed to Me, says the Blessed Devi. She, the Devi, further asserts that "I am the creative power (kriya shakti) of Sri Hari, paramatman. I am the I-hood, 'Shree', power of Hari, Narayani. The supreme Lord is said to be pure (parishuddha), nishchala (inert), shanta (silent), and takes no part in any activity. Just a particle of His dynamic aspect has pervaded the universe. Devi Mahalakshmi says, "a minute particle of My transcendent power' (Shakti) has created this illusory world!

  Mahalakshmi says, the attributes of Paramatman cannot be explained except the by the Suris. tad vishnoh parmama padam sada pashyanti surayah diviva chakshus atatam | [Rk veda 1. 22. 20]. He has no attributes, qualities, forms or functions. Yet the Vedic doctrines, enunciated by the great sages, attribute all the best qualities to Him. He is sat-chit-ananada svarupi. He is the bestower of ananda, bliss. Meditate, contemplate on brahmn and the manifest aspects of parabrahman and attain to the Highest bliss.

  Chant the name of 'Shree Hari' and be Blessed!

How to Invoke God's Grace?

 God's grace (daiva anugraha) is very important. It seems  the past deeds (karma) also play a very important role in our day to day life. It's like the physical law that operates as 'action and reaction are equal and opposite'. There are yet two other important invisible benevolent forces that operate in our life. These are the parents and elders blessings as well as teacher's grace. Parents and  teachers bless wholeheartedly and their blessings carry us long well and give good results, success, name and fame. There is no doubt about it. Here the secret is is that these well-wishers send a part of their accumulated punya to their loved ones. It is in the Hindu sanskar, tradition, culture that one should always respect the parents, teachers and elders. There are many instances where the children have tp pay for the misdeeds of their elders, too! Hence, not only good deeds but the bad deeds as well affect the life of youngsters. This prarabhda. The shastra have laid down certain remedies, prayaschitta to overcome the evil forces. Performance of rituals like shraddha of the departed souls, havana and homa,, shanti, etc. are suggested fot overcome the evil forces.

  By far, the divine grace is the best that makes one's life easy and leads to salvation. This divine grace (daiva anugraha) comes from constant prayer and worship of God/s. There are many and varied ways of prayers and worship. Much is attributed to shastra and the customs and tradition of the family. Prayer may be for seeking blessings for oneself or for the benefit or welfare of others. It is said that prayer one does for others welfare pays! It is always good to pray for others.

  Seeking divine grace may be through offering prayers, performing, rituals, or worship. There are many ways of worship starting from the lighting of lamps, uttering sacred words (mantra) or offering flowers, incense, food items as naivedyam, arti, etc. The agama shastra prescribes the ways of worship. But the Lord assures that He will be pleased with just a leaf or spoon full of water! God needs nothing from us, except pure hearted devotion.

  Gods are many may be in millions! Here God is meant by divine forces that are benevolent. These forces operate as our own self-confidence, daring and fearlessness, action for the welfare of all. Gods will be pleased by our good thoughts, and selfless actions. Hence, it is very easy to invoke God's grace and live happy and successful. Just honor the parents, teachers and elders by touching your heart and folding your hands. That will do the magic.

Why Invoke God's Grace?

 Haven't we seen a batsman look up to the sky and offer his gratitude when he hits a century? What is there to look up? Yes, there is something, someone, or some extraordinary power or force that guides our actions here! This force or power is invisible, divine, and very protective. It is called 'Vishnu', the all-pervasive pure consciousness, that is the enlightening, guiding force. This is the secret behind creation. When we look back at the way we have traveled the decades of our lives, we may discover some invisible hand guiding us through the ups and downs. In fact, someone is holding our hand or even sits within us and walks! It is He, who is seated within us that does all the job and we boast saying "I did this, I did that?  It is very difficult to believe that some unknown, unseen guiding force acts and we may attribute it to our prarabhda (carry over?), karma phala (fruits of past actions), or the Stars (n which one is born?)! To some extent we may attribute all our actions to the stars and planets in our birth chart (janma kundali/horoscope). Events or things happen according to the influence of the planetary positions (including the sun and moon) and their movements (graha chara). A well-versed astrologer can interpret the birth chart if the date of birth and place (Lat. and Long.) and time of birth are accurate. Astrology may seem to be a little unscientific or irrational and, may be dismissed as an inexact science. But one cannot ignore the age-old shastra that is attributed to the great sage Bhrugu. 

 Now, what is so scientific about the stars (astronomy) and so unscientific about forecast based on our birth chart (astrology)? The answer is simple. we do not know much about stars. The stars are made of elements and their radiation influence our lives when their rays fall on the jiva from the date of inception to its death. Every planet exercises its influence on the life and activities of a person and the changes are attributed to the influences of the planet in its own house or house of a benevolent or malevolent planet. But we know something about our birth charts due to the efforts of great visionaries, Rishis like Bhrugu and mathematicians like Bhatta, Bhaskara, Varaha Mihira, who could calculate the distance of Stars from earth and their influence on our lives. We are all born under the influence of one or the other Star's direct rays at the time of our birth (right from the time of inception as foetus). Even the fate of the impregnated cell whether to multiply, grow, and take birth or to abort is decided by these external influences (stars). This is the reason why our very existence is not certain and everything depends on the 'Will of the Lord'. This is one of the reasons why we need the 'Grace of Lord' (daiva anugraha). 

   It is human trait, may be weakness or, whatever, that makes one to look for help in distress. Normally, we look to the divine grace and pray the God/s for that. God is the only invisible force that can help us, as we hope, it seems! Fate, luck, destiny apart, this divine force can save or help us, guide us. 'Alchemist' is a beautul short novel that depicts this. This is explicitly state in the Bhagavad-Gita, too. Blessed Lord, Sri Krishna says, "Come to Me. take refuge in Me. I shall help you, give you whatever you want, protect you, and even redeem you. Don't worry! maam upetya tu kounteya sarva paapebhyo mokshayishyami, ma shucaa! 

 What we lack is full faith, devotion and trust in Him?t   

Origin of our Gods

 How did our Gods and Goddesses come into existence?

 This is a very interesting question. Gods are also created like the humans (?) according to Devi Lakshmi Mata. Infact, She is the Divine Mother who manifests in different names, forms and functions. This is revealed by none other than the Devi Herself to Shakra (Indra) who asks Her who She is and what are Her functions. 'Lakshmi Tantra', an ancient Text of Pancharatra Agama Sastra reveals this. (See Lakshmi Tantra by Sanjukta Gupta, MLBD).

  In the first place, Sri Hari is the One Who is Unborn, Eternal, Pure bliss, consciousness, and absolutely inert (nshchala) also known as the 'Self', 'Sat'. etc. He is Narayana, purnaprajnya, mahajneya, and He is eulogized in innumerable ways. He is the Only GOD for all practical purposes. Eko devah narayanah | proclaims the Veda. It is His I-hood (ahanta) as Prakriti that has evolved into all other forms. This I-hood is none other than Lakshmi also called Shakti. It is this I-hood or ahanta of Sri Hari stimulated by an urge to creation has evolved the pure creation (shuddha srushti) as infinitely small particles of Herself containing all six of the attributes. A small part of Myself as Mahalakshmi evolve into three gunas- tamas, rajas, and sattva. When rajas predominate it acquires the name of Mahasri (rajas) the supreme Goddess. When tamas is dominant, She is called Mahamaya, and when sattva predominates, She is called Mahavidya. 

 Thus, Mahalakshmi, the transcendental particle of Shakti evolves into primordial nature incorporating the three gunas in equal proportion.  Mahasri, Mahamaya and Mahavidya represent Mahalakshmi, but each represent only one special aspect of guna and hence,  as they evolve further, the gunas manifest themselves in unequal proportions. a male and female pair endowed with all the characteristics of its respective parental source emanated out as Mahasri,  Mahamaya, and Mahavidya, one from each.

These six attributes are verily the inherent nature of Sri Hari but expressed by different functionaries. The functionaries are: Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Aniruddha and Pradyumna. The six attributes are; shakti, jnyana, iccha, bala, virya and tejas, These qualities are common, albeit, two of them predominate in each of the three functionaries leading to diverse creation..    

'brahmn'

 This term 'brahmn' is a very terse, all-comprehensive, esoteric term. It is similar to sat, the eternal Truth, not subject to conditions. The term Brahma, the Creator, and the term 'bhrama', meaning illusion are the manifest aspects of the same 'brahmn'. All these terms are good for contemplation, meditation, and realization. In the first place, the term 'brahmn' is the Absolute, ONE and with no second! It is almost void but not a vacuum. It is nothing but contains everything! This may seem a little controversial or contradictory. But it is true. It is this void or 'nothingness' from which manifest everything! This is similar to the Silence before we start thinking and get into action., Everything is hidden in the void or a state of 'nothingness' called 'brahmn'. It is just like the very word no thing that contains thing/s. Thus, we get into riddle. However, there be something in nothing? This is similar to the space (akasha) that contains or holds everything. The first requisite thing is space that accommodates objects. But, nobody knows what is this 'Space' (Aksha). It is called 'brahmn'! Everything is brahmn, in the sense that holds or manifests everything, the visible and the invisible. 

  'The term 'brahmn' is considered to be the most beautiful concept in spiritual studies. It is the ultimate that a spiritual seeker wants. The search is over the moment a seeker, mumukshu, attains this state of 'brahmn'. This state of brahmn is the beginning and the end of all, albeit, it has no beginning or end by itself. Then what exactly is this state? This is similar to our silence before and after we talk! It is just AUM. A is the beginning and M is the end when we open our mouth to talk. It is also the 'brahmn' since it is the beginning and the end where the universe manifests and dissolves itself. 

The concept of 'brahmn' is similar to 'Absolute Silence (mahattanta shanta). Everything is silent here. There is no vibration of any sort here. A settled composed mind is said to be in a state of 'brahmn' when there is no vibration of thought waves. The great sages practice pranayama and perfect it to attain to this state. However, this is a very difficult proposition for common man who is indulging in worldly affairs. A person who meditates on 'Om' will be able to attain this state after a long period of regular practice. This is the ultimate one can aspire as a human being! 

Is This Visible World Real?

  In the Yogavasishtha, the Learned Sage imparting the knowledge of the Self, 'brahmn'. As the story goes, Sri Ramachandra was seen depressed due to the sad state of the poor people and worried about his ability to solve their problem as a Prince and later as a King of Ayodhya. Sage Vasishtha visits the King at this time and the latter narrates how Ramachandra is depressed and worried, neglects his food, and getting weak. Thus, the instructions given to Rama that runs into almost 32,000 are abridged by some learned Kashmiri scholars to nearly 6000 and finally e have small booklet of just 223 verses here in ten chapters. The essence of the Text is simple. The Learned sage says this visible world is unreal. The visible world is limited by Time (kaala), Distance (desha) and Causality (karya-karana). Whatever is limited and liable to decay and destruction is not real. Even the human body comes within this definition. It's a straw says the Great Sage. Further, whatever is made of parts is liable to give way and disappear when parts are gone. So, what is real is not that is visible and we experience with the help of the senses, mind, and intelligence. Whatever is experienced by the inner Self (Atman) is the only reality. Hence it is essential to know the ਰeality of our ਏxistence.  The Self (Atman) is the manifest aspect of supreme Self (paramatman). The body is made out of the elements and all beings are like the snail in shell. The silkworm weaves out a cocoon, hibernate, and finally makes a whole through it and flies of as a butterfly. That's all.

In Yogavasishtha, the Learned sage is instructing Ramachandra, son of King Dasharatha about the 'Reality' of this visible world. In fact, Ramachandra here is a divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Etymologically and esoterically the word Rama has different connotations than the one historical character Ramachandra. However, the name Rama, son of King Dasharatha is no different from the one we are discussing here as the Godhead. King Dasharatha who is a descendant of the dynasty of Ikshvaku, the worshiper of Sun-God, gave this name to his first son Rama. The two syllable 'Ra' and 'Ma' refers to Ravi (Sun) and Earth (Bhu), respectively. In fact, even Lakshmana and Hanuman associated with Rama are very significant, indeed. In Adhyatma Ramayana, the terms denote the soul (Ra), the body (ma), the neervous system (Lakshman) and the Prana (Hanuman). Hanuman is actually called vatatmaja (borne out of air, ie., Oxygen) and Anjanisuta (borne out of Fire/Sun/Hydrogen). 

  It is very significant that the 'Vishnu Sahasranama' ends with the words: sahasranama tulya rama naama varaanane | 'Rama is the incarnation of Vishnu. This name is equal in value to a thousand other words that describe Lord Vishnu. What is so special about this? The two syllables 'Ra' and 'ma' stand for the Suryanarayana and Lakshmi (Bhu devi. In fact, the earth is a planet that is formed out of cooling and condensation of the solar flares. The Earth as a planet in the solar system is supposed to be the only suitable place to support diversified forms of plan and animal life (including birds and man), It is also a laboratory where man can evolve into the human and attain divinity like Sri Ramachandra. This attainment is made possible by a learned 'Guru'. The Guru imparts spiritual knowledge and weans away the suffering beings (jivarashi) from attachment to the sensuous world. The sensuous world is subject to limitations (niyati) of time and distance. The suffering of the living beings is attributed to ignorance as to the true nature of this world. A learned guru comes only to an earnest seeker who seeks refuge and liberation. ignorance as to the true nature of our existence is the root cause of suffering. Only the 'knowledge of the Self' (Atmajnyan) can remove the ignorance. The jiva is finally redeemed when its true nature is realized with the help of a guru.  This is the case of Sri Ramachandra, too. Here, Ramachandra was depressed after seeing the sick, old and the poor during is tour of Ayodhya Kingdom. Sage Vasishtha comes to impart the true nature of this visible world and the 'knowledge of the self'.

 Learned Sage Vasishtha imparts spiritual knowledge to King Dasharatha's son Ramachandra at a very early age as found in the voluminous 'Yoga Vasishtha'. This enables the prince to become a very famous king as also attain divinity. Sri Rama ruled Ayodhya so well that it came to be known as "Rama Rajya"- a land of peace, plenty, and prosperity and became very famous all over the world. What was so special about that rule may be stated to be just performing 'Rajadharma'. Sri Ramachandra is now worshiped as God. This is what the history of ancient Bharat, may be 7500 years ago known as tretayuga. 

  The teachings of sage Vasishtha are a masterpiece and a guide to all those who seek redemption, liberation. 

The Alpha Beta of Cosmic Entity

  The Vedic doctrine about Creation is: sada-asadameva agra aaseet | Meaning, In the beginning, there was nothing or something (of material nature?). We cannot say there was something like the Great Elements- Space (Akasha), Air (vaayu), Fire (agni), Water (aaps/jal) and Earth (pruthvi), so called the 'pancha mahabhoota' from which the material world is created. We cannot, for sure, say that there was something from which everything evolved, manifested, or formed. Also, we cannot say there was nothing. But then, how did the material world come into existence? At the least, there must be space to accommodate things or objects. 

The Vedic doctrine begins with 'brahmn' as the source of everything! Everything manifests from 'brahmn'. sarvam khaluvidam brahmaa. The beginning of the universe can be traced to 'brahmn' Who is Absolute, One and no second- ekam adviteeyam | "brahmn only manifests as everything!" In a sense everything is Supreme Conciousness (mahat-prajnya). It manifests as purusha and prakruti. The Shakti aspect is the manifest aspect of purusha only. Purusha by very nature is Silent (shanta/niH shabda), inert (nishcala/acahala), Unpolluted (nirmala). Hence, everything is bound by the principle of ekam, adviteeyam. Thus, in the beginning, everything was quiet, shanta. From this pure state of brahmn, started vibration, citta-vritti. This is what is: the "Lord Willed! The chitta-vritti is the beginning of Creation (srushtimula). the thought waves of brahm- Ekam bahusyam | i.e. the Lord's Will, Desire to manifest created waves (kampana) of Sound (shabda), Thus, the sacred sound 'Om' (AUM) is the beginning of Creation. There are four stages in this process- mahattanta shanta, kampana, akshara, pada, artha and finally padartha. The material world of objects emanated from the primordial sound 'Ommmm'. 'Om' (AUM) consists of 'A'- opening the mouth, the beginning, 'U' - bring the lips together, and 'Mmmm' close the mouth. This is all. 'A' is srushti, 'U' is sthiti, and 'Mmm' is laya. This is similar to the seismic waves. The impact of the sound is such that all the Alpha and Beta of creation, sustenance, and dissolution take place from 'AUM'. 

  The power of creation is vested in the 'svara' of Samskruta bhasha (the vowels from A to am and Ah). A only contains all that is to proceed- like a, aa, i, ee, u oo, lr, ye yE i, o O au, am ah. These are capable of creation of the pancha mahabhuta and their function as in the Consonants (ka cha Ta ta pa). The Consonants- ka, kha, ga, gha create the Great Elements. ca, Cha, ja, jha produce the Sense organs (Indriya) to experience the elemental world, and pa, pha, ba, bha, ma create the Objects of enjoyment, that also involve suffering of the jeevarashi. The syllables ya, ra, la, va are the chakra that activate the forces of elements in the body. The syllables sha, Sha, sa, ha La are the forces that sustains the world and the jeeva as Prana (Life-Force). The syllables ya, ra, la, and va are the wheels (chakra) that activate the forces of elements in the different parts of the human body (yam, ram, lam, vam, ham, Om, and so'ham). Thus, the manifest aspects of the supreme Lord Narayana as the Creative Power Lakshmi ensue in all that is created!   

 These manifest aspects of Devi as Shakti are: chit-shakti, Jnyan-shakti and kriya-shakti. Thus, there is no controversy?

 On the other hand, scientific explanation is quite different. Everything is defined by its structure, composition, nature of quality and function. Here everything is subject to condition.

 First, the science texts start with Elements and Compounds, Minerals- Metallic and Non-metallic, gaseous. etc. Hydrogen (H) is the lightest of the elements and the other two that accompanied it are Nitrogen (N) and Oxygen (O). Carbon (C), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Gold (Au), and Silver (Ag). Thus, these materials either emanate, manifest, form, evolve from one another in course of time, or simultaneously form from a single source. Now, the question is: What is the beginning like and what was there in the beginning? Whether these elements were already there before the earth was formed in some form or the other, or appeared later?  The Sun is said to be a mass of Hydrogen and constantly cooling emanating Helium (He). The Sun is practically our God and we owe everything to Sun-God.

 In fact, the earth is formed out of the cooling and condensation of the solar flares. The sun is the chief source of Energy.

 However, it is certain that the stars contained these minerals. The Stars are made up of gold, silver, and platinum and radio-active minerals like iridium, radium, vanadium, Zircon. Gold, silver and platinum splashed out of a star that exploded recently. The three gaseous elements Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen constitute the foundation of the material world. Nickel and Iron (at the core of the earth) and Magnesium, Manganese, Calcium, Silicon, Aluminum and other minerals formed the earth. the Rocks contain these minerals. It is the combination of Hydrogen and Oxygen that gave more than 70 percent of the water and silicon, aluminum and magnesium (21 per cent) formed the outer earth's crust). 

  The aquatic animals appeared first followed by the amphibian, arboreal and the land animals and Man appeared later. Soil and water are the main support of life in addition to air. The Vedic doctrines are similar but differ slightly as regards evolution. Here, the supreme Lord wanted to experience the creation He created. So, He, the Lord, only entered all that exist and, it is He, who experiences! So, who is who here?