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श्रीराम ने बड़ा अन्याय किया? || आचार्य प्रशांत, वेदांत महोत्सव (2022)
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2 years ago
Dharma and Adharma
Ramayana
Aryan vs. Non-Aryan
Shri Ram
Ravana
Varna System
Scriptural Interpretation
Mahabharata
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses the misconception that the violence in religious scriptures, such as the Ramayana, represents a conflict between Aryans and non-Aryans. He argues that if this were the intended message, the scriptures would have stated it explicitly. Instead, they consistently identify the reason for the killing as 'adharma' (unrighteousness), not racial or caste identity. The speaker emphasizes that the specific unrighteous acts are detailed, and being a non-Aryan is never cited as a reason for conflict. To dismantle the Aryan versus non-Aryan theory, Acharya Prashant uses examples from the scriptures. He points out that Ravana, the primary antagonist in the Ramayana, was a Brahmin, traditionally the highest varna, as were his relatives like Meghnad and Kumbhakarna. Therefore, the Ramayana depicts the downfall of unrighteous Brahmins, not the suppression of other communities. Similarly, in the Mahabharata, antagonists like Kansa and Duryodhana were from the same background as their righteous counterparts, Krishna and Arjun, proving the conflict was about Dharma versus Adharma, not race. The speaker highlights the revolutionary nature of these epics, which is often overlooked. The Ramayana shows that no one, not even a Brahmin, is exempt from the consequences of unrighteous actions. He explains that these texts are 'Itihasa' (epics) meant to teach valuable lessons, not literal history. The stories are narrated by poets like Valmiki and Tulsidas, which accounts for variations in different versions. He asserts that using these texts to create division is merely an excuse to avoid their true message, which is the breaking of the ego. Acharya Prashant further explains that Ram's army was composed of tribal populations, whom he organized with great love and skill. Figures like Hanuman and Sugriva, representing these communities, showed immense devotion to Ram. Ram is known as 'Patit Pavan' (purifier of the fallen) because he embraced the downtrodden, such as Shabari, Kevat, and Ahalya. The speaker concludes that one should focus on learning the essence of the scriptures—simplicity, dedication, and renunciation—and, as Kabir Saheb said, "grasp the essence and let the chaff fly away," rather than getting caught up in divisive interpretations.