It is said that Ravana, the infamous antagonist of the Ramayana, had a whole kingdom made of gold. He abducted Goddess Sita, tortured Lord Hanuman but hold on, there's more to his story than just being a “Bad Guy”.
In Ramayana, we have read that Ravana had ten heads each of which represented a vice humankind should stay away from. Each vice has a story of its own. This also makes us understand how the Ramyana was meticulously crafted to put humans on the correct path: a path to spirituality.
The first head represented “Lust”. For Ravana, it led him to kidnap Sita, and we all know how that turned out. Ramayana also mentions the “urge” of Shrupanakha to “have” Ram as her husband.
Then there's Krodha - anger. Imagine Delhi’s Road rage but with flying chariots and weapons. Ravana and Kumbhkaran were infamous for their anger. Another downside of anger is impatience which might force you to leave the best of things in life.
The third head represented “Moha”, or delusion, a voice in Ravan’s head which kept telling him that “You are always right” when you really aren’t.
Lobha (greed) was Ravana's shopaholic side. He always wanted more; from kingdoms to treasures. It's like giving a kleptomaniac a credit card with no limit.
Pride (Mada) was Ravana's personal assistant- always telling him “You are the best”. It’s like the guy at a party who cannot stop praising himself.
Envy (Matsarya) was the Betaal on Ravana’s back always telling him "Why does he get to have that? You should have it instead!" It’s filling complexes of all times, within.
Manas represented as the “Mind” and Buddhi (Intellect), in case of Ravana, were overshadowed by the other heads. Hence, it is always said, it is very easy for the mind to get influenced by the other vices.
Chitta (will) was Ravana's stubborn side. It some cases stubbornness comes to use when it is put to positive use but in most cases being stubborn about materialistic or worldly pleasures gets backfired. Therefore, it is often said “Sab Moh Maaya Hai”.
Finally, there's Ahankar - ego. This made Ravana think that he is invincible. It’s like that friend who thinks you are always right.
What we learn from Ravana’s downfall is that he wasn’t always an evil guy. He was super-smart and talented but he let his vices run the show; turning him into a villain. It's a reminder that it's not about who you are, but what you do that counts.
In the end, Ravana's story isn't just about good triumphing over evil. It's about the battle we all face with our own inner demons. It's a cautionary tale wrapped in an action-packed adventure, teaching us that unchecked desires and ego can turn even the most promising person into their own worst enemy.
So next time you're struggling with your own "ten heads," remember old Ravana. He's proof that letting your vices take the wheel is a one-way ticket to epic fail-vile, no matter how many heads you've got.
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