In recent technological times, If we ask why we celebrate Dussehra to anyone, rarely any child or adult can explain the details or rarely people recall and mostly people would say we celebrate Dussehra to overcome evil and be good. That is absolutely true however let just see the intense meaning of it.
Dussehra is one of the festivals celebrated in India as per Hindu Mythology followed by Navratri. As we all know this festival is celebrated to show the victory of Lord Rama over the Demon Ravana who was king of Lanka and he was an enormously powerful king. It marks the victory of good over evil. In recent times Dussehra is celebrated by burning the effigies of Ravana, playing Garba, organizing cultural fairs, distributing sweets and performing various activities.
Ravana is known for his evil works though he was an immensely knowledgeable, intelligent and powerful king as well as he was an intense devotee of Lord Shiva. We all have heard that Ravana has ten heads as Ravana had beheaded to get the ultimate power from Lord Shiva and his head came back. Repeatedly ten times it happened. So, Lord Shiva pleased and granted him ten heads and twenty arms which he can use whenever he wishes to.
These ten heads of Ravana can teach us the ultimate powerful things. If we balance these ten qualities of Ravana’s head then we can achieve the success as we desire in our life. Let’s see what are those 10 qualities:
First one is “Kama” which is Lust.
The strongest and powerful desire for things or people you deeply care about. People lust for all the things whether its food money or sex. Lust is the strongest desire that you want it by hook or crook. In my opinion everyone has it as no one is perfect but we can control it by minimising the desire or keeping the desire for goodness.
Second id “Krodha” is Anger.
Anger can occur when a situation is not in our control and our desires are stronger to achieve something. It is said that “control your anger before it controls you”. Anger is the human emotion which is natural however controlling that anger is in one’s hand. It is most important to deal with anger and control it in a positive way.
Third is “Moha” , which is Delusion.
Delusion is what we create in our mind. Human brain is made up of two parts: conscious and subconscious mind. Whatever imagination one creates in the mind will become the consequence. That is the reason it is said that a positive attitude is necessary to achieve your desired goals.
The Fourth one is “Lobha” which is Greed.
Greed is the desire to get more and more and at the end one gets nothing. “A bird in hand is better than two in the bush.” Humans have an uncontrollable desire to acquire the things, status, power or gain material benefits as Ravana. We have seen the death of Ravana even being so powerful is what consequences of greed.
Fifth one is “Abhiman” the Pride.
Pride is the only prize of success however it is the only reason one would have the ego. Ravana has all the knowledge and intelligence but the immense pride for the same has destroyed life. Taking pride in a positive way and utilization of that knowledge or success in doing good can be much better than creating the image that I am the only respectable or intelligent person.
Sixth one is “Vairee” , which is Envy.
Envy is the most potential cause of unhappiness which occurs when a person lacks another person’s superiority, achievements and either desire immensely the same to have it. Envy eats nothing but its own heart. So instead of envy why can’t one become friendly.
Seventh is “Manas” a Mind.
Mind is the illusion of all problems in human life. It creates havoc or hell as well as heaven. Everyone has a wavering mind and it is alright. No one has controlled their mind to stop thinking, imagining or creating memories, however one can decide what input one wants to have a great result.
Eighth is “Buddhi” , that is Intellect.
Ravana was also known as Brahmarakshasa which means he possesses the power and intelligence of brahmin and rakshasa both together. Intelligence is good but using it in a wrong way messes up everything and at the end destroys oneself. So better to have control of its usage.
Ninth is “Chitta” which means Will.
Chitta is the subconscious mind of the person whatever you fill in it that will come out as a result. It is the heart of the mind. If you are in tension or stressed while you are driving still you will drive to the home safely, that is your subconscious mind which has stored the data and allows you to do the same thing as one is doing daily. If there is a will there’s a way. Whatever you store in your subconscious mind will definitely be there. That is why we must fill it with positive desire.
Last one is “Ahankara” which is Ego.
Ego is the selfishness which is always “I, Me and Myself”. It is said that apologising doesn’t mean that one is wrong but that means one values the relation more than the ego however it always comes that why me? Why should I always say sorry? … right? That is what ego is and it is a journey to nowhere. Being humble all the time wouldn’t take anything from you nor will it create havoc.
These ten emotions whoever controls or balances can achieve success in any field whether it is work, relation, family or health. No one is perfect, no one can control all at a time however one can control some of them at the right time at the right place and at the right situation which will be worthwhile.
May the victory of these ten good qualities over those ten bad qualities inspire everyone towards their own victories.
“Happy Dussehra”