The relevance of being Sita

Rama is the soul, Sita is the mind, Lakshmana is the awareness, Hanuman is the breath or prana and Ravana is the arrogance or ego. When the mind is kidnapped by the ego, then the soul becomes restless and with the help of the prana, the mind is re-united with the soul. This Ramayana is a daily happening in our lives…Read on for an interesting perspective

Sita, the beloved princess of Mithila, is one of the most honored women in Indian history, so well known, yet least understood. Bhanumathi Narasimhan, sister of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has authored a book entitled “Sita – A Tale of Ancient Love” where she takes readers on this epic journey as seen through the eyes of Sita.

The book flows as a series of reminiscences while Sita was in Ashoka Vatika. “When you look back at the events in your life, you see them from a more complete perspective, with greater maturity. You can perceive the wisdom beyond the events, says Bhanumathi. Corporate Citizen in a tete-a-tete with her.

Corporate Citizen: Your book `Sita, a Tale of Ancient Love’ is a beautifully written book with simplicity and devotion. What inspired you to write it?

Bhanumathi Narasimhan: The pandemic was a time when mental health was a reigning problem. Gurudev was conducting meditations every day to help people and speaking about the importance of having a strong mind. He also encouraged us to do something creative, to write etc. As I thought about what or who could inspire this mental strength, it was Sita who came to my mind. Sita’s subtle strength, the way she made her choices, the way she faced so many challenges, and remained unshakeable in her faith and unconditional in her love – all these aspects fascinated me and I felt she is a perfect example of a woman of strength.

CC: The books gives deep insight into the various episodes of Sita’s life which otherwise have been portrayed to people like fairytale stories from the Ramayana. How did you get this deep insight?

When I was small, my father would tell us these stories and they were like fairytale stories to me. They kindled my imagination greatly. Later, I heard Gurudev speaking about the deeper meanings and significance of the characters and the events and that opened my eyes to another dimension altogether. Gurudev says, “Rama is the soul, Sita is the mind, Lakshmana is the awareness, Hanuman is the breath or prana and Ravana is the arrogance or ego. When the mind is kidnapped by the ego, then the soul becomes restless and with the help of the prana, the mind is re-united with the soul. This Ramayana is a daily happening in our lives.” When I heard this, it was a clue for me to look beyond the surface of the events in the great epic. I held on to Sita being the mind – what kind of a mind was she? How does one cultivate such a mind? The story naturally takes you on a journey of discovering the secrets behind this.

CC: The book also provides a philosophy and understanding of life through various situations that Sita went through? Please elaborate on how you achieved this? Did you do a lot reading and research?

I went through several scriptures written by the great Rishis, saints and poets of the past including the Valmiki Ramayana, Ram Charit Manas, Kamba Ramayanam (in tamil), Adbhuta Ramayana, Adhyatma Ramayana and so on. Each one has a unique style and perspective that it brings to this grand epic. Reading through them and seeing it all through the eyes of Sita gave a fresh perspective to the story.

CC: How is Sita relevant to our modern lives? What can we learn from her?

To me, Sita is a strong mind, a pleasant mind, a mind in the present moment. And such a mind has timeless relevance and importance. We can take inspiration from the way she responded to situations and held herself together come what may. She lived for a higher purpose, to uphold dharma, and supported Rama in every way. She played her role to perfection and is synonymous to strength. Imbibing the qualities that she represented would make an individual so centered and unshakeable in their faith, both in themselves and in the higher power.

CC: How would you assess Sita’s personality in the modern 21st century context?

Sita faced so many challenges during her life. One day, she was going to be queen and the next day, she had to leave for the forests for 14 years – that too, at the behest of their own family members. She went with Rama by choice and was his support and joy during their exile. She was kidnapped there and kept perforce surrounded by asura women who did not understand or resonate with her. Even then she managed to find a friend and make a difference. She never lost hope though it was not easy. There is a gujrati song that says Sita defeated Ravana long before Rama, simply because he could not break her mind. She never allowed the negativity to touch her. She had no fear nor anger. Ravana, who could win over the three worlds, could not win over Sita. He was fighting a lost battle. There is a common understanding that strength comes with physical prowess or wealth. Sita brings to the forefront the subtle strength that is the real gamechanger. Yet one has to be sensitive to recognize it.

CC: What are the traits of Sita that you like best?

Her unconditional love and unshakeable faith, her courage with compassion, her sensitivity with sensibility, her strength and serenity, her beauty and brilliance, her ethereal yet approachable presence, her deep connection with nature – all these traits of Sita are very dear to me.

"To me, Sita is a strong mind, a pleasant mind, a mind in the present moment. And such a mind has timeless relevance and importance. We can take inspiration from the way she responded to situations"

CC: What are the episodes of Sita that you would like to share for the younger generation?

Every episode in the book is meant for the younger generation as much as they can be relished by all. When they relate to Sita, they will feel the strength to face any situation with a smile. They will not feel alone or despondent. They will connect to nature, reflect her enthusiasm. The youth should invest time in reading and knowing about such iconic personalities and imbibe values from them. Sita lived 7500 years ago, at a time when there was no social media or any such methods of outreach. Yet, even today, she is one of the most well-known women in this country, though perhaps least understood. There must have been something phenomenal about her and the way she lived her life to have stood the test of time so successfully! And this is worth exploring and trying to understand.

CC: What, according to you, is the reality and philosophy of love between Lord Ram and Sita?

I would like to quote from the prologue of the book itself in answer to this.

CC: Why have you termed this `a book of fiction?

This book is my interpretation of the epic from the point of view of Sita. While the events and circumstances are based on scriptures, the ideologies and perspectives are my own.

CC: What inspiration have you drawn from your brother Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar in your life and in your writings?

Gurudev has brought the light of wisdom into my life as he has for millions of others. And this creation is full of wonder when you see it in this light. A mystical dimension opens up and makes life so fulfilling and complete. The ability to care and share, to serve comes up and gives greater meaning to whatever actions we take. The scriptures say, “paropakaaraartham idam shariram” – this human body has been given so that you may be of help to others. Gurudev is a perfect example of this. Seeing him, so many of us in over 155 countries have found purpose in service to society in different ways. He has taught us the value of a strong mind, how to nurture one and to use it for the benefit of others.