Ravana and the Law of Karma What Modern Readers Can Learn

Ravana's true character was a blend of 50% Devta and 50% Asura, or an equal combination of both Dev Gana or Rakshasa Gana. These basic qualities of human nature can also be classified as Satvik and Tamsic Gunas. There is a Ravana hidden in most people, especially in the dark days of the Kaliyuga or Age of Darkness.

Hence, in this post, I have described the Duality of Ravana's character so that some people can judge themselves accordingly and rectify the flaws in their characters or come face to face with the consequences of Bad Karma. Modern Readers can mitigate the harmful effects of Bad Karma by examining the Godlike and Demonic Qualities of Ravana, who is a symbol of evil.

There are many layers to Ravana's Personality in history, mythology, and folklore. It is difficult to see the truth in just one form, as he is portrayed differently in different texts.

Ravan was neither a complete god nor a complete demon. His divine nature made him a great scholar and a devotee of Bhagwan Shiva.

His Demon-like nature made him arrogant and destructive. That is why he is called a “great-knowing villain,” that is, he had both virtues and vices. However, he could not escape the effects of Bad Karma and met his doom, and was responsible for the destruction of his family, clan, and country.

 


Ravana's Dual Character is Described Below:
1 ] Ravana's 50% Dev Guna or Godlike Qualities:

Learned Brahmin: The lineage of Ravana was impressive. His immediate ancestors were the learned sages or Rishis Vishrava and Pulastya. That means that he was a Brahmin by birth who was brought up in a pious and sacred environment.

He was a Great Devotee of Bhagwan Shiva: He performed severe Tapasya and appeased Lord Shiva and was the composer the the Shiva Tandava Stotra. This severe penance enabled him to gain the most powerful supernatural powers, or Siddhis.

Rich in knowledge: He was well versed in the Vedas, Vedanga, Ayurveda, astrology, music, religious rituals, Yagnas, and Tantra-Mantra.

He was a Great King and Ruler: He made Lanka a "golden city", where the people were prosperous and safe.

Discipline-loving: He did justice to his people and made arrangements to meet all the needs for their welfare.

All these qualities make him a Godlike Personality.

2] Ravana's Demonism 50% Asura Guna:

Extreme Ego and Pride in His Strength and Knowledge: The pride of power and knowledge went into his head, and it became the cause of his destruction. He thought he knew everything and could do anything, and believed that he was immune to Karma or the fundamental laws of cause and effect.

The unfortunate Kidnapping of Sita: This was his biggest sin and injustice. He paid heavily for this crime and lost his life and the lives of his family and friends.

Greed and Lust: He broke the limits of Dharma for both power and women. This led to his destruction at the hands of Bhagwan Shri Rama.

Enmity towards the Gods: After getting the boon, he started terrorizing the Gods, Rishis, and peace-loving people.

Anger and Stubbornness: Instead of following the advice of his brother Vibhishan, he expelled him from the kingdom.

All these make him a symbol of Asura or Demonic Nature.