Tolerating Attraction and Aversion: Lessons from Ravana and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu

By Mahatma Das - 18.11 2024

In the Madhya-lila of *Caitanya-caritamrta* (Chapter 15, Texts 32-36), we see Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu commemorating the victory of Lord Ramachandra over Ravana by dressing His devotees as monkey soldiers. With the fervor of Hanuman, He wielded a large branch, shouting, "Where is that rascal Ravana? He has kidnapped the universal mother Sita. Now I shall kill him and his family!" His enactment was so vivid and emotionally charged that the devotees, witnessing His divine ecstasy, chanted "Jaya! Jaya!" repeatedly.
This dramatic pastime reveals the transformative power of Krishna's and His devotees’ *lila*. While Ravana’s actions caused suffering to the world, Krishna's actions bring joy and liberation. Even the battles Krishna and His incarnations engage in are not mere conflicts but carefully orchestrated dramas that inspire devotion and bring out a spectrum of emotions, connecting us more deeply to the divine.

Lessons from Ravana
Ravana stands as an archetype of unchecked ego, attachment, and ignorance. Despite being advised by wise counselors to abandon his destructive course, he defiantly clung to his desires, embodying the very tendencies we sometimes recognize in ourselves. How often do we ignore good advice, swayed by pride or stubbornness? Ravana's story serves as a mirror, urging us to introspect and reform.
Chanakya Pandit’s words aptly apply here: "When you give good advice to a fool, they become angry." Ravana exemplifies this truth. His inability to accept counsel led to his downfall, a cautionary tale for anyone unwilling to confront their own flaws.

Tolerating Dualities
In the *Bhagavad-gita*, Krishna emphasizes tolerance of dualities—happiness and distress, attraction and aversion. These emotions, if uncontrolled, toss us around like a "yo-yo," disrupting our focus on spiritual growth. To make progress in devotional life, we must strive for equanimity, responding to situations based on principles rather than fleeting emotions.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's life offers profound guidance here. His ecstasy during the Ravana pastime wasn't a theatrical performance but a deep connection to the spiritual essence of the narrative. For us, this translates to a need for intentional living—responding to life's dualities not through ego or impulse but with a focus on what supports our bhakti.

Practicing Tolerance in Daily Life
Tolerance is not a passive resignation but an active practice. For instance, when someone criticizes us, it can be an opportunity to learn humility, patience, and forgiveness. Yet, how often do we see such moments as Krishna’s mercy? Typically, our first reaction is to feel offended or retaliate. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada taught us to rise above such reactions, reminding us that spiritual growth lies in responding according to what enhances devotion, not what feeds our ego.
Srila Prabhupada once said, "I was always discouraged." Despite numerous setbacks, he remained undeterred because his actions were rooted in his guru’s instructions, not personal comfort. His life exemplifies how to transcend dualities by focusing on service to Krishna.

The Personal Over the Impersonal
One might question whether becoming indifferent to material dualities risks leading to an impersonal approach to life. The key lies in replacing attachment to the mundane with attachment to Krishna. This ensures that our indifference to material allurements is rooted in a higher purpose—deepening our personal relationship with the Divine.
Bhakti is inherently personal. By anchoring ourselves in Krishna consciousness, we naturally detach from what hinders our spiritual progress without becoming callous or impersonal. This transformation requires both effort and grace, as we navigate life's challenges with a focus on Krishna’s pleasure rather than our own.

Cultivating Positive Habits
The journey of devotional life is about intentional practice. Whether it’s chanting, serving, or developing saintly qualities, we begin by acting "as if" we embody those qualities, even if we feel unprepared. Over time, sincerity in practice leads to genuine transformation. Srila Prabhupada often emphasized that even if we don’t feel like chanting or engaging in service, we should persevere. Spiritual discipline (*sadhana*) is the foundation upon which spontaneous devotion (*raga*) grows.

Conclusion
The stories of Ravana, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and Srila Prabhupada provide timeless lessons on navigating the dualities of life. By tolerating attraction and aversion and focusing on Krishna, we align our actions with spiritual principles. This not only strengthens our devotion but also transforms how we engage with the world. Let us strive to respond to life not as mere reactors to external circumstances but as intentional practitioners of bhakti, guided by the wisdom of the scriptures and the example of great devotees.
As we remember the pastimes of Lord Ramachandra and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, may we draw inspiration to conquer our own Ravanas - the inner demons of attachment and ego - and become steadfast on the path of devotion.