The Hindu festival of Dussehra, popularly known as Vijayadashmi is something of a cultural motif in the Indian milieu. The message of this ‘Great Indian Festival’ is the victory of good over evil, which is symbolised by the ceremonial burning of an effigy of Ravana, the anti-hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
Through centuries of cultural conditioning, we have come to visualise Ravana as the demon with eyes full of rage, ruddy face and clenched fists. We’ve been told though that the very demon was an exceptional ruler, scholar and a Lord Shiva devotee.
So, why then an exceptional individual such as him is remembered as a villain?
Mythological legends tell the story that Ravana’s ten heads actually represent ten vices: jealousy, hatred, anger, arrogance, impulsiveness, lethargy, greed, delusion, despair and indecisiveness. Legend has it that in a conversation with Mahabali, Ravana justifies how these vices make him a complete man. It was poetic justice that these vices became the end of him. Generations have passed by leaving behind the ritual of burning the effigies of Ravana to symbolize the burning of these attributes. One wonders though whether burning of an effigy can truly eliminate vices?
We decided to take a deep dive into the legacy of Dussehra perhaps to revisit and redefine the ten-headed demon and its vices.
Jealousy
The struggle faced by each person in achieving something is different, it is never the same nor comparable. We always tend to focus on what others have that we don’t and that feeling gives rise to jealousy. It stems from insecurities and competition. The key is to be thankful for what life has bestowed upon us; to focus on what we have and how we can make the best of it rather than focussing on what’s missing.
Arrogance
In a world full of chaos, each one of us is fighting one battle or the other to be successful in life. Every step taken and every move made in the direction of progress takes us to a whole new level of learning. But sometimes multiple events of success in life may trigger feelings of superiority over others. There’s a fine line of distinction between being arrogant and being confident. It is hard to realise that arrogance restricts growth and learning. It prevents us from having healthy relationships.
So how do we defeat a feeling as sneaky as arrogance? Mindset coaches advise practicing compassion and empathy. With focus on acceptance and self-improvement, it becomes easier to empathise and be open to flaws – others’ and our own.
Defeating jealousy involves cultivating contentment and self-confidence. Recognizing your own worth and focusing on your unique journey can help you overcome the negative emotions associated with jealousy.
Revisiting the legacy of Dussehra reminds us of the importance of humility. Reflecting on the downfall of arrogance in the face of adversity encourages self-awareness.
The principles of Dussehra emphasize self-control and inner strength. By channeling these virtues, you can manage anger, hatred, impulsiveness, and greed. Practicing patience, compassion, and moderation helps in cultivating a harmonious and balanced mindset.
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