The Vedas taught two kinds of Dharma (codes of right conduct)। One is termed "Pravrithi" and the other is termed "Nivrithi". "Pravrithi" (the outward path) is related to worldly activities. It prescribes the qualities needed for leading the life in the mundane world. "Nivrithi" (the inward path) teaches knowledge of the Self (Atmajnana). One who knows the difference between the two is dauntless.
"Pravrithi" indicates how any particular task should be performed. "Nivrithi" (the inward path) indicates in what state of mind the work should be done. For example, when a person is hungry, "Pravrithi" tells him to eat food and appease his hunger. "Nivrithi" teaches what kind of food he should eat, what is good for his health and what is injurious, and how it should be consumed. "Pravrithi" and "Nivrithi" are thus related to what is external and what is internal. All that you see, all that you hear, all that you think is related to the "Pravrithi" path। The "Pravrithi" path creates confusion in the mind, disturbs the intelligence and prevents one from pursuing the right path. "Pravrithi" tends to turn man away from God.
Life is a kind of struggle। You have to face conflict of opinions. But Ayodhya is a place free from strife and controversy. No enemy could enter it. The human heart is the symbol of Ayodhya. All conflicts and divisions arise in the mind. It is the mark of "Pravrithi" (the outward path) that it generates conflict and brings about alternatively union and separation. Because of this fact, man today is a prey of unrest and is bereft of peace. Ravana is an example of such a person who ruined his life in this way. He was perpetually following the "Pravrithi" path. Unable to conquer his desires he sacrificed his sons. Unable to subdue his desires ("vaanchalu") he ultimately ruined his entire clan ("vamsa"). With no control over his passions, he forfeited his kingdom itself. In the final reckoning, this was the lesson Ravana gave to the world: "Oh people of the world! Failing to control your attachments like me, unable to limit your desires like me, do not ruin yourselves as I have done. Ultimately I am also leaving the world. What remains in the world? Only infamy. All the renown goes to Rama. Therefore, strive to earn good reputation. Do not give room to ill-fame." That was the lesson Ravana taught. The Rama Principle destroys all sins and redeems life. Everyone should seek to realize the Rama Principle.
Rama moved about in the world as an ordinary human being। He exemplified the ideal life. Yet all considered him as an ordinary human being. But, do ordinary people live like Rama? Rama was one who, while appearing to lead the life of an ordinary man, led the life Divine. He demonstrated the ideal life of a spiritually realized person.
Today the world needs the message of the Ramayana। Why? Because children do not heed the words of parents. Parents do not set worthy examples to the children. Preceptors do not teach the right course of conduct to the disciples. The disciples do not offer the due respect to the teachers.
Today businessmen, administrators, rulers and citizens are all tarred by the same brush. The world is replete with discord. People have forgotten the great message of Rama. They have poisoned life at its source. They have forgotten the Divine, with the result that they are immersed in misery.
