Downloadable | Chariot of Dharma mini poster

At the 22nd mahasamadhi retreat, Shri Anandi Ma described the "Chariot of Dharma.” The following is an excerpt from her talk:

In the Ramayana, Tulsidasji teaches us how to achieve victory in life by relating the story of the battle between Ram and Ravana. When Ravana came to fight Lord Ram, he arrived in a chariot well-equipped for warfare, while Ram stood barefoot on the ground, apparently defenseless. Seeing this, Ravana’s younger brother, Vibhisana, a great devotee of Ram, fell at the feet of Ram and said,  “Lord, you don’t have a chariot. Not only that, you don’t even have a sword or armor to protect your physical body. My Lord, you don’t even have any shoes on your feet! Under such circumstances, how will you be victorious over Ravana?”

Ramji replied, “My dear friend, a chariot of true victory is not made of physical tools. It is the values of humanity that bring true victory.”

And so, in the midst of this conversation in which Vibhishana, despite his absolute faith in Ram, expresses doubt about how Ram will defeat Ravana, came a huge subtle teaching, just as it did between Krishna and Arjuna in the battle of Mahabharata, as related in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Ram explained to Vibhishana that the Chariot of Dharma is the only one we need for true success in life. Its two wheels are saurya, steadiness in spiritual practice, and dhirya, patience and determination. Its flags and the banners are satya, truth, and susheel, pure heart. The four horses pulling the chariot represent bala, strength, vivek, discrimination, dama, control of the senses, and parahit, selfess devotion to the welfare of others. The three reins that control the horses are kshama, forgiveness, kripa, compassion, and samatvaa, balance or equality. The weapons in the chariot include the shield, representing vairagya, detachment; the sword, which cuts off desires, bringing satisfaction; the axe, standing for charity; the bow, embodying varvijnan, knowledge of the soul; and the quiver of arrows, representing a pure and firm mind, holding the niyamas.

In the battle of life, you have to be fearless, firm and steady. Guruji is the classic example of that, telling us that there is no turning back until the goal is reached, that we should have the determination to do or die, karo ya maro. Only then can we attain God. With the Chariot of Dharma, there is no enemy that can harm us. That chariot is established in every person’s heart. And like Krishna was for Arjuna, Guruji is our charioteer, always eager and ready to help us defeat maya. So be fearless! Equip yourself with these weapons. Overcome your doubts with faith, and embark upon that chariot to victory. My innermost blessings that may you all be victorious.