Destruction is Not Enough – Reconstruction is Equally Essential
In the Rāmacaritamānasa, the story narrates Rama’s birth, his battles, the burning of Lanka, and his coronation as king. However, this alone does not constitute the complete Rāmāyaṇa.
Whenever God incarnates, it is for two primary purposes:
- The destruction of evil (adharma-nāśana)
- The establishment of righteousness (dharma-paritrāṇa)
The Rāmacaritamānasa, as composed by Tulsidas, primarily focuses on the destruction of demonic forces. However, it does not elaborate on how dharma was restored, which in itself is a vast and independent subject. The process of rebuilding a just and righteous kingdom (Rāmarājya) required immense effort, strategic planning, and extensive resources.
This could not have been achieved merely through the efforts of a few warriors like Nal and Neel. It must have involved a large-scale organization and numerous constructive measures, yet these aspects are not extensively detailed in the Rāmacaritamānasa. The establishment of Rāmarājya is often glorified as the revival of the Satya Yuga (Golden Age). However, this did not occur with the mere wave of a magical wand.
The Challenge of Reconstruction
Destroying evil is one thing, but rebuilding a righteous system is far more challenging.
- Destruction is easy, but reconstruction is arduous—this is a universal truth.
- A single spark can burn down an entire village, but rebuilding it requires an organized and sustained effort.
How much more effort must have been required to establish Rāmarājya?
If the sole purpose of Lord Rama’s mission had been to destroy the demons, the result would have been only temporary relief. Eventually, the same problems would have resurfaced.
Imagine the state of Lanka after its destruction:
- Burnt palaces, scattered corpses, a stench-filled atmosphere—could this be considered a great achievement?
- Would anyone praise a king solely for leaving behind devastation?
What made Rama’s mission truly great was that he did not stop at destruction. He engaged in constructive efforts that led to a stable and just kingdom, one that is remembered even today as Rāmarājya.
This principle applies everywhere—whether in Lanka, Ayodhya, or any other land.
The true measure of success is not how much destruction has been inflicted, but how much better the reconstruction is compared to the past.
Unfortunately, the process of rebuilding is not extensively narrated in the Rāmacaritamānasa, suggesting that Tulsidas’ focus was primarily on the battle against evil rather than the aftermath. It is likely that other efforts were undertaken by different people to complete the task of rebuilding the kingdom.
Sūkṣmīkaraṇa – The Hidden Strategy of Transformation
The subtle goal of my approach (sūkṣmīkaraṇa) is similar in essence to the strategic process of transformation.
It can be compared to:
- Restoring balance by reversing a distorted state
- Lifting a derailed train back onto the tracks
- Extinguishing a raging fire and then rebuilding what was lost
Just as firefighters work tirelessly to douse flames, people breathe a sigh of relief once the fire is out. However, the true challenge remains—rebuilding the homes and structures that were lost.
During wartime, bridges are often destroyed to block enemy movement.
- The bravery of those who destroy the bridge is celebrated in history.
- But what about the engineers, contractors, and laborers who later rebuild the bridge?
- Their efforts are rarely discussed, even though they are just as crucial.
The Present Crisis – A Surge of Destructive Forces
Today, the world is witnessing a surge in destructive forces. Their goal is not creation, but devastation.
- The first priority is to stop these destructive elements.
- However, this alone is not enough—it is merely a temporary measure.
- The real solution lies in focusing on constructive efforts after the destruction has been halted.
This understanding is crucial for long-term stability and progress.
Beyond Destruction – The Need for Constructive Action
Stopping destruction is only the first step.
What must follow is rebuilding and re-establishing a better system.
- If we fail to focus on reconstruction, we risk returning to chaos.
- The real work begins only after destruction is halted.
Thus, the true essence of transformation lies not only in eliminating the negative but in building a new, stronger, and just system for the future.