What are the 10 Demons Inside Us That Need to Be Destroyed?
Vijaya Dashami: Victory of Virtues Over Vices
Vijaya-Dashami marks the victory of virtues over vices. It spiritually denotes the victory and re-establishment of the rule of the good, truth, and righteousness over evil. It is more than just celebrating the festival but also about unveiling the spiritual essence of Vijayadashami. In this blog, let’s dive into the heart of Dussehra’s symbolism and how it can guide us on this very personal quest to defeat the Ravana within us.
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated for different reasons and in different ways across the Indian subcontinent. Vijayadashami marks the beginning of preparations for Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated 20 days later.
Dussehra isn’t just about conquering external demons; it’s also about embracing devotion and reverence for the world around us. It serves as a reminder to honor our bodies, minds, and everything we encounter daily. By treating them with reverence, we lay the foundation for success in all our endeavors.
Here are Some of the Reasons Why Vijayadashami is Important:
Mythological Significance:
Vijayadashami commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura
Spiritual Meaning
Vijayadashami symbolizes the re-establishment of the rule of good, truth, and righteousness over evil.
Now let’s try to look at it from the point of slaying our inner demons which often could be the main reason for the many challenges or issues that we face in our life. There is so much to learn from Ravan and the mistakes he had done. He was one of the wisest or learned person on Earth. However, when in life there is only knowledge without love and compassion, ego makes it’s entry into life. Despite his knowledge, a kingdom made of gold, all the material pleasures, he was never satisfied. Ravana personifies today’s modern people who run behind things one after another without knowing the reason and have characteristics like greed, lust etc.
Now let’s look at from the point that Ravana’s 10 heads stands for our weaknesses, the flaws and vices in us. Vices such as, Lust, anger, greed, ego, and attachments. All put together are know often known as ten Headed Ravana personified. Dasara is observed as a festival in memory of winning over our own vices.
The one, lesser spoken view, that caught my attention was that the ten heads represent ten different mindsets- Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Moha (delusion), Lobha (greed), Mada (pride), Matsyarya (envy), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chitta (will) and Ahamkara (the ego).
We know that, Ravana is an important and prominent character in the mythology of Hinduism. He is a demon king who ruled over the land of Lanka and is depicted as having ten heads and twenty hands. He was considered to be very cunning and had the ability to assume any form he desired.
While the heads earlier symbolised Ravana’s mastery over the six shastras and four Vedas. But today with us trying to be understanding towards spiritual meaning and essence. We could study or interpret the heads as the representation of the flaws within us.
The most important thing is to try and understand the 10 facets that’s often kept hidden or refused to be acknowledged. These can be our shadow self too. Which is often kept hidden and no one wants to be associated with it.
These flaws that at times we sit with can put us in a web of denial. We might refuse to accept the fact that we do certain things because of our ego, anger or maybe even lust. Sitting to understand these 10 traits would be helpful and by acknowledging the same is the first step to realizing the truth.
One important fact is yes these inner demons can be slayed, but after that we cannot get caught in the ever enticing illusions that often can be played around which would again awaken these traits that have been put into a space of control.
The first step is to acknowledge thereafter move forward knowing that these certain traits have to be resolved and they can’t control you or rule you. Nor should it put you in a space of maya that you are completely unaware of what decisions you are taking and moving ahead.
Just as we finish Dasara, the next thing that happens is the Diwali cleaning. Starting the cleansing process, you can start with acknowledging your flaws, take the two week before Diwali to clear and clean your flaws and when you sit to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Be the light and joy that comes naturally once you have cleared your space.
As the effigies burn on Vijayadashmi, may the negativity in our lives burns away too. Dussehra – a reminder that righteousness will always prevail. A time to cherish the blessings of victory and love. These are some good thoughts to have as one starts to work on the inner flaws.
One can see it as spiritual journey that touches the hearts of millions of those who wish to bring the change. It’s a time to look deep within us, transform, and conquer the inner demons we grapple with daily.
Peeling Away the Veils of Ignorance
To truly imbue our Vijayadashami celebration with meaning, we must strip away the veils of ignorance. This involves recognizing our true identity as souls inherently endowed with divine qualities of peace, love, and cooperation. This self- realization empowers us to conquer the inner adversaries residing within our consciousness.
An important thought to have and cherish is ” what the universe will throw at us is not in our control, but how we will respond or what we will make out of it is completely in our control”. Let us dig deeper to know the essence of our festivals instead of celebrating just as a ritual.
Make the most of each festival knowing exactly how you can bring a change and become the change to others.
Sree matreye namaha
So it is!
✍️ Written by
Shuddhavidyamba
(Dr. Jayapalashri Anil)
The Spiritual Princess, Samskara Healing
