Symbolism of Conflict Within the Ramkatha Amongst the Ramananda Sampradaya

Abstract

This article explores the symbolic interpretations of conflict and battle within the Ramkatha as understood by the Ramananda Sampradaya. Influenced by devotionalism and medieval tantrism, Ramanandis view the Ramayana, particularly the Adhyātma Rāmāyana and Tulsidas's Ramcaritmanas, as allegories for inner spiritual struggles. Characters and conflicts personify psychological and philosophical concepts, such as Ravana representing the ego, and battles symbolizing the fight against internal obstacles to devotion and realization. The article highlights how Ramanandi teachings utilize these symbolic interpretations to guide practitioners towards self-understanding and union with the Divine, emphasizing the illusory nature of external conflicts and the primacy of the internal journey.