The third episode of Upanishad Ganga narrates the story of the dacoit Ratnakar and Rishi Narad
Ratnakar is used to blaming others for his fate. He blames the system, the King, and justifies his actions. Ratnakar plays the victim, but Narad explains to him that he alone had created his own miserable world for himself until now.
But he also has the power to create a new, positive and constructive world with the dint of his potential. All he has to do is to become aware of this, and learn to take his own responsibility.
After interaction with Rishi Narad, the dacoit Ratnakar introspects and realizes the folly of his ways. He works towards self-realization and is able to tap the latent power of the Aatman.
The same man who was once a feared and infamous bandit, (after gaining knowledge of his potential) goes onto create one of the most revered and profound epics known to humankind – Ramcharitmanas and becomes famous as Rishi Valmiki.
That is the power of self-knowledge, as is proclaimed in the Bhagwad Gita (6.5):
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥६-५॥
Hindi translation: अपने (विवेक युक्त मन) द्वारा अपना (इस भव-सागर से) उद्धार करे और अपने को अधोगति में न डाले क्योंकि यह मनुष्य स्वयं ही अपना मित्र है और स्वयं ही अपना शत्रु है ॥६-५॥
English translation: One has to free oneself (from the bondage of this world) by utilizing one’s rightful mind. Let one not downgrade oneself; by immersing the Self in the world, for you are your own friend and you are your own enemy (if you do not do work towards self-realization).
In other words, do not get too lost in this world (people, situations) around you. You must strive to seek the divine within, work for self-realization. You are your own friend, and you are your own enemy. You alone can work towards your Mukti.
Bottom-line: Each human being has immense potential within. It is due to lack of self-knowledge that we suffer our fate.
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