The journey of the soul, Ramanand Sagar Ji's philosophy, and the world of the universe

That day was the most memorable day of my life when I had the privilege of meeting the great film producer, director, writer, Dr. Ramanand Sagar Ji in his huge office in Andheri's Natraj Studio. That memory is still fresh in my mind, as if it happened just yesterday. His beautiful office was filled with a calm golden light, the walls were decorated with paintings of many types of modern and mythological art. Even in that silence, it seemed as if there was an echo of stories in the air. His superhit films highlighting the golden era of Bollywood, 'Ghunghat, Bajuband, Zindagi, Aarzoo, Aankhen, Geet, Lalkaar, Jalte Badan, Charas, Prem Bandhan, Baghawat, and the epic 'Ramayan' produced and directed by him, highlighting the television world, Ramanand Sagar, who brought it to every Indian home, seemed like a sanyasi of the modern era. His eyes were shining with compassion and knowledge.

Our conversation began with simple greetings, but soon it turned into a deep and meaningful exchange of conversation. I asked him, 'Sagar ji, what is it about our ancient stories that makes them so timeless? Why do people even today find solace and inspiration in them?' He replied with a gentle smile, 'The world we see around us is just a small part of a much bigger story. There is a universe within us, and there is a universe beyond us. The real journey is to understand that connection. We should know that stories are the soul of any civilization. They contain our dreams, our fears, our hopes, and our truths. In every age, people seek meaning, something bigger than themselves. Our myths and legends give them that meaning.'

He fell silent for a moment, then thought for a while and said, 'In my childhood, my elders used to tell me stories of Gods and demons, heroic kings and wise sages. Those stories stayed with me, shaped my thinking, and gave me a wonderful sense of the universe. That is why, when I created 'Ramayana', I wanted to bring that same wonder to everyone.'

I asked him about the deeper philosophy behind these stories. 'Do you believe there is a real connection between these stories and the universe?' His face lit up with excitement. 'Absolutely,' he said. 'Our scriptures are not just stories. They are maps of the soul, which guide to understanding life and the world around us.' He paused and said, 'In our Hindu mythology, the universe is not just what we see. It is a vast, endless ocean with many layers. For example, Hindu cosmology talks of many 'lokas'. These are not just physical places, but states of existence, each with its own lessons and significance.'

I was fascinated. 'Can you tell me more about these lokas?' I asked, eager to learn from his vast knowledge.

His voice grew softer, as if he were sharing a secret. According to the ancient Granthas (Sacred texts) there are fourteen main realms in the universe. There are seven higher realms and seven lower realms. Each realm is unique, with its own inhabitants and purpose.”

He began to speak in a convincing tone, his words creating vivid images in my mind. “According to the texts, at the top is ‘Satya-loka’, also known as ‘Brahma-loka’. This is the realm of pure truth, where Brahma, the creator, resides. Here, souls are liberated from the cycle of birth and death. Then comes ‘Tapa-loka’, a place of deep meditation, where sages perform severe penance. ‘Jana-loka’ is the abode of Brahma’s sons, who are intelligent beings and help maintain the cosmic order. 'Mahara-loka' is where the great sages, or munis, live in harmony and guide the universe with their wisdom.''

He continued, ''Then we have 'Svarga', the heaven ruled by Indra, which is full of music, dance and joy. 'Bhuvar-loka' is the place between the earth and the sun, where divine beings and energies roam. And finally, 'Bhur-loka' is our own loka, the earth, where we live, learn and evolve through our karma.''

I listened speechlessly as he also described the seven lower lokas. "Below this Loka are the other lower lokas 'Atal', 'Vital', 'Sutal', etc. These are places of material pleasures, attachments and darkness. But there is a purpose there too. Each loka teaches us something about desire, attachment and the struggle between good and evil.''

I asked him, "Which loka is the most divine, the most auspicious?" Sagar Ji smiled, his eyes shining with inner light. “Beyond all this lies ‘Vaikunth’, the divine abode of Lord Narayana. It is not a part of the material universe. It is a place of eternal peace and bliss, where the soul is one with God. Reaching the Vaikunth is the ultimate goal of every seeker.”

A pensive expression came over his face. “But the truth is that every realm is important. All of them are stages in the soul’s journey. Even the lowest realms have their role to play in the grand design of creation. Our task is to learn, evolve and move closer to God.”

As our conversation drew to a close, I felt a surge of gratitude for the wisdom of a modern Maharishi like Ramanand Sagar. Ramanand Sagar Ji had not just explained the realms to me, but opened a window to a universe filled with wonder, hope and meaning. His words reminded me that our sacred texts (Granths) , the stories of our ancestors are not only just stories of the past, but living guides to the present and the future. This is what many spiritual traditions tell us—that beyond the transient worlds, beyond the cycles of birth and death, there is a realm of eternal peace.

There was a peace in his eyes, a special kind of peace that made you feel like you were talking to someone who understood the mysteries of life beyond the physical world. It was a moment I cherish even today, because in those few hours, I realized that I was in the presence of someone who had glimpsed the vastness of existence.

Even today, when I find a child watching 'Ramayana' with wide-eyes, or listen to an old woman telling stories to her grandchildren, I remember those afternoons spent in Sagar ji's office. I remember his sweet voice, his unwavering faith in divinity and the power of mythology.

In a world that often seems divided and uncertain, the tales of Hindu mythology tell us that life is a journey through many realms, visible and invisible. And somewhere, beyond all the struggles and joys of this world, lies Vaikuntha - the eternal home where every soul finds peace.

While writing this, I realise that whether the realms of ancient mythology or the life journeys of today, every story has the power to touch hearts, change lives and illuminate the way ahead. And that is perhaps the greatest magic of all. 

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