One of the most revered ancient epics in Hinduism, Ramayana is not merely a mythological tale. It serves as an ethical guide to us, implying values of ideal living, even in our mundane daily lives.
It's necessary that we look at these tales, so deeply rooted in our culture, for more than just their traditional and cultural implications, and rather consider them as the pioneers of good values that help us lead a better life. Ramayana gives us numerous qualities and values to learn from and inculcate in our lives.
Some of these are:
1. Patience and companionship – Despite being brought up in a royal family, and leading a luxurious life of comfort, Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman, accepted their fate without resisting it upon being sent to the exile for 14 years, with a sense of duty. Laxman, though was not implied to go to the exile, still insisted to accompany his brother Ram and his consort Sita, while both Ram and Sita, despite being faced with difficult circumstances, always stood by each other and served the ideals of true companionship. Throughout the course of Ramayana and the battle with Ravana, Ram exhibited patience, not just in the sense of waiting, but by being mindful and thinking assertively without rushing into actions negligently. 2. Humbleness – A very important value inferred from Ramayana, is how being Humble and down to earth charactertizes true strength and ability. A relevant example of the same would be Hanuman. Despite being endowed with immense strength and power, he did not feel full of himself, and always stayed humble and loyal towards Ram. He also used his power for the good, than cause destruction. It was this trait of Hanuman that has bestowed him with the honour of being considered the ideal devotee or supporter. Ram too, regardless of being a King’s son and rightful successor, gave up the throne to abide by the implication of his father’s promise. 3. Respect and Dignity – Sita, exemplifies virtues of respect and dignity along with loyalty and strength. In spite of the tumultuous situations, she persisted with bravery and did not let anybody look down upon her upon being doubted for her purity after being rescued from Lanka. She maintained her composure and self respect and did not compromise on her values. Ram is also seen being loyal to Sita, and treating her with regard. Ram also never looked down upon those with a different social status than him or consider himself superior to others, and always acted with a sense of co-operation and dignity, be it his brothers, his wife, his devotees or even Ravana himself, as it is believed that he performed the last rites of Ravana post the battle, as per Hindu customs. The bond of Ram and Sita also shows how only love is not enough to sustain a relationship, but the values of respect, dignity and companionship are also equally important. 4. Family values and Morality over selfishness and greed – As we all know, Ram along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman, gave up the life of comfort in Ayodhya, to live in exile for 14 years. They could’ve persisted against it, but Ram abided by the implication of this Father’s promise made to Kaikeyi, that ram be sent to exile and Bharata to be crowned as the King. Laxman too, accompanied his brother although he was not obliged to. Ramayana thus teaches us to keep family in high regards, and abide by what is right and stay true to our duties.Ram and Sita, never let go of each other and always hurdled through the difficult circumstances. Ram has thus been designated as the ultimate exemplar of ideal son, brother, husband, and king. 5. Good shall always triumph over the evil – Lastly, and more importantly, Ramayana serves as the classic instance that implies that Morality will win over immorality, light will illuminate the darkness, and the right will always rise above the wrong. It is when our actions, coupled with right values and good will and intentions, that our righteousness becomes our strength and gives us the power to combat the evil. Thus it is necessary we always abide by our duties and perform actions righteously and morally such that it doesn’t harm others, while also making sure that injustice doesn’t prevail. Thereby, Ramayana has put forth various values that we can inculcate in ourselves to lead a better and more significantly, a honourable and virtuous life. Its about time we celebrate these stories that embellish our Indian culture, for more than just being a tradition, and celebrate them for all that they stand for, and for all that they teach us. It is more important to instil these shared values and heritage, than just preserve it, for they teach us a way of life that shall lead to prosperity if followed wholeheartedly.
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