Ramayana and Mahabharata are two great epics of Sanatan Dharam, imparting great knowledge to all. Recently, I read an article on the internet about Ramayana, which revealed some hidden teachings of this epic that I was unaware of. I would like to share these teachings with you.
There are many dark forces and enemies lies with in us, such as: Kama-selfish desires, Krodh- anger, Moh- attachment, Lobh- greed, Madh- pride, and Matsarya- envy.
The Ramayana teaches us secular message of universal harmony achieved through a spiritual approach to life. These are some of the main lessons it instills:
1 Integrity-Cultivate righteousness based on the qualities Rama displayed. Do what is right even if it is inconvenient.
2 Fortitude-Recognise that life has ups and downs bearing misfortunes with courage and forbearance.
3 Recognise Good Advice-Corrupt counsel or company can have terrible consequences. This is evidenced by the evil influence of Manthara on Kaikeyi and the wrong guidance of Surapnakha and Ravana’s ministers. The Ramayana highlights the value of good advice and importance of recognising it. Bali suffered because he ignored Tara whereas Rama benefited from Lakshmana’s advice not to succumb to anger or despondency.
4 Inner strength-True character manifests itself in times of adversity. Rama was reduced to pauper moments from inheriting one of the greatest kingdoms on the earth. Yet he gave up everything without complaint to honour his father’s promise.
5 Selflessness-Detachment from material pleasures is the path to peace and happiness. Bharat was handed the kingdom, but refused to accept it because his principles were stronger than his desire for material gain.
6 Equality-View everyone equally. Rama had the quality of ‘Sousheelyam’ and never differentiated between people based on their social status. Despite his royal birth, Guha a tribal and Hanuman a forest dweller were his dearest friends.
7 Ahimsa –Violence after exhausting all attempts ant non-violence. Rama tried to achieve a peaceful resolution with Ravana until the end and resorted to war only when left with no alternative. However, it is essential to note that ahimsa differs from pacifism. Violence is deemed just when there is no other choice as it restores dharma in a moral battle or dharmayudh.
8 Personal Responsibility-We hold our destiny firmly in our hands based on the choices we make. Karma is the law of causality and consequences naturally follow our actions depending on whether we do good or evil. As Mandodari rightly said in her eulogy Ravana perished because of his own sinful actions.
9 Keep Good Company-There is excellent value in good associations. Rama gained wisdom from erudite company of Rishis and his friendship with Vibhishana and the Vanars was mutually beneficial.
10 Avoid Egotism-Wealth and power can have a corrupting influence if we are not careful. Sugriva almost fell into trap, but luckily needed the good advice he was given. Ravana on the other hand was destroyed by his egotism.
11 Dharma is Contextual-Dharma is complex and righteous action depends on the situation. For example, Rama killed Bali when he was fighting someone else which is typically considered unrighteous. But in the circumstances it was only possible action to restore Dharma because Bali was sinful and could not be killed in direct combat. Sometimes depending on the context one dharma must be sacrificed to uphold another for the greater good. When Rama abandoned Sita he placed his duty as a king above that of a husband.
12 Focus on Imperishable-When we die, we carry only dharma and the effect of our deeds (karma) with us. All material objects are left behind, yet we foolishly attach more importance to temporary things that are irrelevant in the long run.
13 Leadership Matters-Virtuous leaders are crucial in building dharmic civilizations like Rama’s Ayodhya and Vibhishana’s Lanka.
14 Win the Inner Battle-Our greatest enemies lie within us. These are Kama-selfish desires, Krodha- anger, Moha-attachment, Lobha-greed, Madha-pride and Matsarya-envy. Life is a constant battle against these dark forces. The conflict between Rama and Ravana, dharma and adharma can be viewed metaphorically in this light as we each have aspects of Rama and Ravana within.
15 The World is a Family– The Ramayana teaches unity. Many creatures share the same planet so we must learn to respect all life forms never taking more from the earth than we put back. The theme of environmental conservation runs strongly throughout the Ramayana. Additionally while uniting the people from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean in civilisational nationhood the epic also includes the whole world with its message of coexistence.
Live in complete harmony with nature. Experience the grace of God in the splendor of the universe. Be blessed with God’s reassuring love. The sweet dawn will sweeten our soul, the dazzling midday sun will set your heart aflutter and the serene music of your soul will guide you towards peace and prosperity.
16 Truth Prevails– truth and dharma eventually triumph even id adharma appears to win temporarily. Truth is always victorious- ‘Satyameva Jayate’.
There are many more learning from the epic Ramayana, mentioned above are important ones.
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
6th November 2024