The epic of the Ramayana has been retold many times, each time with a different emphasis or in a different manner. The Ramayana is also the source of many of the popular customs, and the culture that exists in the country even today.
The Ramayana seeks to answer the questions of what are the
virtues associated with
Rama (the ideal human being) – not as an abstract philosophical question, but as a real life person in a real life situation.
Driven out of his kingdom, his by right of primogeniture, by the misplaced ambition of a mother for her son; Rama (the embodiment of virtue) is accompanied throughout by his wife Sita (his
compassion), as well as by Laxman (his sense of duty). The obvious corollary is that any ruler who aspires to rule must possess the same attributes, viz. righteousness, compassion and a sense of duty.
The author of this tale explores the possibility of other alternatives as well, and their viability as a state. We are shown the kingdom of Bali (where the practice of
austerity is enshrined), and the island paradise of Lanka (where ascetism and valour are the cardinal virtues). In his analysis, the author deems the virtues represented by
Lord Rama to be the best suited to meet the aspirations of the common man.
It is a pity that these men of
Virtue have to war among themselves – would it not be much better if these virtues could be harmonised with each other. But, perhaps, this has been done for dramatic effect.
In the Ramayana, we find mention of the brother Kings, the upholders of virtue and the keepers of the moral law. This is a pattern that is to repeat itself through out history, with some modificationor the other. They were as the four digits, seemingly independent, but interlinked as they are part of the self same hand. The constant and common refrain, both in the Ramayana and in subsequent myth, is the need for the brothers (or the virtues embodied by them) to work in harmony, to work together as a team.
Besides her compassion and her beauty, there is another little discussed aspect of Sita – that is her
sorrow. That of a princess born and rightful Queen, who goes on a voyage to a far and distant land, out of love for her lord. Out of sorrow the song was born, it has been said. It is a sorrow that both the dramatic personae of the epic contribute to and partake of; thus she is Queen as much to Rama as to Lanka’s King.
How does all this relate to us today? If we were to look at the father of the nation, the founder of modern India (Mahatma Gandhi), we observe that he taught these self same values (righteousness, practice of austerity, asceticism) as the panacea. Thus, we are as much the children of Rama, as of Bali or Ravana…
More summaries about the Blog: Ravana Retold