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In Thailand, the kings are referred to as Rāma to this day. One of the provinces of Thailand is Ayutthayā, in memory of Ayodhyā. In Jāvā and Bāli, folk culture and folk art have been significantly influenced by stories from the Rāmāyana. Performances based on the Rāmāyana continue to enthral Indonesians even today. In the islands of the Caribbean, people chanting Rāmcharitmānas and Hanumāna Chalisā are a common sight.
But in short, dharma refers to the overarching principle that leads to the sustainability of society. In practice, it is a broad term that could mean duty, responsibility, virtue, righteousness, probity and/or religion, as per the context. Adharma is the exact opposite—that which leads to unsustainability and destruction.
What makes him special is his mental strength, clarity of thought, strength of character, resilience in the face of challenges and, most important, his understanding of dharma and swadharma.
While he feels all emotions and deeply so, his decision-making is not sullied by personal emotions, biases or short-term gratifications, even when experiencing extreme despair.
As long as the mountains stand and rivers flow on earth, this story of Rāma will flourish in the world.1
Who in contemporary times is endowed with virtues, valour, dharma, gratitude, fortitude and firm determination? Who has impeccable character and is forever devoted to the welfare of all beings, and who is erudite, capable and very handsome? Who maintains composure in all kinds of situations, has won over his anger, emanates resplendence, and has no jealousy; and who, when angry, is feared even by the gods?
As long as the mountains stand and rivers flow on earth, this story of Rāma will flourish in the world.’
You must harbour neither disgust nor doubt about killing a woman like Tātakā. Being a prince, you must do what is in the interest of all your subjects.6 For a king, the protection and welfare of his citizens must be paramount. For the sake of his people, a king should be willing to undertake any kind of action, be it harsh or gentle, virtuous or apparently sinful. This is indeed the dharma ordained for all those entrusted with the responsibility of ruling kingdoms. So, hesitate not. Eliminate adharma by killing this rākshasi. There is not an iota of dharma in her.
Real strength lies in conquering our base instincts of lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy. Real power lies not in doing as we desire but in making our senses and desires subservient to our wisdom, in acting as we should rather than as we like. Real freedom lies in unshackling ourselves from the bondage of likes and dislikes.
Unless we consciously make an effort, it is only human to be vulnerable to the lures of the senses. But to become aware of the vulnerability and strive to overcome it is what makes a person inspire reverence.
1. Never let anger and lust drive your actions. 2. Always be aware of minute details of your kingdom directly by talking to people and indirectly through your spies. 3. Ensure your treasury is always full. Use your wealth to nourish your ministers, officers, allies and citizens. 4. Always put up your best behaviour, keeping your impulses in check.
Rāma had thought this through. When one can’t make any sense of why a situation unfolds the way it does against every expectation, despite having done nothing to deserve it, it is best to surrender. It might be a sign of destiny having other plans for us.
For a system to sustain, there must be certain non-negotiables that every stakeholder in the system must sincerely adhere to; in that truth, accountability and trust are necessary.
The rākshasa soldiers began pushing the vānaras away to make way for Seetā’s palanquin. Rāma was a little irked and stopped the soldiers. He wanted everyone, the vānaras and the rākshasas, to see her, more so the vānaras. They had staked their lives on his victory. ‘Ask her to get down and walk towards me,’ he ordered.55
A promise made or oath taken in the presence of Agni is considered as an inviolable commitment.
The war ended with the killing of Rāvana at the hands of Rāma. Rāma had a reason to fight Rāvana as the rākshasa had abducted his wife.
‘Depression discourages enterprise while enthusiasm and hope inspire action, develop endurance and help to succeed.
Rishi Vālmiki tells us that there are four qualities important for success in life: ✦ धृति—strong willpower that keeps one firm in one’s resolve ✦ दृष्टि—vision or wisdom to see long term consequences ✦ मति—intellect for objective reasoning ✦ दाक्ष्य—skill/capability in implementation
Lankā was now in ruins. Every household had lost someone or the other in the battle. The women were mourning. No one blamed Rāma. They knew he was there to rescue his wife. They were angry at Shurpanakhā. She was the root cause of this tragedy. ‘How audacious of an old woman like her to lay eyes on the young princes of Ayodhyā. She is the one who pushed Khara, Dushana and then Rāvana into this war. It is because of Shurpanakhā’s instigation that Rāvana abducted Seetā and antagonised Rāma.
When the intention is aligned with dharma and determination to act prevails, when the time is right, divine intervention invariably takes place!
Never underestimate any enemies, especially those who were defeated once and have returned to fight again.
Women’s safety and happiness are the king’s responsibility. But not just men, one must not trust even women blindly and be careful about disclosing secrets to them (to avoid the possibility of honey traps and leakage of state secrets).
