Ramayana

Ramayana

Ramayana and some of the Hindu virtues derived from it The poetic author,

Valmiki, does not calls Rama "the perfect man" in his well known tale of

Ramayana for no reason. For this story has been a legendary epic that many

generations of the Hindu culture have been modeling their society after, for

over two thousand years. It has been an influential teaching for children and

scholars of all ages because of its simplicity and exemplary concepts and

virtues of the Hindu people. From childhood most Indians learn the

characters and incidents of this epic and they furnish the morals, ideals and

wisdom of common life. This epic helps to bind together the many peoples of

India, transcending caste, distance and language by showing all the perfect

way to practice dharma throughout one's life. As will be explored in this

essay, from Ramayana, one can derive many of the virtues of the Hindu

culture such as perfectionism, honesty, order, obedience and respect, and

active asceticism. All these characteristics make a human being perfect and

are achieved through the practice of dharma, as explicitly shown by the main

character of Ramayana - Rama. Rama is indeed a perfect man in the eyes of

the Indian people. Many Hindus even regard him as an incarnation of the god

Vishnu. The main reason for that is Rama lived his entire life in an exemplary

manner - by the rules of dharma. In fact, that was why Indians consider him

heroic and respect him so much . When Rama was a young boy, he was the

perfect son. Later he was an ideal husban...

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...back as his wife showing all that loyalty and honesty

are the basis of their relationship. All of Rama's characteristics are factors to

his success and thus scholars analyze him and try to help all Hindus

understand the importance of practicing dharma by preaching the virtues of

Rama. His perfectionism and wittiness, the strive for order and peace,

obedience, respect, loyalty and honesty to parents, women, friends and

elders, his asceticism and good-will actions are all ideals in the eyes of the

Hindu folk. Also, his heroic contributions, harmonious attitude and also the

belief that he is indeed Vishnu, should be evidence enough that to walk the

path of dharma, one should follow in his footsteps.

Bibliography:

Book of Ramayana