Poulami Ganguly
India is celebrating the enduring legacy of Sri Rama with the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari – the entire nation is busy revitalizing the memories of the righteous king. The beloved son of King Dashrath and Queen Kaushalya, Rama, is regarded as the epitome of dharma, truth, and morality. According to Ramayana, the 7th incarnation of Shree Vishnu, Rama, took birth as a human and endured all the mundane pain and suffering. However, even when faced with the toughest challenge, he never abandoned his principles and morals. Today, the talented lot of Gen Z goes astray with life’s inevitable challenges. Lessons from Sri Rama’s life can help them heal, revive, and feel inspired. Let’s delve deeper into five crucial lessons gleaned from Sri Ram’s life story.
Lesson 1: Embrace The Essence of Dharma
While most of us see Dharma as a constitution of caste or social standing set at birth, in actuality, it refers to one’s role or duties in life. As depicted in Ramayana, Sri Rama’s role was that of a governor. He hailed from the Kshatrias community, and the ancient scriptures, like Veda and Manusmriti, have outlined the obvious duties and responsibilities of Kshatrias. They included bearing arms, protecting the land, and administering justice and governance. Sri Ram fulfilled the stated duties with the utmost precision and determination. Therefore, he succeeded in fulfilling his dharma. If we can achieve such a degree of dedication, we could easily dodge those situations that prevent us from staying true to our dharma – the role that we are expected to play in our lives.
Lesson 2: Learn From Adversity
Life often presents challenges that seem insurmountable. Sri Rama’s life was full of such moments. When Rama was exiled, he accepted his fate without bitterness. This acceptance reflects his willingness to adapt to new circumstances. His journey into the forest, away from royal comforts, symbolizes a transition from a known, comfortable environment to an unknown and challenging one. However, he adapted to the forest life and overcame all the challenges and threats he faced. This resilience of Sri Rama inspires us to keep going, leaving all the difficulties behind until we reach our goal.
Lesson 3: Believe In The Strengths Of Relationships
Throughout the Ramayana, Sri Rama is depicted as the nurturer of several relationships. While he endured deep devotion and love for Devi Sita, he loved his brothers more than his life. We all know about Laxman, but he was equally loving and caring for Bharata. Sri Ram was aware of the fact that once he left for exile, his younger brother, Bharata, would rule Ayodhya. However, he still chose to pay respect to his father’s will, which showcases the importance of duty over personal ambitions.
Similarly, Sri Rama’s relationship with Hanuman reflects the bond of unconditional love, which can be developed between a leader and a devoted follower. In a contemporary context, these relationships from Ramayana can be seen as a template for nurturing and valuing bonds in our lives. They teach us about the strengths fuelled by loyalty, the resilience built on mutual respect, and the importance of empathy in our interactions with others.
Lesson 4: Embrace Adaptability And Continuous Learning
Sri Rama’s journey is a narrative of continuous learning and strategic thinking. For example, take the construction of the bridge to Lanka. The task required physical resources, ingenuity, and collaboration. Rama had to assess the resources at their disposal, plan the construction, and get the execution done. All this, collaboratively, reflects his problem-solving skills, resource management, and ability to mobilize and lead a diverse team toward a common goal.
Another instance is Rama’s interactions with his mentors, like the sage Vasishta and Vishwamitra. In those conversations, Rama valued the wisdom and experience of others. This approach clearly defines Ram’s willingness to learn continually and overcome challenges by leveraging those lessons. In today’s fast-paced and ever-dynamic world, these lessons remain highly relevant. They emphasize the need for flexibility, strategic thinking, and a willingness to learn from every experience we encounter.
Lesson 5: Lead And Govern Ethically
In the annals of Ram-rajya, Sri Rama’s reign is often remembered as a golden era of justice, prosperity, and fairness. As a king, Rama was a shepherd of his people’s hopes and dreams. His leadership was marked by compassion and a deep understanding of his people’s needs. In a world where empathy often takes a back seat, Rama’s story reminds us of the power of a leader who listens and cares.
But perhaps the most poignant aspect of Rama’s leadership was his heart-wrenching decision regarding Maa Sita. Despite his deep love for her, he chose to respect the voices of his people above his personal feelings. This decision, while controversial, teaches us about the sacrifices inherent in leadership. While majority of the political leaders in today’s world put their own and their family’s interests above the interests of the nation, Sri Ram was completely the opposite. This lesson from Sri Ram highlights the importance of balancing personal convictions with the collective good.
However, lessons from Rama’s life are not only confined to the ones mentioned above. His narrative is a treasure trove of wisdom, and his story transcends religious boundaries. It offers valuable lessons, righteousness, relationship building, adaptability, and resilience. They can help us navigate the challenges of life more efficiently and keep us motivated even in the most adverse moments.
