The Hindu : Rama, a symbol of virtue

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 20, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Rama, a symbol of virtue

CHENNAI, FEB 20. All human beings have the urge to improve themselves and lead a virtuous life. This natural disposition however is very often smothered by layers of baser emotions and drives, which are mainly the influence of the external forces of the times one lives in. For the individual who is striving to overcome the obstacles in fashioning a more meaningful life, role models are invaluable platforms to lean on. Holding pride of place among the echelons of scriptural heroes is Rama.

In his discourse, Sri M. R. Nagasubramaniam said that the brilliant portrayal of God-incarnate's character serves as an inspirational force for the entire mankind. Valmiki Ramayana highlights the calm demeanour of Rama at all times, as a result of which the citizens of Ayodhya used to flock around him. His modesty and self-restraint were representative of a moral fibre, which exerted a possible influence on all those who came into contact with him. Rama was the veritable symbol of virtue, eminently capable of disarming anyone with a smile. A study of the epic is beneficial to a devotee on numerous fronts.

One can derive tremendous courage to face challenges in life, the will power to persevere in any undertaking no matter how vexatious it is, as well as a mind wedded to the principles of virtue and the determination to adhere to the codes of conduct as recommended in scriptures. The Ramayana depicts good and evil with clarity, so that one can easily know what is undesirable and root it out of one's mental and emotional framework. The nefarious hunchback, Mantara, is a classic example of malice whose honeyed words cloak a devious mind. She succeeded in turning the noble mind of Kaikeyi to commit a cruel deed that cast an everlasting stain on her character, and wreaked havoc on many lives.

The powerful imagery of a father as a powerless victim, caught in the throes of affection for his wife and therefore unable to act justly, is a familiar one in this world. The anguish of Kausalya, who had to watch her son being punished for no fault of his, is a study in steadfast behaviour. Bharata, offered the kingdom out of turn, never lost sight of the miscarriage of justice. Sita is the archetypal wife extending unqualified support to her husband. Such praiseworthy conduct is highly emulative since the Vedas, while conceding that material benefits and achieving the same are basic to human life, also emphasise the importance of character.

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