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Epitome of dharma religion

CHENNAI: Every incarnation of the Lord fulfils the three specific purposes clearly spelt out in the famed verse of the Bhagavad Gita, namely, protection of the good, destruction of evil forces and the establishment of dharma. By implication this signifies that the incarnation becomes inevitable when the good people are in danger, when evil is prevalent and there is a decline in the value system of people.

The Ramayana establishes the truth that dharma is the basis of human life. Being synonymous with human values, dharma’s subtle essence cannot be built and preserved in the manner one builds and preserves a physical structure but has to be fostered and protected by people who uphold its high principles, pointed out Sri B. Sundarkumar in a lecture. It is by their conduct that people can sustain dharma. The values pertaining to family relationships, friendship, kingship, etc., have been exemplified and presented in a most ideal and perfect manner in this epic.

Different facets of dharma are illustrated through the many characters in the epic. Lord Rama is the very embodiment of dharma and exemplifies Samanya dharma, the observance of the common moral obligations such as adherence to truth, non-violence, gratitude, doing one’s duty, forgiveness, compassion, contentment, patience at all times, etc. The Lord abided by His father’s word, and displayed reverence for elders, compassion towards all and exceptional love towards His devotees. Lakshmana typifies the dharma of Bhagavat Kainkarya (service to the Lord). Believed to be an incarnation of Adisesha, Lakshmana considered Lord Rama as his father, mother, brother, master, etc.

Lakshmana was under the direct magnetic field of the Lord when he performed uninterrupted service to Him. In contrast to this is Bharata who remained extraordinarily devoted to the Lord even when physically away from Him. He shows that physical distance is no hindrance to a true devotee whose practice of meditation makes it possible to maintain the same ecstatic state.

Shatrugna remains devoted to Bharata and exemplifies the Bhagavata dharma that enjoins venerating the devotees of the Lord.

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