The Ramayana Teaches Us A Lot About Morals

 

The Ramayan is an endless source of wisdom for humanity on how to live in a world that serves the community and performs no acts that one will hesitate in later in life. Lord Rama isn't the only person whose acts create a lasting impression on our thoughts. Almost every member of the Ayodhya royal family, namely Maharaj Dashrath's family, is a firm believer in values. When children are young, telling them stories from the ancient epic composed by sage Valmiki about the upright prince (and subsequently King) of Ayodhya will provide clarity and a sense of direction.

If one looks carefully, the Ramayan teaches us a multitude of moral teachings.

•    Family is essential.

Being the oldest of the King of Ayodhya's four sons, Lord Ram was about to be crowned King. However, Kaikeyi, Ram's generally lovely stepmother, was unjustly provoked into impeding Ram's ascension. Lord Ram, on the other hand, was not offended by anyone, especially his stepmother. He maintained his pledge to his father, which he could have easily ignored. The reputation of his father became a concern of his own. This type of connecting and positive connection amongst family members can finally bring everything full circle.

•    Stick to the directions and don't change your plans on the spur of the moment.

When Rama went for Maricha the golden deer in Ramayana, he openly stated that Laxman had to keep an eye on Sita. He told him not to risk leaving Sita alone for even a second, no matter what. However, Marich and Ravana quickly changed the game. The Golden Deer was originally the monster Marich, Ravana's uncle, who, as part of that plan, cried "Save me Laxmana" in Rama's voice. Laxman was not willing to move when Sita and Laxman noticed this. Sita shouted out, pleading with him to rescue her husband. Laxman left, but not before drawing a Laxman Rekha - a kind of electric line past which no one can approach her. For whatever reason, Sita was advised not to cross that line. Laxman had gone to find out what had happened to Rama. Ravana, disguised as an old sage, approached Sita and urged her to cross the line and provide him charity. Sita felt pity for the elderly guy who was begging for handouts. Ravana was able to kidnap her once she crossed the border.

•    Keep an eye out for temptations.

Ram, Sita, and Laxman were surviving in exile in peace and happiness with the environment. Everything altered when Lankan king Ravana came with his uncle Marich, whom he had instructed to appear as a golden deer. Sita was enchanted by the golden deer and requested that Lord Ram capture it for her to adore. Lord Ram pursued it, but calamity happened shortly after. The moral here is to appreciate what you have rather than risk everything by jumping into the uncertainty.

•    Respect for your opponent

Ram had no hatred left for Ravana, who was about to die at his hands. The war was fought to reclaim Sita, Rama's wife, who had been kidnapped by Ravana. Throughout diplomatic efforts, Ravana refused to back down, resulting in the war. Ram treated his enemy as if he were a human in death. He received a good send-off. Ram had even urged Ravana to teach Lamana statesmanship and spirituality.