7 Lessons One Can Get From Ramayana

Ramayana is considered to be one of the major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. The epic, traditionally ascribed to the Maharishi Valmiki, narrates the life of Rama, prince of the legendary kingdom of Kosala (Awadh, Ayodhya in today’s time). The Story follows his fourteen year exile to the forest urged by his father king Dasharatha, on the request of Rama’s stepmother Kaikeyi.

The Ramayana is one of the largest ancient epics in world literature. It consists of nearly 24,000 verses (in the form of Shloka/Anustubh). Divided in 5 Kandas and 5000 Sargas.

Here are the 7 lessons that we can take from Ramayana.

1. Have Patience for the Best:

Even though Sri Rama knew, he was the strong enough. He did not show his strength at Sita’s swayamvar till asked by His Guru Sage Vishwamitra, to go and lift the bow.

Hanuman could have easily rescued Sita Maa from Ravana’s Ashok Vatika. He had the power to single-handedly fight against Ravana’s army. Strength lies in patience.

2. We Should always keep good company:

Queen Kaikeyi, the third wife of Dashrath loved Rama more than her own son but her handmaiden manthara poisoned her thoughts with negative feed. She create a gap between Rama & Bharat, in result Kaikeyi asked for Rama’s exile for fourteen years.

One negative person created so much of issues. Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman went to exile for fourteen years.

3. Value of a Promise:

Dashrath had granted Kaikeyi two boons when she had saved his life on the battlefield.. The day before Dashrath was to retire and crown his eldest son Rama as a king, Kaikeyi Demanded that Dashrath grant her the boons she desired as promised. Her desire were:

Even when Dashrath began to falter on his promises due to his love for Rama, Rama reminded his father of the value of a promise given and left Ayodhya to keep his father’s word. A prince who had been bought up in the lap of luxury and who stood to gain a position of absolute power, willingly chose to live a life of exile and hardship for 14 years. All just to keep his father’s promise.

Read More: Humanity: Just a Step Ahead

4. Unity in diversity is possible and necessary:

When Lord Rama set out to defeat Ravana, he was not alone. Even though he was exiled, he had his people support, Every creature contributed towards building the bridge over the ocean or fighting with the demons in Yudh (War between Lord Rama & Ravana).

The famous Vanarsena led by Sugriva and Hanuman were by his side. It was a difficult task, but made easy by teamwork. Remember, every little contribution counts towards the end result.

5. Relationships are More Valuable:

The Relationship between the Siblings Lord Rama, Laxman, Bharat is the perfect example why you should always value your relationships. Every relationship should be above everything either its greed of money or anger.

When Lord Rama was sent to exile for fourteen year, Laxman accompanied him and supported him in good and bad time. Bharat, who was given the Kingdom, never considered himself as a king instead he played an acting kind till Lord Rama returned home and handed over the Kingdom to Rama.

6. Determination towards your duty:

If Lord Rama took up a task, He always completed that successfully. Either be killing the demons or protecting the sage from these demons. He even helped Sugreeva to get his kingdom back from Vali.

Lord Rama knows everything but he chosen dharma path during his fourteen year of exile.

Read : Seven Important Lessons from Mahabharata

7. Keep alive Love and Faith:

Ramayana teaches that a devotee has access to God wherever he/she is. Long time ago, Guru had asked her to wait for Lord Ram while all other disciples and Guru himself went back to Godhead. She showed her enthusiasm by working hard everyday to clean the place, plucking flowers and fruits for the Lord. Lord Rama savored fruits offered to him by Shabari, a poor women. She kept ber after tasting (as she wanted to offer all good ber to Lord Rama). She had nothing much to offer- but love. Love can come to us in any form and from anyone. Open your arms to accept it.

While there are many things you can learn from Ramayana, these seven are the most important lessons (my view). If you can incorporate these in your life’s, it will be more peaceful and happy and it will help you to find the right path.

Credits: Ramanand Sagar Production & Wikipedia