Niraj Krishna
The analysis of the ‘Ramayana’ takes the form of ‘Ram Ka Ayan,’ which translates to ‘Ram’s Journey Path,’ as ‘Ayan’ refers to the path of a journey. The central character of the Ramayana is the divine hero, Lord Ram. The two-lettered name ‘Ram’ encompasses complete divinity. Ram permeates every aspect of life – be it religion, philosophy, spirituality, literature, or politics – each embracing a Ram-like quality in its own way at different times. Ram represents an unwavering faith that resonates throughout the world as ‘Ram Naam Jagat Adhara.’
It is often said that if life has to be lived, it should be lived like Lord Shriram. When one focuses on the life of Lord Shriram as a guide to the highest standards of living, it undoubtedly reveals numerous paths. However, among them, the ideal example of social harmony is not prominently evident elsewhere. The character presented by King Shriram of Ayodhya, exemplifying discipline and humility in his life, remains a guiding light for society even today.
The legacy of Shriram’s life continues to be a beacon of direction, emphasizing the values of discipline and humility. His character serves as a timeless model for societal well-being and harmony, a testament to the enduring impact of his life in the annals of history.
The entire life of the forest-dwelling Ram is an exemplary path of social harmony. During his exile, Shri Ram embraced every individual in society at every step. Ahilya, who was considered blameless and rejected by everyone, found shelter under Shri Ram’s protective umbrella. Shri Ram extended his benevolence even to Shabri, his devoted tribal devotee, who offered him wild berries.
Influenced by immense faith and devotion, Shri Ram elevated the ordinary boatman, Kevat, who ferried him across the Ganga, to the status of his younger brother and bestowed upon him liberation. Shri Ram also embraced the Nishad king and considered all those marginalized by society as part of himself, challenging the prevailing discriminatory views. The character of Shri Ram was characterized by unparalleled magnanimity and generosity, as evident in his interactions with individuals considered undesirable in society today.
In reality, according to the principles of dharma, Ram was sent into exile to destroy the evil rakshasas. In his human avatar, he did not engage in divine activities like Lord Krishna’s rasleelas, nor did he showcase miracles at every step. Instead, through his actions in front of creation, he presented such an exemplary model that he was called ‘Maryada Purushottam.’
Ram’s past is so vast and extensive that there are limits to understanding and awareness of it. Identifying him is a difficult task. In Indian society, Ram is like the banyan tree under whose shade, devotees, critics, the common, the special, worshippers, opposers, addressers—all have been walking together for countless years. Ram is the most beloved face of the Indian thought tradition. He encompasses both the formless and the formed. The proponents of Brahmavad see him as the embodiment of Brahman.
For the Nirgunvadis, the soul itself is Ram. For the Avatarvadis, he is the incarnation. In Vedic literature, his form is unique. The Buddhist narratives have molded him through his compassionate form. The detachment of Valmiki’s Ram is evident at first glance. Tulsidas’s Ram is the Ram ingrained in the Indian collective consciousness, present in every heart and mind.
It is Ram who is woven from north to south and east to west in a single thread that binds India. For Indian society, addressing with respect is equivalent to invoking Ram. It is not a coincidence that everything has become Ram-centric. In every household, the eldest son becomes Ram, disciplined, self-sacrificing, and service-oriented. The ideal ruler appears to everyone like Ram. To the extent that the concept of Ramrajya becomes the essential foundation of ideal governance. It is a part of it.
The name of Ram is a symbol of Indian civilization and culture. Ram embodies the highest human qualities. It is the fundamental essence of humanity deeply embedded in our hearts. Ram is love; Ram is compassion; Ram is justice; he is the epitome of virtue. Ram, the supreme man, walked the earth thousands of years ago, yet his philosophy is timeless. Ram’s thinking is profound, transcending religion. It is based on equality, rejecting the divisions of caste, wealth, and status created by society. His teachings emphasize unity. Ram visited Shabri’s hut, accepted the hospitality of Nishad Raj, and endeavored to connect with the tribal society living in the forests. Ram affirms the rightful rights of all. In a way, the modern thinking that is considered an ideal today has its roots in the ideals of Ram.
Ram’s life has been a guiding light not only in his time but also for the future. Even today, and in the times to come, Ram will continue to be a guide for humanity. In our society today, numerous evils have spread their influence. Actions, anger, greed, jealousy, and self-centeredness have absorbed all the goodness and humanity within individuals. Brother has become an enemy to brother, and the sanctity of parent-child relationships has become rare. In such circumstances, the life of Ram teaches us how to overcome petty emotions and expand our hearts. It shows that we can replace trivial feelings with emotions like love, devotion, compassion, and altruism. Ram, due to his humble nature and unwavering heart, even found a place in the minds of his enemies.
The character of Ram teaches us the lesson of dignified behavior in relationships. Ram not only maintains respect with his brothers, family, and teachers, but also harbors no animosity in his heart even for his enemies. He embraced righteousness, making efforts to guide the unrighteous onto the right path. He endeavored to torment the wicked and bring those who oppressed the weak onto the path of virtue. However, when such individuals crossed the limits of cruelty, Ram did not hesitate to eliminate the forces of evil. Despite being the savior of women, he defeated the demoness Tadaka and the demoness Lankini, who sought to defame the women of their kind. Nevertheless, he did not harbor hatred towards those who strayed from righteousness.
Ram is formless for Kabir, and tangible for Tulsidas. He is the inspiration for Valmiki, and revered by the great poets Bhasa and Kamban. Tulsidas is his devotee, and Keshav exists not without Ram. Even today, the name of Ram symbolizes Indian culture, civilization, traditions, and values. Society sees in him an ideal, a virtuous ruler, a benevolent king, and a harbinger of public welfare.
Rahim Khan-e-Khana asserts that the Ramcharitmanas is not just an ideal for Hindus but also for Muslims. That’s why he wrote, ‘Ramcharitmanas Vimal, Santan Jivan Pran, Hindu Ko Ved Sam, Turkhin Pragat Quran.’ Ram is not confined within the boundaries of any religion, country, or the world; he is a unique thought. In literature, Khusro, Ras Khan, Alam Rasleen, Hameeduddin Nagauri, and Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, all have worshipped Ram poetically, and some have worshiped the power of Ram. Tulsidas, Kabir, Nanak, and Raidas all remained absorbed in Ram. Tulsidas says, ‘Ram cannot speak the glory of his own name.’ In other words, Ram himself is not so powerful that he can sing the praises of his own name. Kabir says, ‘Ram’s virtues are incomparable. Only the wise can comprehend, reflect, and understand the essence.
The life of Lord Rama is a life intertwined with the common experiences of humanity, yet it is extraordinary and captivating. Even in the face of his wife’s abduction, he sought support from society and engaged in a struggle. To reclaim her, he devised a strategy through a diplomatic dialogue. He constructed a bridge by connecting each stone to reach Lanka. Returning like a skilled administrator, he brought back the entire army, aspiring to establish a just rule with the desire for a Ram Rajya. Ram is both transcendent and immanent, as Kabir beautifully said, ‘Hanirgun Ram japhun re bhai.’ In every aspect of Ram’s character, there is compassion, sacrifice, love, and a direct experience of societal norms.
Ram is a colossal figure in humanity. He is the guardian of democracy, an inspiration to all, and a selfless contributor to society. The profound impact of Ram’s ideals on the collective consciousness is evident. The birth of Ram’s ideals has deeply influenced every aspect of life, shaping perspectives, situations, mental states, events, occurrences, and crises across ages.
Ram is the philosophical foundation of Indian society, representing the continuous flow of Indian culture. The depiction of his intense nature does not carry the same influence as the portrayal of his gentleness. Ram is inherently simple, gentle, and captivating. Therefore, he is omnipresent, belongs to everyone, and everyone belongs to him.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that from birth to death, the name ‘Ram’ resonates on every lip in India. The concept of an ideal state is envisioned through the term ‘Ram Rajya.’ Even during the funeral procession, the chant ‘Ram naam satya hai’ (the name of Ram is the truth) is considered a potent means of defense. Ram is the focal point of Indian life and is thus observed in every heartbeat and every moment.
King Ram lived a simple life, much like any ordinary being residing on Earth. He wore simple clothes, slept in a cottage, ate wild roots in the forest, and walked barefoot on thorny paths. He embraced joy and sorrow, shedding tears in the separation from Sita. He wept bitterly when Lakshman fell unconscious. However, he always maintained control over his emotions. He never lost sight of his principles and never let his wisdom waver. Thus, in Ram’s conduct, both ordinary and extraordinary qualities coexisted harmoniously. In India, Ram is deeply embedded in the hearts of the people and will always remain so.
Ram had the ability to see that external circumstances in life can take unexpected turns. Even in the face of well-organized arrangements in his life, external situations could pose challenges. In his most difficult moments, he carried himself with utmost dignity. For instance, when everything is fine at home, but a storm can come and take away everything. Thinking ‘this won’t happen to me’ is foolishness. A sensible way to approach life is to think, ‘If this happens to me, I will deal with it gracefully.’ Even in such situations, Lord Ram never got angry, never blamed anyone, and never got anxious or agitated. He handled every situation with great dignity. Therefore, those who desire a life of freedom and dignity should seek refuge in Ram.
Shri Ram is the embodiment of virtue, free from defects, and the supreme among noble beings. That’s why he is called Maryada Purushottam, the one upholding the highest standards. He is a symbol of discipline and morality, accompanied by righteousness, wisdom, and ideals. He embodies the principles of humanity. He is devoid of arrogance and ignorance, free from anger and sin. He is impartial and always keeps justice and righteousness at the forefront. He has never let the flag of righteousness fall for the sake of his personal interests. Justice and righteousness have always been paramount for him.
The question is not about what we have, what we have done, what has happened to us, and what has not. The real essence lies in how we have managed ourselves through whatever has transpired. People admired Ram because they understood the wisdom found in his behaviour. Many individuals on a spiritual path are often seen wishing for some adversity in life. They desire an experience of tragedy so that, before death arrives, they can weigh their capacity for endurance. When everything in life is going smoothly, and we realize that what we consider reality is slipping through our fingers, control begins to elude us. Therefore, people yearn for adversity.
Actually, the worship of Ram is not performed with the expectation that our material desires will be fulfilled – a house will be built, a promotion will be obtained, or profit will be gained in a business deal. Instead, we worship Ram to draw inspiration from him on how to face difficult moments with patience and resolve, without being swayed.
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