Rama in Ramayana Essay Example for Free

Rama in Ramayana Essay In the epic story of Ramayana, one of the cornerstones of the story is the part where Rama attempts to rescue Sita. In the story, Rama is considered the most heroic among all the characters precisely because of his devotion to the rules of dharma. Even during the times when still he was small, Rama was considered to be the perfect son, up to the point when he married Sita thereby considering him further as the perfect husband. More importantly, Rama gladly and willingly accepted the order of his father, king Dasharatha, to abandon the kingdom and be banished, hence removing him from the position as heir to the throne.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The poignant part of the story where Rama’s knowledge and perception are further enriched is the part where he encountered Ravana who followed him in the forest. Ravana is the younger brother of Rama who was enthroned as the king of Ayodhya after Rama was banished from the kingdom. The encounter highlighted the capacity of Rama to understand the human situation that swirled around him and his family by understanding the sentiment of Ravana. Ravana very well understood that Rama is the rightful ruler as king of Ayodhya, and after following Rama to the forest, Ravana told Rama that until the day Rama returns, Ravana will instead place the sandals of Rama on the throne as a sign of respect and as a sign that Rama is the actual ruler of the kingdom. That was one way for Ravana to signify that he is simply the ‘caretaker’ of the throne while Rama, the rightful ruler, is away.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Rama’s encounter with Ravana in the forest signifies that even though he willingly accepted the banishment that was imposed upon him by his father, he was still willing to face the larger responsibility of serving his people as their king. That goes to show that Rama was willing to face both ends of the situation, or that he was willing to face any situation that he is confronted with. That is so because, having lived with the rules of dharma, Rama very well knows the consequences that awaited his every decision. This time around, his decision to return as the king of Ayodhya can be said as part of his responsibility as the eldest son of the king, hence the rightful ruler, and part of his realization that the kindness of Ravana begets his kindness to accept not only the fact that he is the rightful king but also the willingness of Ravana to bequeath Rama his rightful position in the kingdom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Eventually, Rama willingly accepted the offer of Ravana which is not only a sign of respect to an offer which is rightfully his but is also a sign of accepting the propensity of having to rule an entire kingdom under his watch. Quite apart from the fact that accepting such a huge responsibility requires determination and the capacity to lead, it also requires the ability to follow. That ability to follow has been undoubtedly manifested by Rama not only during the time when he accepted his fate to be banished but also during the time when Ravana met with him. That occasion is the time when Ravana made Rama the offer which he followed with all his heart. Rama’s decision best exemplified his capacity to follow without hesitation and confusion on his part precisely because of the wisdom that he possesses due to his strict adherence to the rules of dharma.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In essence, the encounter of Rama with Ravana in the forest is one of the many scenes in the story which shows the enrichment of the knowledge of Rama as well as the formation of his character throughout the story. It brings into mind his capacity to lead by example and to follow the things which he indeed should rightfully follow. It drives home the point that Rama is all the more worthy of being adored by his people because of the virtues which he possesses and of being exalted as a ruler who very well understands the rules and teachings of the dharma. Reference Pollock, S. (1993). Ramayana and Political Imagination in India. The Journal of Asian Studies, 52(2), 262.