Brief summary, reflection, and lessons learned from "Ramayana"

  RAMAYANA

BRIEF SUMMARY

    The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic that depicts Prince Rama's attempt to rescue his beloved wife Sita from Ravana's grasp with the assistance of an army of monkeys.

    Rama was exiled for 14 years so he left their Kingdom as ordered by the King. Lakshamana and Sita followed him in the forest. Untoward events happened to result in Ravana’s abduction to Sita. Rama and Lakshmana search far and wide for Sita. Finally, they come upon a band of Vanaras, or monkey-men, who promise to assist him. Hanuman, one of the Vanaras mightiest soldiers, becomes Rama's ardent follower. The Vanaras search for Sita and discover she has been taken to Lanka. Hanuman flies to Lanka and confirms her imprisonment. He contacts Sita and informs her of Rama's location, pledging to return to rescue her. Before returning to the mainland, Hanuman burns down the entire city of Lanka. Rama, Lakshmana, and the vanar army construct a causeway connecting the point of India to Lanka. They fly to Lanka, where an epic battle takes place between them.

REFLECTION AND LESSONS LEARNED

          No man on earth is free from problems. Our existence has a reason and we are all on the battlefield of life. I see Rama as a brave man who faced all the odds, especially in saving the love of his life and doing what is right for the general welfare. The story also stresses the importance of valuing relationships with the people around us. Lakshamana and Sita are good examples who have been with Rama’s side for fourteen years. Indeed, no road is long when you are in good company. In addition, Rama knows how to treat everyone around him equally that is why he earned love and respect. Therefore, a person who possesses a noble heart with good values will succeed in all walks of life.

In this story, we can ponder upon the following lessons:

• Evil will always be defeated by what is good.
• In unity, there is strength.
• Building healthy relationships takes us to places.
• Kindness can move lives.
• Being with good company shapes us in becoming a better person
• Forgiveness is an act of bravery than seeking revenge