Following the Hero’s Journey In the Ramayana translated by R.K. Narayan, Rama overcomes many challenges. Rama is known as the perfect man, who never makes a mistake. Throughout the epic, Rama fulfills his Dharma while searching for his wife, Sita. While fulfilling his Dharma, Rama teaches the reader lessons by his actions, and personality. Through fulfilling his Dharma, Rama teaches the reader the rules of engagement, compassion, and integrity.
Rama teaches the readers the rules of engagement in the Ramayana by destroying evil. There are certain rules of conduct to be followed when fighting, and Vali did not follow them. Rama said, “You are well versed in the laws of conduct and morality and yet instead of affording protection to a helpless …show more content…
During the epic, Rama is always kind and forgiving towards lesser beings. Because he is so kind to animals, animals are willing to help him. Jatayu is one of those animals who dies protecting Sita from Ravana, “The flapping of his enormous wings created the power of a storm, which shook and paralyzed both Ravana and his chariot; then he hit and tore with his whole body, beak, and claws, with such force that Ravana’s ensign with the symbol of a veena was torn and the flagstaff was in fragments (Narayan 88).” Jatayu saw that Sita was in danger, so he protected her without even thinking. He knew how much Sita meant to Rama, so he did everything he could to save her. He felt that protecting Rama’s love was a cause worth dying for because Rama was such a kind man. Even when Rama was trying to cross the ocean to rescue Sita, everyone helped him, “Very soon his monkey army brought in mud, huge rocks, and even pieces of mountains; men, monkeys, and all animals helped in this task. It was said that even the little squirrel rolled along pebbles to full up the sea (Narayan 133).” Every animal no matter his or her size or shape helps Rama. They feel no regrets helping him because they know he will help them when they need it. Rama’s compassion, especially towards animals, helped him fulfill his Dharma. Without the help of all of those animals, he would not have killed Ravana, his ultimate …show more content…
Kaikeyi, one of Dasaratha’s wives, banished Rama from Ayodhya, and took the crown away from him. She was jealous that her son, Bharatha, was not crowned King. Rama did not say one negative thing about leaving. He explained to Kaikeyi, “‘I have no interest in kingship, and no attachments to such offices, and no aversion to a forest existence.’… ‘My only regret is that I have not been told this by my father himself. I would have felt honored if he had commanded me directly’ (Narayan 45).” Even though leaving his family would be hard for him, Rama still went to the forest, and did not break his promise. He never even questioned Kaikeyi on her decision to banish him. He lived his 14 years in the forest, and never regretted leaving his home. Then after Rama defeated Ravana, Dasaratha came down from heaven and congratulated him. He granted him any wish, and Rama wanted him to forgive Kaikeyi. He told Dasaratha, ‘It was not her mistake. I committed an unforgiveable blunder in straightway accepting the kingship when you offered it, without pausing to consider the consequences. I should have had more forethought. It was not her mistake’ (Narayan 151-152).” Rama explained how he did not think thoroughly before accepting the throne. For Rama, Kaikeyi did not banish him out of jealousy for no reason. Rama instigated her jealousy by not thinking about his siblings. Rama always thought about honor and
Rama teaches the readers the rules of engagement in the Ramayana by destroying evil. There are certain rules of conduct to be followed when fighting, and Vali did not follow them. Rama said, “You are well versed in the laws of conduct and morality and yet instead of affording protection to a helpless …show more content…
During the epic, Rama is always kind and forgiving towards lesser beings. Because he is so kind to animals, animals are willing to help him. Jatayu is one of those animals who dies protecting Sita from Ravana, “The flapping of his enormous wings created the power of a storm, which shook and paralyzed both Ravana and his chariot; then he hit and tore with his whole body, beak, and claws, with such force that Ravana’s ensign with the symbol of a veena was torn and the flagstaff was in fragments (Narayan 88).” Jatayu saw that Sita was in danger, so he protected her without even thinking. He knew how much Sita meant to Rama, so he did everything he could to save her. He felt that protecting Rama’s love was a cause worth dying for because Rama was such a kind man. Even when Rama was trying to cross the ocean to rescue Sita, everyone helped him, “Very soon his monkey army brought in mud, huge rocks, and even pieces of mountains; men, monkeys, and all animals helped in this task. It was said that even the little squirrel rolled along pebbles to full up the sea (Narayan 133).” Every animal no matter his or her size or shape helps Rama. They feel no regrets helping him because they know he will help them when they need it. Rama’s compassion, especially towards animals, helped him fulfill his Dharma. Without the help of all of those animals, he would not have killed Ravana, his ultimate …show more content…
Kaikeyi, one of Dasaratha’s wives, banished Rama from Ayodhya, and took the crown away from him. She was jealous that her son, Bharatha, was not crowned King. Rama did not say one negative thing about leaving. He explained to Kaikeyi, “‘I have no interest in kingship, and no attachments to such offices, and no aversion to a forest existence.’… ‘My only regret is that I have not been told this by my father himself. I would have felt honored if he had commanded me directly’ (Narayan 45).” Even though leaving his family would be hard for him, Rama still went to the forest, and did not break his promise. He never even questioned Kaikeyi on her decision to banish him. He lived his 14 years in the forest, and never regretted leaving his home. Then after Rama defeated Ravana, Dasaratha came down from heaven and congratulated him. He granted him any wish, and Rama wanted him to forgive Kaikeyi. He told Dasaratha, ‘It was not her mistake. I committed an unforgiveable blunder in straightway accepting the kingship when you offered it, without pausing to consider the consequences. I should have had more forethought. It was not her mistake’ (Narayan 151-152).” Rama explained how he did not think thoroughly before accepting the throne. For Rama, Kaikeyi did not banish him out of jealousy for no reason. Rama instigated her jealousy by not thinking about his siblings. Rama always thought about honor and