Matthew Barry
Professor Rabbi Yosef Zylberberg
CLWR 1810
20 October 2016
The Life of Rama: One of Vishnu’s 10 Avatars Hinduism is a complex and rich religion. Hinduism incorporates a wide variety of gods, all of which respectively symbolize an important factor in the life of Hindus. This essay, will focus on one specific avatar of particular importance, Rama. Stemming from the God Vishnu, Rama is “one of the most worshipped Hindu deities…” (Rama). The focus of this essay will serve to illuminate and convey informative aspects relating to the life of Rama; his adventures as well as journey as related in the Ramayana – the entitled story of Rama. Substantive milestones will shed light upon, how he has become a popular figure in Hinduism and …show more content…
‘Worship of Brahma is ideal for those who pursue knowledge, creativity and academic excellence in their lives. Students, artists and craftsman, and those who are endowed with special talents and skills, should worship brahma for success and spiritual progress in their lives’ (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, the Highest Gods of Hinduism). Shiva is known as the destroyer, insofar as he destroys all evil. Without his destruction, there is no creation. “In other words follow Lord Shiva if you want to achieve self-realization through a path of constructive destruction and radical transformation of your personality. The worship of Shiva is ideal for those who are willing to follow the path of renunciation or lead radical lives through courageous decisions” (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, the Highest Gods of Hinduism). Rounding out the Trimurti, the God Vishnu is known as the preserver of all creation. “His primary task is to protect the dharma and maintain the universal order” (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, the Highest Gods of Hinduism). Those who want to follow the path of devotion are the ones who are called upon to worship Vishnu. Rama was in fact, the physical manifestation of an act of Vishnu to become present (as an avatar) so to help him navigate and address his dealings with a fearsome multi-headed demon …show more content…
Rama, was and is still remembered for his slaying of Demon King Ravana. We learn most of Rama’s adventures through the story of Ramayana. They story of Ramayana introduces us to Rama’s background and the family from whence he came. His father Dasaratha is the King of Ayodhya, and his mother Kausalya held the throne as the Queen. Rama was one of four brothers. All of whom came from different mothers, albeit yet the same father. Rama, who is said and described to have been the “Perfect Son” was regarded to be in line to be crowned as the next king. The story of Ramayana, serves to relate an explanation of how one of Rama’s brothers Bharata had a mother who was steadfastly against Rama ever ruling as king and arranged for a way to have Rama exiled from the community for fourteen years, in order to clear the pathway for her son, Rama’s brother, to be crowned king. “She calls up a debt that Dasharatha owes her and asks for Rama to be exiled for fourteen years and her son Bharata be crowned prince instead”
Professor Rabbi Yosef Zylberberg
CLWR 1810
20 October 2016
The Life of Rama: One of Vishnu’s 10 Avatars Hinduism is a complex and rich religion. Hinduism incorporates a wide variety of gods, all of which respectively symbolize an important factor in the life of Hindus. This essay, will focus on one specific avatar of particular importance, Rama. Stemming from the God Vishnu, Rama is “one of the most worshipped Hindu deities…” (Rama). The focus of this essay will serve to illuminate and convey informative aspects relating to the life of Rama; his adventures as well as journey as related in the Ramayana – the entitled story of Rama. Substantive milestones will shed light upon, how he has become a popular figure in Hinduism and …show more content…
‘Worship of Brahma is ideal for those who pursue knowledge, creativity and academic excellence in their lives. Students, artists and craftsman, and those who are endowed with special talents and skills, should worship brahma for success and spiritual progress in their lives’ (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, the Highest Gods of Hinduism). Shiva is known as the destroyer, insofar as he destroys all evil. Without his destruction, there is no creation. “In other words follow Lord Shiva if you want to achieve self-realization through a path of constructive destruction and radical transformation of your personality. The worship of Shiva is ideal for those who are willing to follow the path of renunciation or lead radical lives through courageous decisions” (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, the Highest Gods of Hinduism). Rounding out the Trimurti, the God Vishnu is known as the preserver of all creation. “His primary task is to protect the dharma and maintain the universal order” (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, the Highest Gods of Hinduism). Those who want to follow the path of devotion are the ones who are called upon to worship Vishnu. Rama was in fact, the physical manifestation of an act of Vishnu to become present (as an avatar) so to help him navigate and address his dealings with a fearsome multi-headed demon …show more content…
Rama, was and is still remembered for his slaying of Demon King Ravana. We learn most of Rama’s adventures through the story of Ramayana. They story of Ramayana introduces us to Rama’s background and the family from whence he came. His father Dasaratha is the King of Ayodhya, and his mother Kausalya held the throne as the Queen. Rama was one of four brothers. All of whom came from different mothers, albeit yet the same father. Rama, who is said and described to have been the “Perfect Son” was regarded to be in line to be crowned as the next king. The story of Ramayana, serves to relate an explanation of how one of Rama’s brothers Bharata had a mother who was steadfastly against Rama ever ruling as king and arranged for a way to have Rama exiled from the community for fourteen years, in order to clear the pathway for her son, Rama’s brother, to be crowned king. “She calls up a debt that Dasharatha owes her and asks for Rama to be exiled for fourteen years and her son Bharata be crowned prince instead”