The Ramayana And The Role Of Dharma

Superior Essays
Ramayana Paper

Hinduism dates back to 2000 B.C.E, where its roots where established in India. Hinduism does not necessarily have a time of origin or founder, but is referred to as timeless, known to have always existed (“Library”). It consists of a compilation of sacred texts known as Santana Dharma, also referred to as “The eternal teaching” (“Library”). In the Indian religion of Hinduism, an extremely important term known as Dharma refers to the moral order of the universe and a code of living that embodies the fundamental principles of law, religion, and duty that governs all reality. Individuals of the Hindu religion pursue the notion that if one follows one 's dharma he or she can eventually achieve what is to be ultimately every Hindis
…show more content…
Dharma refers to the idea that individuals should make the right decisions in the course of his or her life that pertain to his or her duties. A common notion in relation to Dharma is that if one makes good choices, it will pay off in the future. In the Ramayana, many characters act and make decisions in order to fulfill their Dharma, whether the decision are good or bad. There are two perfect examples of characters that do and do not follow their Dharmas, these two characters are Rama and …show more content…
Rama was Vishnu’s human incarceration, and his purpose was to ultimately destroy Ravana, the chief of Asuras, abolish fear from the hearts of men and gods, and establish peace, gentles, and justice in the world. Viswaminthra states that Rama is “born to restore righteousness and virtue to mankind and eliminate all evil” (Narayan 21). It is foreseen that Rama is to have many important tasks ahead of him after he kills both Mareecha and Subahu in the battle with Viswaminthra. Viswaminthra states “There is a great deal yet ahead of you.” which hinted at the many tasks and duties that Rama was to fulfill later in his future (Narayan 4). Ravana, the chief of the Asuras on the other hand, was not so destined for a great future. He imposed a great threat to the world. “The ten headed Ravana and his brothers have acquiered extraordinary powers through austerities and prayers, and now threaten to destroy the world and enslave us.” (Narayan 4). Ravana Ravana was the utmost of the domain of material forces. His reign was of luxury, slavery, material

Related Documents

  • Great Essays

    Hinduism: The four Stages influence on Ethics Hinduism is one of, if not the oldest world religions today, dating back to Vedic scriptures that have been a fixed base for over 2000 years (Van Voorst, 1994). The discipline and ethics is rooted deeply in the followers who have dedicated their lives to the doctrine of the four stages of life or ashrama. The followers are taught a way of life through the ashrama, it is an ethical guideline that describes a lifestyle in which one lives to fulfill the goals in life, dharma being a major factor in all of this. A deeper look into Hindu ethics reveals how the strict caste system that determines the dharma of each individual. I will address the four stages of life in Hinduism and how they impact ethics…

    • 1706 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    I entered upon the chapter of Buddhism with the foundation that Buddhism derived its beliefs and practices from the Hindu religion. Nevertheless, I am continually fascinated by the two religions’ strikingly identical but contrasting qualities observable throughout The World’s Wisdom text. Section 12 especially delineates many of the similarities Hinduism and Buddhism share. Reaching Nirvana and therefore attaining freedom at last from the cycle of rebirth seems to be an utmost objective for both groups. And that the belief-that whether or not deaths and rebirths take place counts on the karmas one performed during its lifetime-is apparent in both as well.…

    • 289 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Arelys Loriga Professor Theology 9 October 2015 Not religiously different after all In a world with many different countries, ethnicities, and cultures comes a variety of religious groups, such as Hinduism, Santeria, and Scientology. Religion is a sort of belief that people acquire from either a family tradition or personal beliefs. Religion tries to generate an explanation for many things, for example, why the earth was created and what purpose does human life have.…

    • 1560 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Asoka DBQ

    • 746 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Asoka Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler When I think of the word ruthless, I think of Asoka. Now you may be asking who is Asoka? Asoka was the emperor of the Mauryan Empire and the grandchild of Chandragupta Maurya. His rule lasted from 268 B.C.E, to his death in 232 B.C.E. To this day he is known as the founding father of India and introduced a form of government based in Buddhist spiritual belief.…

    • 746 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The Gupta Dynasty had an advanced empire that was based on Hinduism. Hinduism is a religion that has no specified founder and the people who practice the religion believe it has always existed. Hinduism is polytheistic, meaning they worship more than one god. Three gods that Hindus worship are Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. These gods are responsible for the creation, sustenance, and destruction of the world.…

    • 428 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    This variation of the Brahmanic religion is Hinduism. Hindus observe Dharma or moral law, which allows for pursuits of material gain if it is achieved in an honest and honorable fashion; pleasure and love for the perpetuation of family and moksha, release from the wheel of life and unity with Brahman. Hinduism accepts the caste system and sacrifices like traditional Brahmanic practice. The most emphasis is placed upon the individual's dedication to their gods. Development of cities and trade in the fifth and sixth centuries, B.C.E. brought about change in traditional Brahmanic practices.…

    • 1675 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Great Essays

    Hinduism In America Essay

    • 1699 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Hinduism in America In this paper I am going to talk about the religion of Hinduism and its role in the United States and in the city of Philadelphia. As a Hindu it is a great opportunity to learn more about my religion because Hinduism is complex and interesting religion to research about. In this paper I will talk about Introduction of Hinduism, Sacred texts, Notion of Karma and Reincarnation, Sacred symbols, Hinduism in the United States, Hindu temples in Philadelphia, Hindu Festivals and many other interesting facts about Hinduism.…

    • 1699 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Hinduism and Biblical Worldview Darlene Shields Liberty University Critical Thinking Paper How are the 2 Worldviews positions similar? Or the same? I believe the two worldviews Hinduism and Biblical worldview is similar because we both worship a God we as Christians worship one God the Hindus worship many. In my studies I have found two worldviews they are similar in a very few ways we as Christians believe that God loves us and we believe God to be the trinity that has 3 parts The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost.…

    • 874 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Humans have always felt emotions and had conscience in everything that they do. As the world develops, humans start to develop cultures and different beliefs about religion. Because of the certain beliefs, people have been united as one to form the first civilizations of the world. As time goes on, these civilizations begin to form moral judgments that may have come from certain values and norms. Philosophers, authors, and religious authorities have influenced the world to lead our lives with morals and ethics.…

    • 1218 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    In the culture and time of The Ramayana, righteousness is defined by one’s commitment to their duties. This definition is proven by the people, family, and Gods approving and being supportive of what Rama and Sita do, and looking to them as examples of what is good and right. For Rama and Sita specifically, duty is their commitment to their family and each other. It is also shown in their dedication to pleasing the people they rule over, as well as their obedience to the God’s every command. The Gods are the ones that have given them life, and they live to return the favor by abiding by their words, such as Vasishtha does and says, presiding over Dasaratha’s funeral, “The most painful duty that the gods have left me to perform.”…

    • 1562 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Hinduism Essay

    • 1242 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Hinduism is most likely the oldest and most complex religion in the entire world. Traces of the religion go back as far as the third millennium B.C.E. The possible religious views of Hinduism are effectively infinite due to the number of gods both major and minor, priests and temples. Nearly 80 percent of the India population consider themselves Hindu and there are at least 30 million practitioners outside of India making this religion the third largest after Christianity and Islam. The word “Hinduism” is a collection of various traditions that are closely related and share common themes yet they do not constitute an integrated set of beliefs or practices.…

    • 1242 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    He abducted Rama’s wife Sita and brought her to his kingdom. He tried to persuade Sita to marry him but she was determined that she will not marry him and trusted her husband to come to save her. When lord Rama came to his kingdom and defeated all of his ministers and his sons, he realized that his bad choice had cost his whole kingdom and finally, after the fight between Rama and Ravana, Ravana was killed by Rama (Ramayana, 1187-1188,1226-1227). So, this evidence demonstrates that a bad choice in life can led to the downfall of the individual and also it affects idealistic…

    • 1639 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    He exhibits bravery, fairness, gratitude, goodness, and wisdom. These traits not only allow him to defeat his enemies, but inspire them to admit Rama’s greatness as the ideal man. When Rama defeated Vali, Vali witnessed Rama wisdom and power and admitted to his greatness. “In spite of my obstinacy you have helped me attain and profound understanding and opened my mind with magic” (Narayen, 104). Throughout The Ramayana, Rama repeatedly shows that he is dedicated to his sworn duty.…

    • 1249 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    By infringing upon his typically strong moral and courageous conduct, the reader sees that Rama is capable of making mistakes. As the story goes on Rama goes on to vanquish the ultimate evil, Ravana (Narayan 147), and was able to attain his place as king. His shortcomings paired with his ultimate determination to be faithful to his dharma…

    • 1047 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Musallam Almashali Dr. William L. Blizek RELIGION AND FILM December 4, 2017 Eat Pray Love Description: Hinduism is the religion of the major population in both Nepal and India, which is considered the set of religious beliefs, religious traditions, and a way of living. It has no single scripture, no single founders, and no unified set of teachings which make Hinduism different from other religion (Senker n.p.). There are instances wherein this religion is considered the oldest living religion in the world. Since it is one of the prominent and largest religions throughout the world, application and depiction of Hinduism in modern and popular culture is an ordinary thing.…

    • 1261 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays

Related Topics