03-07-2025
Rama and dharma
The Vedas are the root of dharma, and the Sastras have been written based on them. Rama is the embodiment of dharma, and praising Rama amounts to fostering dharma. How did Rama follow dharma? Rama was born to King Dasaratha, who followed dharma and lived according to righteous principles. Additionally, Rama learned from sage Vashista, who taught him all the dharmas and sastras. On one occasion, when Lakshmana, going out of control in a fit of rage, said he would conquer fate (vidhi). Rama replied to Lakshmana that he had not thoroughly learned the Vedas, as no one could win the same.
Lanka Sri Jeyaraj said in a discourse that learning is of two types. The first is learning knowledge at the book level, and the second is gaining knowledge through experience. Sage Viswamitra asked Rama to slay the demoness Tataka. Rama hesitated as she was a woman, recalling the teachings of Vasishta that women and emissaries should not be killed. Rama also considered whether Viswamitra harboured any personal animosity towards Tataka. Viswamitra told Rama, 'I am not without knowing dharma. You hesitate by applying your book knowledge learned from Vasishta, but there is something more beyond that.. Tataka, though in the garb of a woman, does not possess the essential qualities of womanhood and nothing wrong with killing her.' Viswamitra imparted practical knowledge to Rama. Then Rama changed his mind.
Mahodhara, one of the counsels, suggested to Ravana to take the form of Rama and approach Sita to change her mind. Ravana replied that he had already tried those tactics, but they had not worked because whenever he took the form of Rama, his mind refused to think of any other woman except his wife Mandodari.
Poet Kambar says dharma is endless (Eeril Nallaram), and it grows more and more with the good and positive attitudes of people.
