{"id":178,"date":"2018-03-20T17:02:09","date_gmt":"2018-03-20T17:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.chinmayaupahar.in\/blog\/?p=178"},"modified":"2025-08-18T03:59:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T03:59:10","slug":"rama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/2018\/03\/20\/rama\/","title":{"rendered":"Rama \u2013 Indeed a Man of Perfection!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"393\" data-end=\"735\"><em data-start=\"393\" data-end=\"709\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lord Rama is seen carrying His bow and arrow at all times and that symbolises His preparedness and strength to maintain peace and justice both within and without\u2026 He is the ideal of \u2018aggressive goodness\u2019\u2026. He would not passively accept anything that is inconsistent with or contrary to morality and righteousness.<\/span><\/i> <\/em>\u2013 Swami Chinmayananda<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"782\">Rama \u2013 The Seventh Avatar of Vishnu<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"1134\">Lord Vishnu took His seventh avatar as <em><a href=\"https:\/\/chinmayaupahar.in\/products\/idol-rama-lalla-metal\"><strong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"836\">Lord Rama<\/strong><\/a><\/em> during the Treta Yuga. The <strong data-start=\"864\" data-end=\"876\">Ramayana<\/strong>, written by Sage Valmiki, narrates His life and greatness. Known as <em data-start=\"945\" data-end=\"966\">Maryada Purushottam<\/em> (the Lord of Virtue), Rama was the eldest son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya. His life represents the highest standards of morality, courage, and compassion.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_837\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-837\" style=\"width: 447px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-837 \" title=\"Great Sage: Valmiki\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Valmiki.jpg\" alt=\"Valmiki in Ramayan\" width=\"447\" height=\"348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Valmiki.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Valmiki-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Valmiki-385x300.jpg 385w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 447px) 100vw, 447px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-837\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sage Valmiki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1179\">The Perfect Character in Ramayana<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1181\" data-end=\"1345\">Sage Valmiki portrays Rama as the embodiment of uncompromising goodness. Nowhere else do we find such perfection combined in a single individual\u2014Rama was at once:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1483\">\n<li data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1368\">\n<p data-start=\"1349\" data-end=\"1368\">A <strong data-start=\"1351\" data-end=\"1366\">perfect son<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1369\" data-end=\"1390\">\n<p data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1390\">An <strong data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1388\">ideal king<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1391\" data-end=\"1413\">\n<p data-start=\"1393\" data-end=\"1413\">A <strong data-start=\"1395\" data-end=\"1411\">true husband<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1414\" data-end=\"1439\">\n<p data-start=\"1416\" data-end=\"1439\">A <strong data-start=\"1418\" data-end=\"1437\">devoted brother<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1440\" data-end=\"1461\">\n<p data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1461\">A <strong data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1459\">real friend<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1462\" data-end=\"1483\">\n<p data-start=\"1464\" data-end=\"1483\">A <strong data-start=\"1466\" data-end=\"1481\">noble enemy<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1577\">Every relationship in His life demonstrates values that remain timeless and inspirational.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1608\">Why the Criticisms?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1610\" data-end=\"1884\">Some actions of Rama in the <em data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1648\">Ramayana<\/em> are often questioned or misunderstood. These criticisms arise when certain incidents are viewed in isolation, without considering the <strong data-start=\"1783\" data-end=\"1811\">higher ideals and dharma<\/strong> that Rama upheld. Let\u2019s explore three of the most discussed instances.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1891\" data-end=\"1930\">1. Leaving King Dasharatha to Die<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1932\" data-end=\"2108\">When Kaikeyi demanded her boon and asked Rama to go into exile, King Dasharatha was devastated. Rama knew his father would not survive the sorrow, yet He left for the forest.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2110\" data-end=\"2391\">Why? Because for Rama, <strong data-start=\"2133\" data-end=\"2184\">a son\u2019s dharma was to uphold his father\u2019s word.<\/strong> By fulfilling the promise Dasharatha had given, Rama showed that truth and duty must never be compromised\u2014even above personal bonds. His sacrifice glorified the father-son relationship, not diminished it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_834\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-834\" style=\"width: 299px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-834\" title=\"Rama &amp; Dasharatha\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Dasharatha.jpg\" alt=\"Dasaratha - Father of Lord Rama\" width=\"299\" height=\"382\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-834\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dasaratha &#8211; Father of Lord Rama<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 data-start=\"2398\" data-end=\"2425\">2. Exiling Queen Sita<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2571\">Rama sending Sita to the forest is another widely debated incident. Critics often question why He bowed to the careless gossip of a washerman.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2927\">But in the context of His time, a true king had to command the trust of <strong data-start=\"2645\" data-end=\"2669\">every single subject<\/strong>. Even one voice of doubt was enough to challenge the king\u2019s integrity. By exiling Sita, Rama demonstrated that He placed the <strong data-start=\"2795\" data-end=\"2851\">welfare of His kingdom above His personal happiness.<\/strong> This painful sacrifice underlined His role as the ideal king of that era.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-836 aligncenter\" title=\"Rama &amp; Sita\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Sita-747x1024.png\" alt=\"Lord Rama's queen Sita\" width=\"279\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Sita-747x1024.png 747w, https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Sita-219x300.png 219w, https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Sita-768x1053.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Sita.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 279px) 100vw, 279px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2934\" data-end=\"2975\">3. Shooting Vali from Behind a Tree<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2977\" data-end=\"3104\">Perhaps the most controversial act was Rama killing Vali while concealed behind a tree. At first glance, this seems cowardly.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3455\">However, Rama acted out of loyalty to His friend Sugreeva. Vali was immoral, while Sugreeva was virtuous and in need of justice. Moreover, Vali had a boon that drained half the strength of any opponent facing him in direct combat. Rama\u2019s action ensured dharma prevailed. Here, He displayed the <strong data-start=\"3400\" data-end=\"3453\">ideal of friendship and justice over brute force.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-835 aligncenter\" title=\"Rama hidden behind a tree and shooting Vali\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Vali.jpg\" alt=\"ramayana story: rama and vali\" width=\"455\" height=\"303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Vali.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Vali-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Rama-and-Vali-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 455px) 100vw, 455px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3462\" data-end=\"3496\">Rama as the Man of Perfection<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3498\" data-end=\"3706\">Taken as a whole, Rama\u2019s life is not a series of contradictions but a <strong data-start=\"3568\" data-end=\"3604\">consistent expression of dharma.<\/strong> He upheld duty as a son, sacrifice as a king, loyalty as a friend, and compassion even as an enemy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3724\">He stands for:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3725\" data-end=\"3823\">\n<li data-start=\"3725\" data-end=\"3763\">\n<p data-start=\"3727\" data-end=\"3763\"><strong data-start=\"3727\" data-end=\"3761\">Righteousness over convenience<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"3788\">\n<p data-start=\"3766\" data-end=\"3788\"><strong data-start=\"3766\" data-end=\"3786\">Duty over desire<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3789\" data-end=\"3823\">\n<p data-start=\"3791\" data-end=\"3823\"><strong data-start=\"3791\" data-end=\"3821\">Sacrifice over selfishness<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3825\" data-end=\"3948\">This is why Rama is remembered not merely as a king or a warrior, but as the <strong data-start=\"3902\" data-end=\"3946\">eternal symbol of virtue and perfection.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3955\" data-end=\"3970\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3972\" data-end=\"4189\">When we look at Rama\u2019s life through the lens of dharma, every action becomes a lesson in higher values. The criticisms dissolve, and what remains is the portrait of the <em data-start=\"4141\" data-end=\"4162\">Maryada Purushottam<\/em>\u2014the perfect human being.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4191\" data-end=\"4339\">Rama teaches us that true greatness is not in power or wealth, but in the courage to uphold righteousness, even at the cost of personal suffering.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4341\" data-end=\"4443\">\u2728 <em data-start=\"4343\" data-end=\"4441\">In Rama\u2019s life, we find an ideal to inspire our own\u2014whether as a son, friend, spouse, or leader.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Read about <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/2018\/01\/16\/find-inspiration-spread-inspiration\/\"><span style=\"color: blue;\"><u>where to find inspiration<\/u><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reference: Art of God Symbolism by Swami Chinmayananda<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lord Rama is seen carrying His bow and arrow at all times and that symbolises His preparedness and strength to maintain peace and justice both within and without\u2026 He is the ideal of \u2018aggressive goodness\u2019\u2026. He would not passively accept anything that is inconsistent with or contrary to morality and righteousness. \u2013 Swami Chinmayananda Rama&#8230; <\/p>\n<div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/2018\/03\/20\/rama\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":833,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=178"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2016,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/178\/revisions\/2016"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}