In the grand tapestry of Indian mythology, one character who has consistently stood out as a paragon of virtue and wisdom is Prabhu Sri Ram. Even as a 14-year-old, I find myself drawn to his life story, not just as a mythological tale but as a source of profound life lessons. In this blog, I will share five remarkable qualities of Sri Ram that I believe we all can learn from and apply in our daily lives.
1. Contentment and Gratitude: Sri Ram’s unwavering contentment is truly inspiring. As the prince of the most powerful kingdom, he willingly embraced a life of hardship when he ventured into the forest with Vishwamitra Rishi. This was no ordinary forest; it was teeming with beasts and demons. Yet, Sri Ram never once complained. He awakened early in the morning, as evidenced by the “Suprabhata” part in the Ramayana. His ability to remain content, even in challenging circumstances, reminds me that I should count my blessings and be grateful for the privileges I have. Why should I grumble when I have so much more than he did?
2. Patience and Self-Control: Another remarkable quality of Sri Ram is his boundless patience and self-control. When his father, King Dasharatha, asked him to spend 14 years in exile, Sri Ram obeyed without a trace of anger or resentment. He didn’t utter a single foul word against his father or step-mother, Kaikeyi. Sri Ram’s unflappable calmness serves as a lesson to me, especially when I get upset with my parents over trivial matters. It reminds me that staying calm in the face of adversity is a virtue that requires great strength.
3. Integrity and Keeping Promises: Sri Ram’s integrity and commitment to his word are truly commendable. He promised his father that he would complete 14 years of Vanvas (forest living), and he upheld that promise, even when his brother Bharat begged him to return and rule. His unyielding determination to keep his word, even in the face of great temptation, shows me the importance of honoring my own promises. If I can’t keep a simple promise to myself, how can I be trusted to keep promises to others?
4. Recognizing Good Qualities in Others: Sri Ram had a unique ability to recognize and appreciate the good qualities in people. He befriended Hanuman and recognized his immense courage and loyalty. He accepted Vibheeshan’s surrender, showing his willingness to embrace those who sought the path of righteousness. He made friends with Sugreeva and always treated his friends with the utmost respect. This quality serves as a valuable reminder that we should be more eager to find and appreciate the positive qualities in people rather than constantly seeking out their flaws. Sri Ram trusted people, and trust is the cornerstone of any meaningful friendship.
5. Treating Everyone Equally: Sri Ram’s practice of treating everyone equally is a lesson that resonates deeply with me. Whether he was interacting with Guha, blessing Ahalya, or greeting Hanuman, he displayed a consistent demeanor of respect and equality. He recognized no distinctions based on caste, creed, wealth, or social status. He cherished friendship above all else, and his actions reflect that there should be no barriers to forming genuine connections with others. This idea of transcending biases and preconceived notions is a lesson we can all learn from.
In conclusion, Prabhu Sri Ram’s life is a treasure trove of invaluable lessons that transcend time and age. These five qualities — contentment, patience, integrity, recognizing good qualities in others, and treating everyone equally — serve as guiding lights for me as a 14-year-old navigating the complexities of life. Sri Ram’s timeless wisdom reminds me that in the journey of growing up, these qualities can help me become a better person and contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world.
(Calling all young readers under 17! Share your ‘Illustrated Ramayana’ journey with us. Pen an article or essay about your experience with our book, available in English, Kannada, and Hindi. Your work could be featured on our website. Let’s explore the magic of the Ramayana together. Happy writing! – Ayodhya Publications Pvt Ltd)
– Vijay Vasisht (Class 9 student)
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