One of the greatest epics of all times is the Ramayana, which depicts the story of Sri Rama who is considered as an incarnation of the Almighty. He was born as one of the sons of King Dasaratha. He lived the life of an ordinary human being, a role model to entire humanity. He moved like an angel in human form sweetly combining moral excellence with the noblest qualities of head and heart. He was the repository of an ocean of values. Every act of his reflected an exalted principle and logic. To understand this we take one example of his trait-forgiveness.
King Dasaratha had given two boons to Kaikeyi, for her invaluable help during a war, which saved his life. The King loved Kaikeyi, the youngest of his consorts. When the King announced the coronation of Sri Rama naming him as his successor, the entire country was in a jubilant mood and full of celebrations.
The King tried his best to dissuade Kaikeyi from enforcing the boons. He was heart broken. Sri Rama came to know this. He took the intent of the boon cheerfully. There was no expression of sadness in his face. He realized his father’s predicament and said it was his duty to honor the word given by his father. He volunteered to go the forest.
Sri Rama left for the forest. A heart brokern Dasaratha died. After fulfilling several missions of destroying perpetrators of evil Sri Rama fought against Ravana and killed him. He was victorious. All the gods and his father Dasaratha from heaven showered blessings on Sri Ram. Then Dasaratha asked him for a boon.
The great Sri Rama said.
“Father, do not have any grudge against Kaikeyi.She is my mother. Forgive her. That is the only boon I need from you”.
Dasaratha was touched by the large heartedness of his son and he readily agreed. The triumphant Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya .The first act he did was to visit Kaikeyi, prostrate before her and seek her blessings. Only after obtaining her blessings he went to his mother.
This is the greatness of Sri Ram, born as a human being, an incarnation of the Lord. The great epic Ramayana contains thousands of principles and values of eternal significance and great relevance to mankind . His conduct depicts the ultimate in forgiveness. The world will be a better place for all if all strive hard to cultivate the quality of forgiveness at least in a small degree. Is not Sri Rama’s conduct the ultimate in human forgiveness? It will be conducive to live a fruitful and meaningful life than a life reveling in stupidity.
Sri Rama’s conduct was the ultimate in human relations. Modern management talks about sensitivity training. People get upset and irritated over trivial things and situations. They display bad temper and resort to violence and conflict as solution to problems. We can learn the art of management by studying the situations faced by Sri Rama and how he handled them. In depth study of this great epic is of immense value to managers for it contains healthy management practices, which ensure harmony in society.In recognition of the significance of values embedded in the great epic and to remember the Lord and his noble traits, the Ramayana Month is observed with celebrations in many parts of India.
