Ram – An ideal Son

Rama valued his father’s pride more than his own pain
& defended his father’s honor that haters tried to stain.
He embarked on journey with no hate in his brain
For his divine loyalty drained out the feeling of disdain.

When the people witnessed him depart
It broke them & torn their souls apart.
Yet they realized Rama’s magisterial art
When he said, that he lives in everyone’s heart.

Though he was unjustly treated by his stepmother
His heart still melted with affection for his brother.
For they mutually respected one another
& this brotherly love no cruel conspiracy could smother.

Rama’s spiritual values till this day we celebrate
Because even though he was victimized by his unforgiving fate
Yet on his shoulders he carried his responsibilities‘ weight
& with integrity he conquered all kinds of hate.

– Sidharth Jain, New Delhi

The poem beautifully enumerates the topic. Feel what can I write after all these words. I should be grateful to my brother from Delhi, who took time out, to write this, even though he didn’t want to. He shared that he did it out of respect for me, but I very well know and believe that Ram residing in his heart has made him do this.

Ram, the name itself gives goosebumps to millions of his followers.

Ram, the name itself gives one the confidence to win in every battle.

Ram, the name itself instills arouses passion for the Motherland.

But today I want to talk about Ram as an ideal son. Will not describe the events described in the poem as they are self explanatory. But will talk about संतान।

सम्यक् तनोति इति संतान। A child is one who carries forward the goals of parents.

And we can see the same characteristics in Ram. His forefathers King Aja, King Raghu, his own father King Dasrath have all lived their lives for the betterment and development of society. It is said that even the Devas, used to ask them for their help. Similarly Ram too, has worked towards development of society as a whole. The 14 years spent in exile were for the upliftment of the people who lived a uncivilized life. Fighting with the Rakshasas, who felt that spending uncivilized way of life is the only aim in life, is just a small part of the exile. Historically, all the events of abducting of Sita, meeting the Vanars, the Ram Ravan war, took place in the last 14 – 16 months of exile. So the question arises what did Ram do for the initial period? He, like his forefathers, lived amongst the uncivilized people and developed relations with them. He spent time with them and slowly but steadily made them understand the basic tenets of a cultured life. Led them to the path of civilisation.

Similarly like his forefathers, he always gave respect to the words of the Rishis. When Vishwamitra came to Dasrath to ask for Ram, to fight of the Rakshashas who were disrupting their yadnya. Dashrath, a father denies. But it is Ram who reminds him of his duties and expresses his willingness to go with the Rishi.

Ram is a very obediant son. He never questions his parents. When his father told him that he would be crowned the King, he agreed. The next day, when Dasrath banished him to exile, he agreed. He did not argue. Rishi Valmiki notes that there was not even a minute change in his expression in both the instances. He is always ready to do as his father tells him too.

I dont want to make this blog a long read, by writing many such instances from Ram’s life. But would sure love as always to raise questions to make everyone of us think.

Will we listen to what our father says, even if it is against our wishes?

Will we still command the same respect for our mother who for some reason strip us off our powers?

Will we complete every wish of our parents even if it means giving up our lives?

Let us all try to find genuine answers to these questions as devotees and followers of Ram. On this day of Ram Navmi, if we can sit back (lockdown days) and think and find answers to the above questions, then I do not think, India would need an old age home, anytime in near history.

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Ram Navmi.

May Lord Ram bless the world and lead us to light from these dark days of the pandemic.