Ramayana: Greatest Epic

Shruti Kumari
 About
• Story of the prince Rama and his journey to
rescue his wife Sita from king Ravana.
• Composed by the sage Valmiki around 500
BCE
• One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient
India, other being the Mahabharata.
• 24,000 verses divided into seven books
 Spiritual Significance
Considered a guide to leading a virtuous and righteous life:
 Dharma: righteous duty. Follow Rama as he is an embodiment of
Dharma.
 Devotion: importance of devotion to God. Devotion od Rama is
considered as devotion to god.
 Karma: states that our actions have consequences. The characters in
the epic are shown to reap the fruits of their actions, whether good or
bad.
 Selflessness: teaches putting others' needs before our own. Rama is
shown to be selfless in his action.
 Inner strength: Rama's exile and subsequent battles with demons and
Ravana are seen as tests of his inner strength, and his triumph is seen as a
testament to the power of inner strength.
 Philosophical Significance
• Idealism: Believes that reality is fundamentally based on the mind
or consciousness, and material objects and physical phenomena
are ultimately secondary to the perceptions that one holds
• Rama: the ideal son, husband, and ruler, and his actions are
guided by his deep sense of duty and righteousness.
 Man of strong moral principles
 Devoted to truth and justice
 Rama's idealism is reflected in his treatment of others, including
his enemies.
• Sita: the ideal wife devoted toward Rama, and never wavers from
her commitment to him.
 Philosophical Significance
• Pragmatism: emphasizes the practical consequences of beliefs and ideas.
 The Importance of Duty: fulfilling one's duty, or dharma, regardless of the circumstances.
Encourages people to be responsible and accountable in their actions, and to do what
needs to be done even if it is difficult.

 The Consequences of Actions: Every action has consequences.

Encourages people to think before they act and to be mindful of the impact their actions
will have

 The Power of Relationships: importance of strong relationships, such as those between

siblings, friends, and spouses.
Recognizes the value of social connections and healthy relationships.

 Problem-Solving and Creativity: Building a bridge across the ocean. This pragmatic
approach to problem-solving encourages people to think creatively and to be resourceful in
finding solutions to challenges.
 Indian Philosophical Lens
• Advaita Vedanta: A non-dualistic school of philosophy.
 Emphasizes the oneness of all beings and the ultimate unity of the universe.
 Rama: embodiment of the ultimate reality( Brahman)
 Rama journey: path towards self-realization and the realization of oneness
•  
• Karma Yoga: A path of spiritual development through selfless action.
 Rama's actions are guided by his sense of duty and responsibility, and an expression of his devotion to
God.
 Emphasizes the importance of action, detachment, and selflessness in spiritual development.
 
• Bhakti Yoga: A path of spiritual development through devotion to God.
 Rama as an avatar of Vishnu, and his devotees worship him with love and devotion.
 Emphasizes the importance of devotion, surrender, and love in spiritual development.

 Jnana Yoga: A path of spiritual development through knowledge and wisdom.

• The characters in the Ramayana offer insights into the nature of reality, the workings of the mind, and
the path to enlightenment.
 Cultural Significance
• Literature: most beloved and widely read literary works in India and Southeast Asia. It has been
translated into many languages and has inspired countless literary works, including plays, poems, and
novels.
 
• Art: inspired a vast array of art, from classical paintings and sculptures to contemporary graphic
novels and films. Its characters and stories have been depicted in various art forms, showcasing the
diversity of cultures and styles across the regions where it is revered.

• Music: traditional folk songs and devotional hymns to modern-day film songs.

• Dance: a source of inspiration for traditional dance forms in India and Southeast Asia including
Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Ramayana Ballet. The expressive movements and emotive storytelling
of these dance forms bring the epic to life for audiences.
 
• Cultural Identity: The Ramayana has played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of India
and Southeast Asia. Its stories and characters are woven into the fabric of these cultures, and they
continue to inspire people to uphold the values of righteousness, devotion, and selflessness that the
epic embodies.
 Cultural Significance
Cultural Identity:
Righteousness, Devotion, and
Selflessness

Dance: Literature:
Ramlila, Kathakkli, Wayang Ramcharitmanas, Kamban's
Wong, Apsara dance Ramavataram,Ramakien,
Hikayat Seri Rama,Reamker,
Phra Lak Phra Lam

Music:
S-E Asia: Piphat, Khon, Gamelan
India:: Tyagaraja's "Rama Nannu
Brovara" and Muthuswami
Dikshitar's "Sri Ramachandra
Kripalu"
Art:
India: Pahari & Mughal painting
Brihadeeswarar Temple
S-E Asia: Wayang kulit, Wat
Phra Kaew