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WHY LORD RAM’S EXAMPLE IS RELEVANT IN TODAY’S WORLD

Children, some critics say that the Ramayana and Lord Ram’s example are irrelevant in the modern world. Their view is that in today’s age of science and technology, Ram’s path is too extreme and impractical. There may be some truth to their criticism because ages ago when the story of Ramayana took place, society and […]

Children, some critics say that the Ramayana and Lord Ram’s example are irrelevant in the modern world. Their view is that in today’s age of science and technology, Ram’s path is too extreme and impractical. There may be some truth to their criticism because ages ago when the story of Ramayana took place, society and family life were firmly rooted in dharma. Back then, moral and spiritual values such as truthfulness, self-sacrifice and humility governed the land. Thus, people genuinely appreciated and followed the guidance and example of a ruler rooted in dharma. They really appreciated Ram’s ways, cherishing him as dharma personified.

As the King of Ayodhya, Ram gave prime importance to doing his dharma towards his country and its citizens. Both as a king and as a human being, he was perfect—loving, compassionate, fearless and considerate. He always had his subjects’ well-being and his country’s prosperity at the forefront of his mind. For him, everything else was secondary. Thus, his abidance in dharma had a huge impact on the citizens of Ayodhya. That is why they all wanted to accompany Ram to the forest when he went into exile.

It’s true we will not be able to duplicate Ram’s ways. Amma doesn’t think anyone can be that perfect. Regardless, no one can deny the fact that, thousands of years later, Ram’s life still remains as an immense source of inspiration to millions of people across the world and that it will forever continue to serve such a purpose.

Not everyone who worships Ram meticulously follows his teachings. But when compared to most people—the majority of which are mired in selfishness—Ram’s devotees must be relatively more dharmic. Actually, that is enough. Indeed such impact is the purpose of avataras like Ram. Because, as Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, “Even a little practice of this a dharma saves one from great fear.”

Children, the truth is that if we could observe even an infinitesimal part of what Lord Ram showed us, the world would be in a much better place than it is today.

The writer is a spiritual leader, guru and humanitarian who is revered as the hugging saint by her followers.

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