5 lessons from Ramayana
Diwali is around the corner, and this day marks the victory of light over darkness. Since ancient times, Diwali has been seen and celebrated in every part of India and is known to be the most important festival. People often wait for this time of the year as they get to make memories with their loved ones and celebrate it with devotion and happiness. Beyond all the festivities and celebrations, Diwali also contributes to the realization of changing the path of life towards being more positive and responsible and focusing on prosperity and good health.
From a religious point of view, Diwali is celebrated widely, with the belief that this festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama from his fourteen-year-long exile and the conquering of the demon - King Ravan.
Ramayana is one of the sacred and greatest epics of Hindu Mythology. It is not just a story but an educational medium that helps modern learners gain accurate and in-depth life lessons. The ancient sages use lessons from Ramayana to embrace the importance of performing your dharma (duty), and each story in it has a deeper meaning.
To instill and learn from the story of Ramayana and go beyond it takes a wise person who is seen to educate oneself and embark on the life journey using the words written in this legendary epic story. The Indian epic tale of Ramayana has innumerable lessons to teach; it has leadership, entrepreneurship, governance, philosophy, spiritual significance, and management. As per history, Ramayana is branched into 7 Kandas or chapters, and this Diwali, let’s explore the wisdom this great epic has endured and provided us with the key to success.
LESSON ONE- BAL KANDA
"Never Promise What You Cannot Deliver"
The first lesson in this epic is named Bal Kanda, the outcome of Kaikayi, who used these boons to send Rama away for 14 years in the forest and make Bharat, the Kind of Ayodhya.
ACTION- Dasrhrath promised 3 blank promises to Kaikayi
In life, defeat and failure are evident; however, it is not continuous. Whenever you face failure or defeat in life, shape your mind to an understanding that this is not something that has happened overnight. There is a series of events, and failure/defeat is the outcome. We face so much in life, and every challenge we face has a consequence that leads us to this path. Recall the Domino effect, where one event sets off a chain of similar events. Sure, you take wrong decisions or make bad judgments, may even try some unethical or mean ways to achieve something, or did any such relatable acts in life; what you are facing is the outcome of those acts that you’ve done in the past.
You might have heard the saying, ‘What goes around comes around.’ Well, the entirety of this lesson lies in it. During Professional situations, people commit to their partners, customers, and subordinates without actually understanding the repercussions of those commitments. And when you do, you tend to fail in fulfilling your commitments. Looking at the bigger picture before making such commitments can go a long way in preventing failure/defeat in life.
LESSON TWO - AYODHYA KANDA
When Working with Unknown Variables, Don’t Take Risks Without Complete Data. Take Time to Swot Up a Situation.
The second lesson from Ramayana talks about the reckless acts which can result in dire consequences. In the story, Ram reacts instead of responding and was deviated, leaving his front unguarded.
ACTION- Sita saw a beautiful deer, which was actually a demon called Maricha; she demanded Rama to get it for her. Though he realized something was erring, Rama went to chase the deer to charm Sita.