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¶ … Hinduism)
The notion of Dharma is a primary concept in Hinduism. Dharma, or the Dharmic conduct, can be understood as a code of conduct of a person's life, guided by the morals, principles and discipline of spirituality. Hinduism describes it as the natural laws of the universe, which if observed properly, provide followers happiness and keeps them away from suffering. Its purpose is to present to the people a way of conducting their lives to enjoy the worldly joys and happiness, while also attaining a union with the soul spiritually. In lay man terms, Dharma can be seen as playing a role in a play. If the character performs his/her duties according to the script, then the play goes well, but if he/she doesn't, then the play is a failure. Similarly, if everything in the universe follows its Dharma, then the universe operates smoothly. If not, then everything in the universe starts to fall apart.
Apart from religious scriptures, Hinduism has many texts that include tales of the evolving years of Hinduism. One of them is the tale of Ramayana, which relates to a Hindu deity, Rama, and tells the tales of his life. Ramayana includes several events that form an example of Dharma for the followers of Hinduism and can be taken as a guide. It also includes various violations of Dharma, and teaches the lesson about such violations to be avoided so that one can achieve happiness and success in life.
Many events have been found in the Ramayana that have pointed towards the violation of the Dharmic conduct. Based on these events, an understanding of the complex nature of Dharma can be gained, which would clarify the methods by which Dharma acts to resolve the vagueness of social and ethical tensions. Many characters of Ramayana have to face various distinctive social and ethical dilemmas regarding the...
And now I'll speak out my mind. If you reject my demand, you will be the first of the Ikshvahu race, proud descendents of the sun god himself, to go back on a promise for the sake of convenience." She took breath and demanded, "Banish Rama to the forests for fourteen years; and crown Bharatha and celebrate his enthronement with the arrangements you have already made." (Narayan 1995)
After some thinking, Dasaratha, unwillingly, sends Rama to the forests. While satisfying the Dharma of fulfilling his oaths to his wife, Dasaratha is left to breach his promise made to Rama, violating the Dharma and the accepted customs of primogeniture.
In a different event, after the defeat of Ravana, Rama sends Hanuman to fetch Sita. Sita is asked to dress up appropriately by Hanuman, and is presented to Rama in front of a huge crowd. Rama acts cold to her and explains to her that by saving her, he has fulfilled the task of restoring the honor of the Ikshvahu race, and after living in Ravana's house, he could not accept her and they could never live together again. Thus, Sita decides to prove her purity.
The flames rose to the height of a tree; still Rama made no comment. He watched. Sita approached the fire, prostrated herself before it, and said, "O Agni, great god of fire, be my witness." She jumped into the fire. From the heart…
Bibliography
Narayan, R.K. The Ramayana: A shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic. New York: Penguin Books, 1995.
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