Sacrifice: The way to Nirvana -- Edited

One of the central themes in the Ramayana is that of sacrifice: sacrifice for one’s duties. In the Eastern World, to this day, duties to one's parents and spouse come before everything else. Throughout Ramayana duty conflicts many times with the characters personal wants. The ones portrayed as good sacrifice their personal desires for what they are ordained to do by Dharma. Dharma is a set of rules that ought to be carried out to ensure social and religious order within society. The belief of Dharma is strengthened by the story of Ramayana. Hence fulfilling the purpose of Vishnu’s reincarnation as Rama. Rama is portrayed as a Dharma-abiding king. He is a role model for his people. By giving up the throne and voluntarily going into exile Rama sacrifices power-gain for peace among his family. He doesn't care to put up a fight for it either since he has gotten his orders from his father. Whom he would never question as he is always supposed to show respect to his elders.  His love for Sita is highlighted throughout the story, though he gives her up when his people question her chastity. Again we see a sacrifice of love for duty. Sita on the other hand is portrayed as a role model for women. The way she always obliges to Rama’s wishes. How she goes through so much pain just to remain loyal to Rama is another Dharma code of conduct. She even walks through fire to prove her chastity when she is accused of not staying loyal to Rama. Lakshmana and Bharata through their love and respect for their elder brother give a good example of how brothers should always stay united and strengthens the bond of brotherhood. On a deeper level the Ramayana suggests that this life is a test and everyone is here to fulfill their respectful role. Hence to lead a fruitful life you must abide by Dharma so you get a reward for your sacrifices. It reinforces the belief of Dharma because the characters who strictly obliged to the code of Dharma are still venerated in Hindu belief system. 


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One of the central themes in the Ramayana is that of sacrifice. Sacrifice for one’s duties. In the Eastern World, to this day, duties to one's parents and spouse come before everything else. Throughout Ramayana duty conflicts many times with the characters personal wants. The ones portrayed as good sacrifice their personal desires for what they are ordained to do by Dharma. Dharma is a set of rules that ought to be carried out to ensure social and religious order within society. The belief of Dharma is strengthened by the story of Ramayana. Hence fulfilling the purpose of Vishnu’s reincarnation as Rama. Rama is portrayed as a Dharma-abiding king. He is a role model for his people. His love for Sita is highlighted throughout the story, though he gives her up when his people question her chastity. Again we see a sacrifice of love for duty. Sita on the other hand is portrayed as a role model for women. The way she always obliges to Rama’s wishes. Even walks through fire to prove her chastity. On a deeper level the Ramayana suggests that this life is a test and everyone is here to fulfill their respectful role.