To
whoever is reading this blog... Greetings! This is my first attempt to jump in
to the world of blogging. I have been thinking about this for more than three
years, I honestly cannot believe that I am blogging!!!! Yipeeee....OMG.
I
dedicate my first blog to Lord Ram whose stories had left me spellbound as a
child.....however thanks to a BA (hons) in Psychology, Msc in Psychology and
currently a Research scholar in Psychology has left me thinking can there
really be a Maryada Purushottam in today's world? For those who did not quite
understand the term "Maryada purushottam" aka finest specimen of
a disciplined human being. Only Lord Ram was given this title in the Indian
Scriptures.
If
I met Lord Ram (in some avatar), I have always been curious as to which
psychometric assessment tool would befit this Vishnu Avatar.....would BIG5
suffice? or the never ending 16PF?......if he is on planet earth would he have
time to answer the questionnaires given by this hapless
earthling.....or would he be too busy slaying crazy demons (there are
sooooooooooo many of them these days!)
Did
Lord Ram really deserve the title of " Maryada Purushottam?" Why in
heavens name did he leave Ayodhya just because his step mom Kaikeyi
wanted her son to become King ? What would have been his IQ and EQ score then?
Probably he would have tipped the scales of Conscientiousness on
BIG5!
The
great warrior prince groomed under the great Sage
Vishwamitra, couldn't scare Shoorpanakha away? For those who are not
familiar with this character, she was Ravana's sister and she had a huge crush
on Lord Rama....scriptures quotes that he was a handsome dude! Poor chic
proposed him and he asked her to leave.....but she did not....probably
Shoorpanaka had TYPE A personality trait! She refused to leave and started
throwing tanturms!!! Lord Rama was in a fix. Loving baby bro Laxman comes to
the rescue and chops Shoorpanaka's nose! Laxman would have definitely tipped
the trait on "Dominance" in 16PF.
Those
who are familiar with the Ramayan knows how Lord Ram when to great heights to
rescue his beloved wife Sita. But he succumbed to societal pressure and doubted
the sanctity of his pregnant wife?!! Just because she was
kidnapped he doubted the paternity of his unborn child? Poor Sita was
banished from his kingdom, but Laxman secretly escorted her to the forest, so
that she could be taken care of by Rishi Valmiki. How could a Maryada
purushottam do that?
On
seeing his twin sons Luva and Kusha, Lord Ram realises that he was wrong. He
begged for forgiveness from Sita. Scriptures quote that she went back to her
Mother Bhoomi Devi. The erstwhile King, the great Lord Ram could not bare the
pain of realising his mistake and commits suicide by jumping in to River
Sarayu....which mood disorder was he suffering from in DSMIV?
Was
Lord Rama really a Maryada Purushottam? Psychometric assessments would
answer otherwise. Or was he an extra ordinary human being who stood by
"The Truth' at all times in his life and help mankind for years to come?
Could he really be God who came on earth to teach mankind the virtues on being
"RIGHT" and "JUST" and underwent painful sacrifices in the
bargain?
As a person, Rama
personifies the characteristics of an ideal person
"purushottama" who is to be emulated. He had within him all the
desirable virtues that any individual would seek to aspire, and he fulfilled
all his moral obligations (maryada). Rama's purity and piety in his intentions
and actions inspires affection and devotion for him from a variety of
characters from different backgrounds. For example, he gave up his rightful
claim to the throne, and agreed to go into exile for fourteen years, to fulfill
the vow that his father had given to Kaikey. For such supreme sacrifices, and
many other qualities, Rama is considered a maryada purushottamor
the best of upholders of Dharma, a basically human but exemplary figure. Some
of his ideals are as follows:
1. At the time when it was
normal for kings to have more than one wife, Rama gave ideal of having a single
wife. 2. Rama always followed his promise at any cost. In fact, he went to
forest to make his father's promise to Kaikeyi true.
3. Excellent friend: Rama
had very touching relations with his friends irrespective of their castes.
4. Even towards his
enemies, Rama showed great nobility and virtue. When Ravana first fought with
Rama, Rama defeated him to such an extent that Ravana lost his charioteer,
horses, chariot, flag, weapons and armor. Though the situation was at his
advantage, Rama instead praised Ravana for a great fight that day, and asked
him to retire and take rest, as he must be quite tired. Ravana was greatly
embarrassed at this, but he was also gratified that Rama saved his life, and
this led him to consider for a moment whether to retreat and give Sita back!
Lord Rama is an epitome of
humanity, it might be difficult to find a human with all his qualities, but if
one carefully gaze we can find humans who work hard to help nature and mankind
in the form of teachers, doctors, lawyers, bus drivers, law enforcement
professionals, law abiding citizens, etc. Lord Rama would have left
this planet years ago but his legacy still lives on in the hearts of
humans who are truly human! They are around us but
we fail to recognize them or we take them for granted, just
like how Lord Ram was taken for granted by mankind.
Maryada Prushottam aap
kahan ho? vapus kab awoge?
Awaiting comments on my first blog!
ReplyDeleteGotta Say... You are good at it! So keep blogging Saum! I enjoyed reading the post :) :) Veena
ReplyDeleteThank U Veena, u made my day :)
DeleteCongrats Saumya :) Wat a brilliant way to link psychology & mythology- keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteBestest,
Chaitanya
Thank u Maam :)
DeleteLove your blog dear. Kudos to you :)
ReplyDeleteThank u Kimi :)
DeleteGood job Saumya
ReplyDeleteThank u dear :)
DeleteWell honestly i had no idea who ta heck u were talkin about.... So had to google a summary on ta ramayan before reading.... it was overall a nice read... I really tot tat reference to shurpanaka crush was hilarious.... But on a serious note i dun think rama doode distrustd his wife coz he was jus respectin ta demands of ta praja and fulfillin his duties as king.... Otherwise there was half a million ppl waitin to whoop his ass... Although he did get his ass whoopd when sita left him....lol... Nywyz although i wld luv to b a critic ... U knw how much i hate using my brain for typin.... So my verdict is a nice read... Was intellect for me but luvd ta concept.. Lukin forward to ta blog...jus bukmarkd it....
ReplyDeleteThank u :)
DeletePl have a luk. Qualities of Rama The Rajarshi
ReplyDelete“Ayodhya Kaand”
2-1-9 Meaning Rama was beautiful in form, a hero of valor and without envy. By virtues, he was like Dasaratha. In this way, he was an incomparable son on earth.|| 2-1-10 Meaning That Rama was always peaceful in mind and spoke softly. He did not react to the hard words spoken by others.
|| 2-1-11 Meaning That Rama, because of his good bent of mind, feels glad even by whatever way a good thing is done to him. He does not remember any number of bad things done to him.|| 2-1-12 Meaning Whenever he finds some time even while practising archery, Rama used to converse with elderly people, elder by way of conduct or wisdom or age or with good- natured people. || 2-1-13 Meaning Rama was a wise man. He used to speak sweetly. He was the first man to initiate a talk. His speech was compassionate. He was valorous. But he was not arrogant of his mighty valor. || 2-1-14 Meaning He did not speak untruth. He was all knowing. He used to be receptive and worshipful to the elders. People used to love him and he used to love the people. || 2-1-15 Meaning He had compassion. He conquered anger. He used to be receptive and worshipful to the wise. He had mercy towards the meek. He knew what was to be done. He had always self-control. He was clean (in conduct).|| 2-1-16 Meaning That Rama, having an attitude suitable for his social rank, giving due respects to righteousness of warrior-class, believed that by following the righteousness he would attain great fame and through it the fruit of heaven.|| 2-1-17 Meaning Rama was not interested in actions, which were not beneficial. He was a scholar. He had no taste in tales opposing righteousness. Like vächaspathi, his eloquent speech contained a series of strategies for action. || 2-1-18 Meaning Rama was a young man without any disease. He was a good speaker. He had a good body. He knew both time and place. He could grasp the essence of men. He was the one gentleman born on earth.|| 2-1-19 Meaning People loved the virtuous prince Rama and treated him as their spirit moving outside.|| 2-1-20 Meaning After completing his education properly, Rama, after knowing the science of archery as prescribed, was better than his father in the use of bow and arrows.|| 2-1-21 Meaning Rama, having born in a good clan, was gentle minded. He was not feeble. He spoke truth. He was straightforward. He was properly trained by elderly wise men that knew righteousness.
|| 2-1-22 Meaning Rama knew the real form of desire, wealth and righteousness. He had a good memory power. He had a spontaneous wisdom. He had skills in arranging customs useful to society prevalent at that time.
|| 2-1-23 Meaning Rama was humble. He did not let his feelings appear outwardly. He kept his thoughts to himself. He helped others. His anger and pleasure were not wasteful. He knew when to give and when not to give.
|| 2-1-24 Meaning Rama had a firm devotion and steadfast mind. He was not stubborn nor did he speak evil words. He was free from idleness and was ever alert. He recognized his own errors and those of others.
|| 2-1-25 Meaning Rama knew the theory and practice of sciences. He understood the differences among men. He could judiciously discriminate whom to protect and whom to punish.|| 2-1-26 Meaning He identified good men and protected them. He knew the people worthy of reprimand. He knew the ways and means of getting income as well as the system of spending, as perceived by economic sciences. || 2-1-27 Meaning Rama could obtain great skill in the groups of sciences along with their subsidiaries. He was interested in enjoying comforts only after understanding the economic realities. He never remained inactive.
|| 2-1-28 Meaning Rama was acquainted with the fine arts useful for entertainment. He knew how to distribute the wealth. He was efficient in riding and taming of elephants and horses.
Thank you Anonymous
ReplyDeleteHi Saumya,
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice read; psychometric analysis of a mythological character looked amazing. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Soumya
Thank you Soumyabrata.
DeleteYou need to explore a bit i guess. When you have multiple roles and responsibilities as a king, as a son, as a husband etc. There is lot of conflicting decisions.
ReplyDeleteFor example. Was killing Bali by hiding behind is correct?
How can a brave warrior like Ram do this?
Now if you go by the book, you will get killed. But hiding and attacking is not as per the code.
So what do we do. Considering the evil activities of Bali and letting him continue with his ill deeds is not right either. So as per Dharma, you kill him and save a thousand.
Similarly there are lot of conflicting situation in Mahabarat, where many actions are questionable.
The ultimate learning from all these mythologies, lies in the power of decision making when you have conflicting goals and situations. There is no easy solution. You need to weigh your impact of decisions and look at a more broader picture. The more higher is your position, the more conflicting
it is. But these responsibilities are not for the faint-hearted.
Life is not black or white its always grey.