In Chapter 15, you read about the basic beliefs of Hinduism. Hindu
beliefs, such as dharma (duty), are often taught to young children
through literature.
One of the most famous sacred texts deity about dharma is the
Ramayana. It
is the story of the Vishnu, who has come to Earth in the form
of Prince Rama. As Rama, Vishnu must destroy the evil demon Ravana.
Rama does not know that he is a form of the deity Vishnu, but he does know
that he must follow his dharma. He must be a good son, a good husband,
and a good ruler. Because Rama follows his dharma, he defeats the
evil demon Ravana in the end.
Below is an excerpt from a dramatic version of the
Ramayana. Rama’s
father, King Dasharata, has decided that it is time for Rama to
become king. Unfortunately, one of the queens has a different idea
in mind for Rama. As you read, think about why Rama agrees to the
queen’s wishes.
Narrator: Rama’s early years were spent learning the skills
he would need to conquer the evil demon, Ravana. He studied the
holy scriptures and learned to use magical weapons. When he was
a young man, he married a beautiful princess named Sita. Rama’s
father was so pleased with his son that he decided it was time
for the young man to take over the throne.
King Dasharata: I do not want Rama to wait until I die to become
king. He is ready to rule now. I shall make immediate arrangements
for his crowning ceremony.
Narrator: King Dasharata called his ministers together and announced
that his eldest son would become king immediately. The king then
informed his wives of his decision. But Queen Kaikeyi, King Dasharata’s
favorite wife, had already been told of the king’s intention
by her maid. The maid, who was a vicious woman, suggested that
Rama would drive the queen and her son, Bharata, from the palace
when he became king. Queen Kaikeyi was frightened and jealous.
She asked to see the king.
King Dasharata: You asked to see me? Have you heard the wonderful
news? Rama is to become king at once. He will make a fine ruler.
But what is the matter? It appears as if you have been crying.
Queen Kaikeyi: (upset) My husband, remember many years ago when
you were wounded in battle? You were dying, and I helped you to
escape. I then took care of you until you were well. At that time,
you promised me that you would grant me two wishes. Now I want
you to fulfill that promise.
King Dasharata: Of course. A king must always keep his word. What
is it you want?
Queen Kaikeyi: First, I want you to make my son, Bharata, king
instead of Rama. For my second wish, I want you to send Rama to
the forest for 14 years.
Narrator: The king was stunned. He could not understand why Queen
Kaikeyi, who had always loved Rama, would ask such a thing. He
argued with her.
King Dasharata: If I grant what you ask, I will never see Rama
again. What terrible past deed has Rama or I done for this to have
occurred?
Narrator: When the queen refused to reconsider, the grief-stricken
king asked Rama and other members of the family to come to the
throne room.
King Dasharata: (sadly) My dear son, Rama, I have something terrible
to tell you. I must send you…. I cannot speak. Kaikeyi, you
must explain.
Queen Kaikeyi: (angrily) The king has changed his mind. He will
appoint my son, Bharata, to be the king. You will be sent into
the forest for 14 years.
Rama: (confused) I don’t understand. How did I offend my
father?
Queen Kaikeyi: Your father is honoring an old promise. A good king
realizes it is his duty to keep his word no matter how painful.
It would be best if you left at once.
Rama: Of course, I will do as my father orders. Sita, my beloved
wife, I shall miss you terribly, but we will be together again
someday.
Sita: (begging) Rama, please let me come with you into the forest.
Rama: But life is terrible in the forest. It is full of dangers.
You would have to sleep on the forest floor and eat only fruits
and plant roots.
Sita: I don’t care. Life is nothing without you.
Rama: If you are so determined, you may come. Lakshmana, my brother,
I shall miss you, but 14 years will pass quickly. Bharata is a
good man. He will rule well.
Lakshmana: My brother, allow me to come too. I will protect you
and Sita.
Rama: I welcome your company, Lakshmana. And now it is time for
me to say good-bye to you, dear mother.
Queen Kausalya: (upset) I cannot bear to see you go while I remain
here.
Rama: It is the son’s duty to obey his father. I can do nothing
else.
Queen Kausalya: Then let me also come with you. To be separated
from one’s child is a terrible fate.
Rama: Father needs you. He will die if you leave. Your place is
here.
Queen Kausalya: Yes, that is true. It is right that I remain here.
Narrator: And so Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita left the palace and
began their 14 years of exile.
Investigating Literature
Imagine that Rama had an
opportunity to seek some advice before the end of the scene.
Construct
an advice column that counsels Rama on his father’s
request that he leave the kingdom. Your advice column will
consist
of two letters.
The first letter should be from Rama to
Clio, the ancient Greek muse of history. This letter must
|
| • |
be in a letter format with
a proper salutation and closing. |
| • |
include a summary of Rama’s situation. |
| • |
pose a specific question from Rama about
his situation. |
| • |
use correct grammar and spelling. |
The second letter should be from Clio to Rama. This letter
must
|
| • |
be in a letter format with a proper salutation
and closing. |
| • |
include helpful advice on what you think
he should do about his situation. Keep in mind the idea of
dharma that is important to the Ramayana. |
| • |
include an example of where you had to
follow your duty or do the right thing even though it may have
been difficult for you. |
| • |
use correct grammar and spelling. |
History Alive! The Ancient World, Investigating Literature
