MUMBAI: ``I have been teaching the Ramayana for years and have
found that it serves as an excellent window to American
students, giving them a glimpse to the great vistas of Indian
civilisation,'' writes Philip Lutgendorf, professor of South
Asian studies at the University of Iowa.
Narrating his experience of teaching the Ramayana to American
students, Mr Lutgendorf explains that the grand epic is more
than a book__ it is a tradition of story-telling.
For 2,000 years, the Ramayana has ranked among the most
important literary texts of South Asia. As the country
celebrates Ramnavmi on Wednesday, it is time to reflect on the
wisdom expostulated in this saga of the victory of good over
evil.
Interestingly, while Ramnavmi is celebrated as Lord Rama's
birthday, it is also significant because the saint-poet
Tulsidas started writing the Ramcharitamanas on this day. Lord
Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is venerated as the
source of bliss and embodiment of dharma, as he sets an
example of righteous conduct while performing life's duties.
Describing the epic, Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, ``The Ramayana
teaches two lessons__the value of detachment and the need to
become aware of the divine in every being.'' Referring to the
stories woven in the epic, Sai Baba mentions the pertinent
point that renunciation leads to joy, while attachment brings
grief. ``So even when you are a part of the world and worldly
affairs, stay detached,'' he concludes.
In congruence with the same thought, Swami Satyananda
Saraswati of Sree Rama Dasa Ashram says that the epic upholds
the values and principles of time but goes beyond temporal
limitations. He describes the prime objective of the Ramayana
as the promotion of unity in diversity. ``The great text
teaches us how to develop strength and steadiness, vigour and
vitality, wit and wisdom,'' he says.
The grand epic poem, which has laid out ethical and social
values for living, is worshipped by the Hindus. It provides
insights into myriad aspects of Indian culture and continues
to influence millions of people and their lifestyles. __Roli
Srivastava
