Bliss-Girls

Rishi Valmiki is the author of Ramayana. It is a poem narrating the life of Rama. It consists of roughly 24000 shlokas. Valmiki ramayana has 7 kandas or chapters. 

1. Balakanda: Around 6,000 shlokas.
2. Ayodhyakanda: Around 6,000 shlokas.
3. Aranyakanda: Around 4,000 shlokas.
4. Kishkindhakanda: Around 4,500 shlokas.
5. Sundarakanda: Around 2,500 shlokas.
6. Yuddhakanda: Around 6,000 shlokas.
7. Uttarakanda: Around 2,500 shlokas.

This poem is believed to be written in treta yuga. 4 yugas have been defined: Satya yuga which spans over 1.728 million years, Treta yuga spans over 1.296 million years, Dwapara is 864,000 years and Kali yuga is 432,000 years.

When humans have such short lives and limited memories, how did a character from Treta yuga last so long in the culture and still continues to live? How did Rama became so popular in South east Asia? Why does just the mention of his name trigger emotions even amongst the youth today? The answer to this is in the very first kanda, balakanda and the very first sarga. Rishi Valmiki asks Sage Narada if there is any human who is righteous, virtuous , humble, powerful, courageous and knowledgeable. Sage Narada responds and tells about Rama.

The answer to questions asked earlier; It is his character. Religious aspect aside, he is described as someone having all those characteristics which are paragon of virtue. He is the perfect role model for those genuinely desiring material success and happiness. Even most modern self-help books elaborate on one or two characteristics that Rama imbibed. Sage Narada describes Rama having the following characteristics:

नियतात्मा – self-restrained
महावीर्य: – Very powerful
द्युतिमान् – clear-minded
धृतिमान् – resolute
बुद्धिमान् – intelligent
नीतिमान् – of high morals
वाग्मी – eloquent
शत्रुनिबर्हण – foe-destroying
धर्मज्ञ:- Knower of law
सत्यसन्ध:- keeping one’s promise
ज्ञानसम्पन्नः – Having great knowledge
वश्यः – obedient
समाधिमान् – absorbed in meditation
स्मृतिमान् – one who has retentive memory
प्रतिभानवान् – talented
सर्वलोकप्रियः – beloved of all people
अदीनात्मा – one who has unperturbed mind
विचक्षणः – wise

Indeed it is very rare to find a single human with all these qualities. We can look up to such role models, attempt to emulate their character and make our life worthy.

Jai Shree Ram!