Jacob Klionsky April 16, 2013 History 7 The Ramayana (Rama's Journey)

Definition of dharma: Is to obey your caste, age, gender, nonviolence and social role are all part of Dharma, or this could be called your social duty. Definition of karma: Is when you do bad and get bad back later, or do good and get good back later on. It will determine what youll be in your later lives.

Examples of the Hindu concept of dharma are: When he decided to go to the forest because it his fathers promise, and even though he is dead its his duty. Burhata had to dispose of his fathers body because it's your dharma. Sita showed Dharma when she wouldn't let Hanuman save her, because she wants her own husband (Rama) because he is the true hero. Sita showed Dharma again because she wouldnt except Ravanas pledge for marriage because Rama is her true husband that she shall never leave. Rama showed dharma when he sent away Sita because the towns people thought that Sita wasnt pure and became pregnant from Ravana another man. Examples of the Hindu concept of karma are: When Parashurama stepped in the way and was very rude to Rama so Rama took away all of his karma, because he did this. Dasharata accidently killed a boy a long time ago and he told the parents to put a curse on him that Dasharatas child (Rama) would leave before he could say his last goodbye when he dies. Ravana decided to keep Sita hostage even though he knew he was outnumbered in war, but then he sent out his son to fight who gets killed by Laksmana Khara proposed marriage to Rama and Lakshmana, and tried to kidnap Sita to kill her for Ramas hand in marriage, but instead Rama cut Kharas nose and ears off. A women to stone because of her bad karma, but when she saw Rama it allowed her to come back from stone.

Realizations of the Ramayana

After reading the amazing story of Rama in the Ramayana I have realized many different and unique ways of an Indian Hindu. The part of the Indian culture that surprises me the most is what people do for karma and to fulfill there dharma, especially in the Ramayana. One thing that really stands out for me is that the son has to burry his father once he dies. I understand that its part of your Dharma, but in our culture we usually have a big ceremony celebrating the persons life, which is much different to Hindus. Another interesting part of the Ramayana was when Rama took away all of Parashuramas karma because he rudely steps Ramas way. It was quite different than anything I have ever read; in fact I think its rude of Rama for taking away all of his karma. All he did was simply challenge Rama, and Rama thought this was very rude and took away all of his hard earned karma. The most surprising and confusing moment for me is when Rama sent Sita away because of the rumor that she isnt pure. I think that Rama should at least confronted Sita before banishing her, it's almost as if Rama trusts a rumor more than Sita. I guess it could be part of your dharma to leave your wife if she is not pure and could be cheating, if I was Sita I would be very infuriated because she knew she was pure. Just thinking about these three moments remind me of how different our cultures are, but also how cool it would be to be Hindu.