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VOLUME 15 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2021 ) > List of Articles

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Rama—The Epitome of Indian Ethics: Relevance to Modern Mental Health

Raveesh Bevinahalli Nanjegowda, Ravindra Neelakantappa Munoli

Keywords : Indian ethics, Mental health, Rama, Ramayana

Citation Information : Nanjegowda RB, Munoli RN. Rama—The Epitome of Indian Ethics: Relevance to Modern Mental Health. Ind J Priv Psychiatry 2021; 15 (2):108-111.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10067-0093

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 31-12-2021

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2021; The Author(s).


Abstract

India is known for its ancient traditions. From time immemorial, various faiths have flourished here. Ethics has its origin in its theology and philosophical thinking. Ethics is the core of all these multiple faith systems from the roots of Vedas, Upanishad's, and epics. The people's moral code is an indicator of their social and spiritual ways of life developed from these roots. They teach the true essence of human life is to live amidst worldly joy and sorrows. The epic Ramayana differentiates the term human value from social value. Ramayana means the journey of Rama. Though the central theme of the Ramayana revolves around the victory of good over evil, it is the righteousness and patience/tolerance of Rama in circumstances of adversity and felicity which colors the epic. Rama sacrificed all his pleasures for the welfare of his subjects upholding the true dharma. Translators have failed to find an exact equivalent English word for dharma. It is often said to be a duty and does not equate with religion. The three goals of human life as per Indian culture are artha (prosperity), kāma (desire), and dharma (righteous living); the fourth, which is the most important and ultimate goal of life, is moksha. The two essential aspects of Indian culture by which life goals are achieved are values and holism. Values refer to moral, spiritual, and ethical values, and holism means oneness or unity. Many dynasties, kings, and kingdoms ruled India. But Rama is considered the “Purushottama” or “Maryada Purusha” for his uncompromising and untiring binding with the core Indian values and ethics. This paper tries to reveal these much-needed ethical values in modern human life where such ethics are eroding.


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