Diwali Special: 6 Lessons from Superheroes

During Diwali, in most Indian homes, we read the Ramayana or listen to our elders narrate the stories of Lord Ram, Laxman, Sita, Hanuman and Ravan.

The Ramayana is one of the two major epics of ancient India (the Mahabharata is the other).

It takes us through the life and times of Prince Ram who was exiled for 14 years by his father, King Dashrath, on the request of his second queen and Ram's step-mother, Kaikeyi.

While in exile, Lord Ram's wife, Sita, is abducted by the king of Lanka, Ravan.

With the help of the vaanar sena (army of monkeys), Ram defeats Ravan and rescues Sita.

The epic battle between the 10-headed Ravan and Lord Ram -- and the events in their lives -- offer life lessons for all of us.

Here are some of the important characters from the Ramayana and the key lessons they teach us:

 

Hanuman

Popularly known as Bajrang Bali or Vayuputra(son of Vayu, the God of Wind), Hanuman was no ordinary vaanar.

He was blessed by the Holy Trinity (Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh) and was easily one of the strongest characters in the epic.

He could have single-handedly defeated Ravan and his army and brought Sita back, but he chose surrender to Lord Ram's divinity.

Hanuman's life teaches us that, no matter how strong you are, it is important to stay humble and honour the decisions and choices made by the people you love.

 

Vibhishana

Vibhishana was Ravan's sibling.

When he learned that his elder brother had abducted a woman, he left his brother's kingdom and joined Lord Ram in his battle against Ravan.

Vibhishana knew the risk he was taking by devoting himself to Lord Ram, but he was certain it was the right thing to do.

His choices teach us that, when faced with a difficult situation, one can find the strength within oneself to make the right decision.

 

Laxman

Lord Ram's younger brother, Laxman, was a great warrior.

He accompanied his elder brother during his exile, leaving behind the all the luxuries that came with a royal lifestyle.

His decision to stand by his brother during this tough phase exemplifies selfless brotherly love.

Without Laxman's unconditional love and support, Lord Ram wouldn’t have been able to do what he did.

 

Jatayu

Jatayu -- a demi-god seen an eagle or a vulture -- noticed Ravan forcefully carrying Sita off to Lanka.

Although he was old and tired, he battled the mighty Ravan in an attempt to save Sita.

Jatayu paid for his bravery with his life.

His courageous sacrifice tells us that every problem, no matter how difficult, must be faced.

Even if your opponent is stronger and you are not prepared, it is important to fight to the best of your ability.

This becomes even more vital when the cause is a good one.

 

Ravan

Ravan was not his birth name; it was the name given to him by Lord Shiva.

The king of Lanka, after severe penance, had acquired a boon from Lord Brahma that no God, demon, kinnar (eunuch) or gandharva (celestial singer) could kill him.

He had recited the Shiv Tandav Stotra, was an excellent veena player, the conqueror of heaven, hell and earth, a proficient ruler and a lot more.

Despite these incredible qualities, Ravan had to face a horrible death because of his arrogance.

He prided himself on the fact that no one could defeat him, which led him to commit several atrocious acts.

When Lord Ram killed Ravan, he proved that no matter how skilled you are, your ego and arrogance will cause your downfall.

The key to a successful life is to value your virtues and stay grateful and humble.

 

Sita

Everyone remembers Sita's love, loyalty and dedication towards Lord Ram.

What we must also remember is the immense strength, determination and dignity she displayed while she was held captive against her will.

She fearlessly faced the mighty demon king and didn't give up.

Ravan offered her everything one could dream of but she was never tempted.

She had the opportunity to escape when Hanuman came to meet her, but didn't. She had utmost faith in her husband and believed he would rescue her.

From Sita, we learn how important it is to trust your partner and to stand up for them -- and to them -- when things go wrong.

 

Ram

Lord Ram is called Maryada Pursuhottam, the perfect man.

He was the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born to destroy evil and restore balance in the world.

Lord Ram was a proficient archer and had access to the strongest weapons of the universe. Yet he remained humble, respected everyone and treated them equally.

When his wife was kidnapped, he remained persistent in his search for her despite facing umpteen difficulties.

When Vibhishana surrendered, he didn't treat him with prejudice. Instead, he welcomed him with open arms.

Lord Ram was known for his calm nature. Even in the toughest of times, he remained composed.

By defeating Ravan, he proved once again that no matter how strong and skilled your opponent is, good will always triumph over evil.

Advocate Virat Vilas Pawar is a lawyer at the Bombay high court. His first novel Heroes Of Wars was science fiction inspired by the Mahabharat. His coming book Vidhyadhar & The Universe Of Magic deals with magical creatures and mages.