Dharma and Karma
Dharma is a Sanskrit word and concept with different meanings in regards to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism (Dharma). In the story of Ramayana, it displays the Dharma in correspondence with the meaning of Hinduism. Dharma is the law that tells individuals how to behave and is one of the 4 ends of life. It is the path of righteousness and living one’s life according to the codes of conduct (Dharma). Karma is defined as sum of person’s actions in one of his successive states of existence, viewed as deciding his fate for the next (Das). In many of the Eastern Religions, life after death, which is known as reincarnation, exists (Das). The main purpose in life is to reach good karma by achieving good dharma. In the story of Ramayana, there are many examples that would display both positive and negative dharma and karma. King Dasharatha made a promise to his wife Kaikeyi that her son Bharadhwaja would rule as king, and when it was Rama’s turn to take over, Kaikeyi reminded Dasharatha of the promise. Therefore, Rama was sent into exile and displays negative karma. Rama told Sita to stay put but she disobeyed Rama’s ordered and wandered around. Eventually she was taken by Ravana. Ramayana accepted his exile in order to fulfill his father’s promise that was made shows dharma. Sita’s unconditional loyalty to Ramayana would have been a display of dharma.
The characters in Ramayana display various forms of archetypes. Ramayana would be considered the Hero. Hanuman would be considered the mentor, to help assist in locating Sita and leading into battle. Lakshmana is an ally because of his provided assistance to his older brother Ramayana. Jatayu and Surpanahka is a shapeshifter because one possesses a form of an eagle and the other could morph into anything. Vibhishana is considered a shadow that later became a hero.
Bibliography
Das, Subhamoy, ed. "What is Karma?." About.com Hinduism. About.com, 23 Jan 2013. Web. 23 Jan 2013. .
Dharma. (2009).
The characters in Ramayana display various forms of archetypes. Ramayana would be considered the Hero. Hanuman would be considered the mentor, to help assist in locating Sita and leading into battle. Lakshmana is an ally because of his provided assistance to his older brother Ramayana. Jatayu and Surpanahka is a shapeshifter because one possesses a form of an eagle and the other could morph into anything. Vibhishana is considered a shadow that later became a hero.
Bibliography
Das, Subhamoy, ed. "What is Karma?." About.com Hinduism. About.com, 23 Jan 2013. Web. 23 Jan 2013. .
Dharma. (2009).
Bibliography: Das, Subhamoy, ed. "What is Karma?." About.com Hinduism. About.com, 23 Jan 2013. Web. 23 Jan 2013. . Dharma. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved February 17, 2009, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9030214