Come what may!

The Greeks say that a true Stoic sage would not crack under pressure. He would take all the curve balls that life hurls at him at the same stride as he embraces joy. He would find happiness in the simplest of things in life and would not gloat of others’ misgivings or be envious of others’ successes. He knows that everyday accomplishment has its weak points and every underachievement its merit!

King Rama must have slipped into this role, a true Stoic sage, quite well. Imagine the tragedies that bemoaned upon him. He, however, continued performing his various duties, as a ruler, a son, a crowd pleaser without losing focus. Perhaps, the priorities of being an exemplary husband or a doting father did not fall into his dictionary.

After waiting so many years in line for the realm, just when the ascent to the throne is imminent, he had to take a back seat and retreat into the jungle for 14 years. That too, because of some nonsensical promise made by his father.  Imagine an exile into the unforgiving woods, with a new bride hardly accustomed to the hardship of life. Life in the wild was no walk in the park either. Keeping intruders away was a challenge. If that was not enough,  his young wife had to be kidnapped because of some old flame issues.

Recruiting an army in a far away land down south was no easy feat. For which, he could not thank his Tamil friends enough. Rama carried the guilt of killing a just and learned king who was revered by his subjects. What about his dear friends that gave up their lives in the meaningless battle? Rama carried all that guilt.

Just when he thought all were over with the burning city and death of the ‘evil’ monarch and that he could rule Ayodhya in peace, political turmoil dictated that his wife is exiled again. If that was not enough, his wife had been pregnant when he sent her off! If not for the sage, Valmiki, she would not have survived the ordeal. What more, she had a pair of twin boys without his knowledge for years!

If fate were indeed cruel, it did rear its ugly head in Rama’s case. The sacrificial horse had to wander into their territory and his kids, Luv and Kush, had to defend it. Even before meeting his dear wife, she succumbed to her old age. Imagine, a father who not only misses his fatherly duties but almost killing them in the line of duty!

In spite of all these obstacles in life, Rama continued his worldly obligations, allegedly without flinching, surrendering, faithful to natural justice, staying steadfast to his Dharma. That must have been the reason for his elevation to God-like status comparable to the Protector of the world!