The Ramayana of Valmiki

There is so much to say about the story of “Ramayana of Valmiki” that I’ve had such a hard time just picking one. It is full of betrayal, suspense, love and commitment.

 I would like to touch on one subject though; it has to do with not listening to “warnings” from others. It’s easy to become completely consumed by the illusion of a particular situation and not having discernment enough to see the “big” picture. Sita and Rama are perfect examples of this.

 In the story, Sita, Rama’s wife observes a rare and beautiful deer in the forest. It’s so beautiful that she seems to have become enamored with it. Even her husband Rama becomes fixated on its beauty. The only one that seems to question how this rare deer came before them is Laksmana. He then gives them a warning, “I think it is the same demon Marica in disguise. I have heard that Marica could assume any form at will, and through such tricks he had brought death and destruction to many ascetics in this forest.” Without paying attention to Laksmanas’s advice they pursue the deer anyway. This seemingly simple act turns into a great disaster.

How many times have you heard a “warning” from someone you loved maybe from a parent, a partner or even a friend? They are quick to offer discouraging advice so that you don’t make the same mistake as they did. The consideration is this if it’s discouragement or a warning it comes from an experience that didn’t turn out the way they had hoped it would.

Yet, being stubborn and very human, you decide to go against the advice given anyway. My question for you is this, how many times do you reflect on a choice you’ve made and wish you could go back and change the outcome? If you’ve answered more than once; maybe you should take that into consideration next time when someone offers you advice. Stop, listen, reflect and consider if they are giving you advice out of love? If so, maybe you should reconsider your decision.

For myself I’ve learned this lesson the hard way!