Ramayana Teachings - A Collection of 108 Teachings From The Ramayan

This collection of Ramayana Teachings is mainly from books and the holy epic Ramayan. The teachings have been collected over a period of 10 years from books, magazines and newspapers. This page is an attempt to collect 108 teachings from the Ramayana.

Anger destroys the best virtues, so keep calm.

The desire to possess is at the root of all anxieties.

Devotion is not difficult. All it needs is simplicity and contentment.

Even the minds of those who follow no other path but that of Dharma, who have been taught all the rules of conduct, even they are very rarely happy at the sight of the good fortune which has befallen others. The mind of man is very unsteady.

A fool thinks that wealth is the only way to happiness.

When knowledge dawns, all earthly sorrows appear as hallucinations.

The mighty army of Maya pervades the world. Her generals are lust and other kindred evils; her warriors are pride, hypocrisy and heresy.

Peace and prosperity come without asking to the virtuous.

There is nothing in the world difficult to secure for those who from their hearts desire the good of others.

In this world there are three kinds of men. One man talks and does nothing; another man talks and acts; the third acts and says nothing.

Ignorance causes you to succumb to the effects of worldly sorrows.

Only contentment can destroy the seething cauldron of desires.

Nature cannot be altered. Therefore, the wicked nature cannot be set right by an example or precept.

Prosperity does not reside long in the abode of the wicked.

Even in jest, nothing should be given with any mark of disrespect. There is no doubt that if something is given without respect, the giver is destroyed.

Discharge of one’s duties without desire of outcome is the means of attaining the goal.

Truth, charity, penance, detachment, friendliness, purity, straight forwardness, knowledge and the service to his preceptors are the real characteristics of Sri Ram.

When there is no ego, there is no suffering.

Lust is like a huge tree covered by the creepers of desire.

Those that have devotion towards me will get knowledge and renunciation and they will attain to liberation from the round of births and deaths.

Those who take shelter under me in this world, meditating on me and repeating the mantra of my sacred name, will surely get my vision, even unasked, as I know they have no other refuge.

As a result of the spiritual disciplines you have undergone, you are even now liberated from all worldly desires. After your death, you will attain union with me.

Just as, even people possessing eyes, cannot see things clearly in the night, but they can see their steps well when a light is brought, so also in those having devotion towards me, the self becomes self-effulgent.

Excessive addiction to the senses causes turbulence in the minds of men.

Nothing must be offered with disrespect, or with sentiments of desire and anger. 

Important Direct And Indirect Teachings In Ramayana

Dharma (Righteousness): Upholding righteousness (dharma) is essential in life, as demonstrated by Lord Rama's adherence to his duty as a prince and later as an exile.

Respect for Parents: Rama's unwavering devotion and respect towards his parents, King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya, serve as a model for filial piety.

Siblings Bond: The bond between Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna showcases the importance of sibling love and loyalty.

Respect for Teachers: Rama's respect for his guru, Sage Vasishta, and his teachings highlight the significance of honoring one's teachers.

Sacrifice: King Dasharatha's sacrifice of his own desires for the sake of fulfilling his promise to Kaikeyi teaches the value of selflessness and sacrifice.

Patience: Sita's patience and fortitude during her exile in the forest and subsequent captivity in Lanka exemplify the virtue of patience in adversity.

Courage: Rama's courage in facing numerous challenges, including battles with demons and the abduction of Sita, inspires courage in the face of adversity.

Loyalty: Hanuman's unwavering loyalty to Rama and his tireless efforts in locating Sita demonstrate the importance of loyalty and dedication.

Humility: Despite being an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Rama exemplifies humility in his interactions with all beings, regardless of their status.

Forgiveness: Rama's forgiveness towards those who wronged him, such as Ravana and Kaikeyi, illustrates the power and importance of forgiveness.

Compassion: Rama's compassion towards all creatures, including animals and enemies, reflects the virtue of compassion and empathy.

Self-control: Rama's mastery over his emotions and desires, even in the face of provocation, teaches the importance of self-control and restraint.

Unity: The unity among Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, as well as among the various kingdoms of Ayodhya, Kishkindha, and Lanka, emphasizes the strength of unity in achieving common goals.

Integrity: Rama's unwavering adherence to truth and righteousness, even when faced with difficult choices, underscores the importance of integrity and moral values.

Gratitude: Rama's gratitude towards those who help him on his journey, such as Sugriva and Vibhishana, highlights the significance of gratitude and appreciation.

Detachment: Rama's willingness to renounce his princely comforts and embrace a life of exile in the forest signifies the value of detachment from material possessions.

Faith: Sita's unwavering faith in Rama and Hanuman's faith in his own abilities serve as examples of the power of faith in overcoming obstacles.

Service: Hanuman's selfless service to Rama and his commitment to fulfilling his duties as a devotee exemplify the virtue of service to others.

Selflessness: Lakshmana's willingness to sacrifice his own comfort for the well-being of Rama and Sita illustrates the virtue of selflessness.

Wisdom: The wisdom imparted by various characters such as Sage Vishwamitra, Sage Valmiki, and Jatayu emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from wise mentors.

Perseverance: Rama's perseverance in his quest to rescue Sita, despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, teaches the importance of perseverance in achieving one's goals.

Graciousness: Rama's graciousness towards his allies and adversaries alike demonstrates the importance of maintaining grace and dignity in all situations.

Moderation: The Ramayana teaches the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including desires, emotions, and actions.

Contentment: Rama's contentment with his lot in life, even when faced with hardships, serves as a reminder of the importance of finding contentment and happiness within oneself.

Responsibility: Rama's sense of responsibility towards his kingdom and its people underscores the importance of fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities.

Mindfulness: The Ramayana advocates for mindfulness and awareness in thought, speech, and action, as demonstrated by Rama's careful consideration of his choices.

Inner Strength: The characters in the Ramayana draw upon their inner strength and resilience to overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience.

Harmony with Nature: Rama's reverence for nature and his harmonious coexistence with the flora and fauna of the forest emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature.

Eternal Love: The love between Rama and Sita, which transcends time and distance, symbolizes the eternal nature of love and devotion.

Divine Grace: Ultimately, the Ramayana teaches that success in life comes not only from one's own efforts but also from the grace of the divine, represented by Lord Rama's victory over evil and the restoration of righteousness. 

Teachings from the Kishkindha Kanda in Ramayana

The rain has washed everything clean; there is no trace of dust to be found anywhere. This is how anger, when it surfaces, drives away dharma, making one incapable to differentiate between the right and the wrong.

The earth is decked with rich crops, even as a generous and charitable person is endowed with riches that will benefit everyone.

Wealth does not adorn a person who is miserly and refuses to part with even a penny to help others.

Green grass grows and covers the path just like proud people who cover the path shown by the scriptures. They insist on their own opinions and disregard the words of wisdom of holy books. We must follow the scriptures and not get misled by futile words.

Fireflies gleam in the thick darkness of the night like hypocrites. The difference between the light of the fireflies and that of the sun is that the light of the fireflies merely illuminates their own presence, whereas the light of the sun illuminates everything. The fireflies vanish in the light of the sun; their glory is only in the dark. Similarly, in the presence of saints and great men, the hypocrites fade away into nothing; they shine only in the company of ignorant people.

A clever farmer weeds his fields carefully to avoid damage to his crops, just as a wise man avoids infatuation, vanity and pride.

The goose is not seen anywhere around, just as righteousness is rare to be seen in Kalyug.

Source – Ramayana talks by Swami Tejomayananda

Kalanemi’s Advice to Ravana – Ramayana Teachings 

Demon Kalanemi was deputed by Ravan to obstruct Hanuman who was on his way to bring Mrita Sanjeevani (medicinal herbs to rescue Lakshman.) Kalanemi had difference of opinion with Ravana but he obeyed him. Before leaving he advices Ravana and asks him to release Mata Sita and take refuge in Sri Ram.

...morning bathed in pure water, and performed the morning Sandhya and other duties, sitting in a lonely place in an easy posture, having renounced all belongings, all attachments and all objects of sense, which are outside thee, do thou gradually draw inside thy senses, which are roaming outside.

Do thou then always reflect upon thyself as distinct from the Prakriti. All this world, mobile and immobile, the body, the intellect and the rest, from Brahma to a blade of grass all that is seen or heard, is called Prakriti. It is also designated Maya.

It is the cause of the creation, preservation and destruction of the tree of the world. It always creates Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.

Desire, anger and the rest of sons of Maya, injuring others, thirst after objects of sense are its daughters.

Thus day and night Maya deludes the self who is all pervading. Having for its principle the notion of ‘I am the actor’ and the enjoyer, and super imposed upon the the self and brought him under her sway, with her attributes she always plays with him.

When a person is awakened by a preceptor who has become the very self of wisdom, i.e., who has realized his own self as the self of all, then having turned his eye inwards, he ever sees the self clearly.

Thus the embodied self becomes emancipate in life and is freed from the attributes of Prakriti. Do thou also ever reflect watchfully over thy own self, having brought thy senses under control.

Knowing thy own self to be other than Prakriti, thou shalt be released. If thou art incapable of engaging in meditation, do thou take refuge under god with attributes.

Kalanemi’s Advice to Ravana is not found in Valmiki Ramayan but is part of other regional versions.