The Perfect Role Model!

Once sage Valmiki enquired from Sri Narada, who was ever engaged in the practice of religious austerities & study of the Vedas, and the best among the eloquent speakers

He asked: Who in this world lives today endowed with excellent qualities, prowess, righteousness, gratitude, truthfulness and firmness in his vows?

Who is the one gifted with good conduct, always thinks about the wellbeing of all living creatures, learned in all the knowledge that is known, capable of doing things which others cannot do and is most handsome?

Who (among men) is self-restrained? Who has conquered anger? Who is endowed with brilliance and free from envy? Who is that when excited, even the demigods are afraid of (let alone foes)?

O Maharshi Narada said Valmiki - I intend to hear about such a man whom you think is worth knowing and worshipping? Indeed, I have great curiosity for your answer

After thus being invited by Valmiki to take his seat, Narada, the knower of the three worlds, said with delight-Listen to me! He thus spoke- Rare indeed are men endowed with the many qualities you have described. I have ascertained one. People have heard his name as Rama, who was born in the race of king Ikshvaku, having steady nature, possessing incomprehensible prowess, self-effulgent, self-commanding and has full control upon his senses

Sri Rama is a great intellectual, adherent to rules, eloquent, handsome, destroyer of foes (sins), broad shouldered, strongarmed, having conch shaped neck with prominent cheeks. Mighty and powerful, he has a well-proportioned body, neither tall nor short, shining complexion, well-developed chest, large eyes, lustrous body and good qualities. He is pious, firm in his vows, is ever intent on doing good to his subjects. He is, illustrious, wise & pure at heart. He is obedient to elders (or accessible to those who are dependent on him) & ever meditating (on the means of protecting those who take refuge in him)

Sri Rama is the sustainer of this world, destroyer of enemies & protector of all living beings & of the moral code. He has performed the duties of a king and protected his subjects. He knows the true meaning of all scriptures & has a retentive memory. He is talented (possessing brightness of conception). He is beloved & well-disposed towards all people (and courteous even towards those who have done him harm). He has an unperturbed mind (even in times of extreme grief) and is circumspect (in doing right things at the right time)

Sri Ram is like sea to rivers, is accessible to men of virtue and has equal disposition towards all. He always has a pleasing appearance. Bestowed with all virtues, He enhanced the joys of Kausalya

He is like the moon in pleasing appearance, the all-consuming fire in anger, the earth in patience, Kubera in charity and the Sun in steadfastness

When we read about Maryada Purushottam Sri Ram (The Supreme being of Honor/righteousness), we understand not only about what is right to do under different time, place & circumstances but also how to do it. Sri Ram embodies ideal human virtues like duty, integrity, self-control, and compassion in all roles (king, husband, son). He sets standards for the perfect man who upholds Dharma (righteous conduct) in every situation

He should be our role model, the one whom we can emulate, be inspired and take guidance under all circumstances in leading our lives. The youth of today should learn how Sri Ram perfectly fulfilled his different obligations setting a standard for human behaviour. An Ideal ideal

Thoughts? #gameoflife