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2-9-Raam as a Human Being
[Taken from Valmiki Ramayan 1/1/5]

Tradition has always considered that the lord Vishnu incarnated as Shree Raam while some thinkers argue that Shree Raam was a human being who by His continuous, sincere efforts to follow the noble ideals of human life rose to the highest levels of divinity. At the outset, we may say that if Raam was an incarnation, His brothers were also incarnations of Vishnu as evidenced by the sentence.
Vishno putratwamagaccha krutvaatmaanam chaturvidam, Tatratwam maanusho bhootwa

Raamaayan begins with a verse addressed by Vaalmeeki to Naarad asking him to name a contemporary person who is equipped with the qualities of head and heart, who is possessed of character and is devoted to universal welfare. Naarad names Raam of the Ikshwaaku family and well known for His great qualities.

Vaalmeeki was a master of the human mind. His profound knowledge of man has enabled him to treat different characters covering all sections of society. He knew that to be human is to be incomplete and thepurpose of leading a human life is to try to overcome this incompleteness. So Vaalmeeki wrote His epic for the edification of man so that we may learn to be better men. We cannot excuse ourselves saying that because Raam was God, He could do this or that. Instead, we should learn to say, "If Raam could do this, we can also attempt to do, because we are both human beings".

The A-Dwait concept that the divine spark resides in all of us makes it easy for us to believe that Raam was as incarnation as any one else could also be. Rsam was a human being like any one of us and with His sterling character and deeds; hHe rose to the stature of God. Vaalmeeki's purpose in telling this seems to be to describe the almost insurmountable stresses and strains which a man can encounter on his path of duty.

Raam as a human being wails or rejoices being a victim of circumstances. Trying his best not to waver from truth or duty, He is compelled sometimes to take recourse to wrong as was the case with Baali, Shambook or when He banished Seetaa. Vaalmeek indicates that one cannot be fair and just to all at the same time and "to err is human".

Raam whose character is sober and serene therefore symbolizes the ideal which can and should be attempted to be reached by each one of us. He is the moral ideal for all of us. His philosophy of life is very clearly enunciated in His reply to Bharat when Bharat comes to take him back to Ayodhyaa. "Man's life is continuously ebbing away like the flow of receding waters. Death is a constant companion. A ripe fruit has no alterative but to fall on the ground. Therefore one must not swerve from his path of duty, nor indulge in injustice, nor shun Dharm, nor hesitate to bring happiness to all. To be such, one has to stick to his principles which means sticking to truth." Raam never spoke with two tongues.
(Raamo dwirnaabhi bhaashate)

Such a person, even if he is not God himself, is very near to God. This is the basis for calling him an Avataar. Raam's sense of self detachment and propriety, His ability to evaluate both sides of the problem, His perfect knowledge of the Dharm or duty at the moment make him stand above all others.

At the same time, His grief at the loss of Seetaa, His pain when  Lakshaman loses the battle with Indrajit, His sorrow when he learns of the calumny against His wife etc, make us believe that his responses were those of any normal human being. Hence, we will now consider a few instances in the Vaalmeeki Raamaayan and see if these fit into the general mould of an ordinary man as far as Shree Raam is concerned. These, would not take away even an atom fom the sublimity of Raam's character, but, the idea is only to put forth a view point that He should not be made unapproachable as a man, as a son, as a husband, as a friend, as an ally or even as a foe.

Dasharath and Kaikeyee have sent for Raam through Sumantra to announce the bad news. Raam who was with Seetha at that time tells her without any suspicion, "My father and Kaikeyee are planning nice things for me and to you. She being so fond of me wants the king to be quick to coronate me and be good to me". Raam reacts thus as an ordinary person expecting the coming pleasure. When the bad news is given to Him, He goes to His mother to break the news. "Controlling His unhappiness within His own heart."
Dhaarayanmanasa dhukhamindriani nigrahyacha,
Praveveshatmavan veshma mathurpriyashamsivan

This indicates clearly that He was grieved and there was trouble in His mind. But being a great person, though the circumstances were depressing in nature, He conquered the dejection which indicates that his ethical side was attaining a high level of sublimity.

This sorrow was more intense when He met Seetaa. He enters with grief in His face and His head bent down. Although He had subdued His feelings till then, when He met Seetaa, who was full of expectations, He was unable to control the grief.
Tam drustatwa sahi dharmaatmanam shashaak manogatam,
Tam shokam raaghavah sodum tatho vivritatam gata.
Vivarn vadanam drustvaatam prasvinam mahrshanam.
Aaha dukhabhi santap kimidhanim idam prabho.

Seetaa inquires as to why there is so much of excitement and stir. Although Raam never speaks in public against either Kaikeyee or Bharat, He gives vent to His real feelings to His closest brother Lakshaman when He says "Our father is infatuated to our Step mother and she is not likely to relent towards her rivals." His grief over powers Him at this stage indicating His human countenance. He suspects people like an ordinary man.

On an earlier occasion, when Dasharatha desired to appoint Raam as Yuvaraaj, when Bharat and Shatrughn were absent he had avoided sending invitation to Aswapati and tells Raam, "When Bharat is away, that is the time to crown you. No doubt Bharat is good. Still, human mind may fluctuate." Raam's silence to this suggestion would mean that He also shared the doubt. Again on his return to Ayodhyaa after vanquishing Raavan, Raam asks Hanumaan to fly in advance to Bharat and find out his stand. This distrust may be common in power politics of royal families. The harmless amusement Raam had at the expense of the poor Braahman. Trijataa is another instance to indicate His human nature.
Tamuvacha tadaa raamah parihaas samanvitam.

Certainly He did not mean any insult to that poor man. His compassion flows out generously later. When Raam, Lakshaman and Seetaa were being taken out of Ayodhyaa in the chariot by Sumantra, Dasharath calls out to the driver to stop. However, Raam asks him to move fast and says. "If my father on your return questions you for disobedience you can reply that you did not hear his command in the confusion." Raam justifies the white lie with the logic that "to prolong a wail of grief is bad." It was just a natural human feeling.
Naa shraushamiti raajan mupalbodhipi vakshyasi,
Chiram dukhasya paapishatamithi ramasthamabravitha

A number of Braahman follow Raam even up to Tamasaa River. Raam plans to cross the river when the Braahman are asleep and asks Sumantra to take the chariot northwards as if He is going towards Ayodhyaa and then when the Braahman are avoided, the chariot could come to the other bank of Tamasaa through another route. Raam would then proceed southwards in the chariot without their knowledge. This was a simple trick played on those simple people who were trying to follow Him throughout. Another instance of human nature is demonstrated.
Udamanyakah prayaahitwam rathamasthaya saarathe,
Muhoortam twaritam gatwa nirvataya ratham punaha,
Yatha na vidyuhu powra maam tatha kuru samahitah.

When Sumantra refuses to go back, Raam argues that if the chariot does not return to Ayodhyaa without Him, His step mother who is "hard natured, hard hearted" would penalize Dasharath. This shows that He could understand ordinary human reactions.

When He is left alone with Seetaa and Lakshaman, He throws away His restraints and expresses himself freely about Kaikeyee and Bharat. We may observe the harshness of the words. It is so human. "I have come to the forest with my wife and brother losing everything. Bharat being enthroned would rule along with his wife by his side if Bharat is enjoying his fortune, fate awaits him that has fallen on my father. Kaikeyee who is a wicked woman and being unscrupulous would give hell to Kaushalyaa and Sumitraa."
Raam yevartha dharmaabhyam gariyanithi me matihi.
(Kaam is a superior Purushaarth than a Dharm and Arth, it appears to me)
Sukhee batha sabhayarrcha bharatah kaykeyi sutah,
Muditaan kosalaneko yo bhoksyatyadhirajava th,
Arth dharmo parityajayah ramamanuvarthathe,
Yevamapadyathe kshepram raja dashrathoryatha.

The extraordinary out burst consequent on his frustration and anger continues further. Addressing Lakshaman He says "you know my power and valor. I can conquer the whole world. I could have crowned myself putting aside everyone. But I fear non-righteousness." (Adharm bhaya bhitashcha parlokasya chaanaga).

This clearly indicates that by His will power, He subdues his human desires and conquers the basic instincts and selfishness. In fact, He sheds tears and exhaust Himself as is made clear in the following verse.
Yethadhanyacha karunam vilaysa vijane vane,
Ashru purna mukho ramo nishi tushnimupavishath.

Having discharged his lower human nature, he meditates to regain composure.

When Bharat threatens to perform Prayopavesh to force Raam to return to Ayodhyaa, Raam preaches that Prayopavesh is not for Kshatriya and it is only for Braahman. However, at a later stage when He was anxious to construct a bridge, He resorts to the same trick, but fails. Only later, He takes up his bow and arrow and threatens to dry up the ocean. Then we have the Shoorpanakhaa episode where the brothers were naturally getting sick of forest life and take the opportunity to make some innocent jokes with that stupid woman. Raam tells her that Lakshman was unmarried. Lakshman tosses her back to Raam only. This goes on till that Raakshasee tries to eat up Seetaa.
Raam: Shreemankrutha dharashcha lakshmano nama veeryavaan.
Lakshman: Yenaam virupamasathim karalam nirnathondarim,
Bharyam vridham parityajya twameyveshya bhajishyati.

The greatest occasion where Raam's human nature becomes clear is when He is separated from Seetaa. Unable to bear the pangs of grief, He loses His balance of mind and utters the most excruciating words. In an abnormal fit of rage, he is angry with every body, everything on earth. He takes the bow in his hand and threatens to destroy the world.
Sadheva gandharva manushaya pannagam,
Jagat sashylam parivarthyamaham.

It is clear that Raam loses his sense of proportion at this stage and it is Lakshman who consoles him. This is rather strange to the nature of Raam and Lakshman. We may observe that when misfortune overtakes, even a great man loses his balance and becomes pitiable.
Now we come to the famous Baali episode. Raam no doubt killed Baali hiding behind trees.
Vrikshyaratmanavrut hya vruthishatana gahanevane.

Raam replies that he was not bound to fight with Baali treating him as a worthy combatant. This has to be considered highly improper. We may note that at a later stage when Hanumaan gets an opportunity to hit at Raavan who was engaged in a fight with Neel, he declares that when a man is engaged with another, it is not honorable to attack him.
Nilena saha samyuktam raavanam raksheswaram,
Anenaya yuddha mansyana yuktamabhi daavanam.

In fact although Sugreev who had two grievances against Baali - appropriation of his wife Roomaa and driving him out of the Kingdom - he requests Raam to give him protection only. He does not pray for killing Baali at this stage. Raam offers on his own to kill Baali on the ground because "he has taken away your wife." Sugreev however requests at a later stage to "Kill Baali today". Raam declares :
Amoghah suryasankasha mamaithe nishitah sharah,
Tasmin valini dhruvruthe nipathishanthi vegithah,
Tamadhya valinim pashya kruryrashi vishopameh.

This indicates that Raam contemplated at straight fight only at this stage as he mentions "a number of arrows." The fact that he did not kill Baali during the first fight also indicates that he was in a dilemma. No commentator believes that Raam could not distinguish between the two brothers.

Baali was a very strong person and had treated Raavan casually and carried him in his armpit to the oceans and later deposited him on the ground. Raavan himself acknowledges the great strength of Baali, So, if Raam had decided to fight with Baali openly, it could have taken a long time as Raam later took seven days to conquer Raavan who was much weaker than Baali. Raam could not have wasted that much of time and Sugreev would also become impatient. It is therefore clear that Raam swayed this way and that and finally decided to take the practical step to shoot him with a single arrow from behind.

The next occasion when Raam's human nature comes out clearly is when Sugreev starts enjoying his newly got kingdom forgetting that Raam and Lakshman are in the hills waiting for him to arrange for Seetaa's search. Considering his own loneliness, it is natural for Raam to think, "I am the cause for Sugreev to regain his kingdom and his wife. Having received that benefit, he has turned ungrateful." Lakshman again comforts Him and urges him not to lose patience. When Hanumaan reminds Sugreev about his duty towards Raam, Sugreev orders to mobilize the army within a fortnight and again indulges in merry making. Raam does not know anything about it and His anger increases unreasonably.
Moorkham gramya sukhe saktam sugreevam vachananam,
Arthinaamupapanaam purvam chapyupakarinaam,
Aashaam sanshrutyayo hanti salokhe purushadhamaha,
Yadhartha mayamarambha kruthah para puranjaya,
Samayam nabhijanathi krutharthah plavageashwarah

He further warns Sugreev about annihilation of his entire clan.
Yeka yeva rane vaalihi sharen nihatho mayaa,
Twaam tu satyadathi krantham hanishyami sabhandavam.

Lakshman feels that since Raam is worried, he needs a few words of consolation from Sugreev. Normal again for any human being.
santhvayaswa vayasyam twam bharayaharam karshitam

Raam's treatment of Sugreev's wife Roomaa after she was liberated from Baali who had appropriated her earlier and of Seetaa when she was known to have been perfectly pure (through Hanuman's report) also indicates human inconsistency. Raam's treatment of Seetaa after the war is too famous to be repeated. He at first orders that she should bathe, perfume Herself and come bedecked with all ornaments. Seetaa's protests are ignored.

He curtly tells Her that He did not put in all these efforts just for Her sake only and it was only to perform His own duty and to indicate the honor of the family. He declares most unreasonably, "There is a stain on your character. My eyes are pained to see you, as a man whose eyes are sore cannot stand bright light."
Prapta charitra sandeha mama pratimuke stitha,
Deepo netra turasevyva pratikulasi me drudam.

He further states that since He had no more use for Her, no desire for Her, She may take final leave and go wherever she liked to Lakshman, Bharat, Sugreev or Vibheeshan.
Naasti me tvwayabhistwango yatheshtam gamyatamitah, Lakshamane Bharate va Sugreeve Vibheeshane

Now, don't we know that people in anger could speak absurd things? Raam being a person who had undergone terrible mental and physical strain for such a long time had lost his balance obviously.

After the fire ordeal and assurances from Agni and others including Dasharath, Raam swayed to the opposite extreme. He says, "I did not suspect Her. I never had a doubt about Her conduct. Do I not know that by the fire of Her own conduct, She could have burnt Raavan if he had attempted violence?" This indicates clearly that Raam reacted just like
other people in trying times.

After all this experience, when Rama heard of the slander in Ayodhyaa later about Seetaa's purity, he decides on sacrificing Her to save His own honor. He not only decides to banish Seetaa, but he does it secretly. It is really surprising as to how Raam's nature could be corrupted to such an extent to shut His eyes to clear evidence.

Greatness of Rama's nature:
After reviewing a few instances of the human behavior of Shree Raam, we should not miss the major characteristics of his great personality.
Dharmaatmaa satya sandhachaтАж paurushe chaprathi dwandwah.
He was unparalleled in his truthfulness and valor. His sense of chivalry was unquestionable. His selflessness was exemplary.

When Vibheeshan hesitates to perform the last rites for his brother, Raam Himself offers to do it. What a magnificent behavior. We have to remember that we should read Ramayana so that we may benefit by its teaching and draw lessons of great value for regulation of our own conduct. When we read the epic for edification of our soul, we  naturally have to treat the main characters as human beings confronted with the several problems of life, Otherwise, we miss the importance of the story.

It is with this objective that a few instances in the Vaalmeeki Raamaayan have been discussed here so that we may appreciate the beauty of Raam's sublime character and try to approach him with veneration. If the readers recognize that Shree Raam passed through the various difficult stages in his life overcoming the lower nature and ultimately attained the highest level when he could rightly be considered the Maryaadaa  Purushottam, the objective of the exercise would be fulfilled. This is neither a new view point nor does it aim at reducing an iota of importance that the word Shree Raam has in our culture.

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