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Rama, whose story is told in the Ramayanathe great Hindu epicis the seventh avatar of Vishnu. In the evolution toward self-realization, Rama represents the importance of detachment from earthly desires. Sent to earth as the son of a king, Rama's duty was to destroy the evil embodied in Ravana, a powerful rival king. His mission required him to go into the forest to rescue his wife, Sita. Then, once he saved Sita from evil, Rama had to send her into exile. Throughout his mission on earth, however, Rama served as the symbol of goodness. He never wavered from his dharma and was the example of the perfect son, brother, husband, father, friend, and leader. |
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To Hindus, Rama represents the embodiment of the ideal man. He is adorned in royal garments and usually wears a crown and a string of jewels that remind us of his perfect attributes. Rama also carries a bow with arrows so that he is ready to conquer any challenges within himself and the external world in order to fulfill his dharma. The bow and arrow also reflect Rama's intense strength and the power that enables him to remain spiritually and morally strong. |
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