Long, long ago, the Ramayana goes, the king of Ayodhya had a very special son named Rama. He was intelligent, courageous, compassionate, and virtuous. The people of Ayodhya adored the prince and his lovely wife, Sita. More than once Rama demonstrated both his wisdom in guiding them and his valor in protecting them.
Finally the happy day arrived when the old king decided to retire and hand over the reins of the kingdom to his beloved son. But sometime's always got to go wrong or there's no story, right? The youngest of the king's three wives decided she wanted her son to rule instead.
The youngest wife was able to pull off a cup because many years earlier the king had promised her any two wishes she desired . Now she went to the king and demanded that her son, Rama, receive the coronation. Rama must be banished into the forest for fourteen years. She knew she couldn't get away with killing Rama, but she figured if he was gone long enough the people would forget him. Life in the forest in those days was extremely dangerous, with what the lions and tigers and bears. Perhaps she was hoping Rama get eaten by some large, furry, carnivorous animals.
When Rama heard the news, he immediately prepared to leave for the forest, without complaining or losing his composure. He was not just being a goody-goody Rama understood that people look to their leaders for examples of how to live. Long ago, his father had made a promise to his youngest wife, and if he broke it now, it would signal to the people that keeping your word was not important. Kings must keep their promises even if it causes them grief.
The youngest wife was able to pull off a cup because many years earlier the king had promised her any two wishes she desired . Now she went to the king and demanded that her son, Rama, receive the coronation. Rama must be banished into the forest for fourteen years. She knew she couldn't get away with killing Rama, but she figured if he was gone long enough the people would forget him. Life in the forest in those days was extremely dangerous, with what the lions and tigers and bears. Perhaps she was hoping Rama get eaten by some large, furry, carnivorous animals.
When Rama heard the news, he immediately prepared to leave for the forest, without complaining or losing his composure. He was not just being a goody-goody Rama understood that people look to their leaders for examples of how to live. Long ago, his father had made a promise to his youngest wife, and if he broke it now, it would signal to the people that keeping your word was not important. Kings must keep their promises even if it causes them grief.
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