The Personality Development Traits in the Ramayana

What is Personality?

The Collins Dictionary defines the word Personality as –

1. The distinctive characteristics which make an individual unique.

2. The distinctive character of a person which makes him or her socially attractive.

          We may now divide those distinctive characteristics (traits) into two - Physical and Non-physical.  Among these two, the Physical characteristics are the dependents of the Almighty and one cannot afford to change them.  Yet, one need not worry much about the downsides in the physical characteristics; once after the knowledge of the successful story of Ashtavakra, who received a great esteem for his erudition besides his ugly physical personality.  So that, it is clear that Non-physical characteristics (traits) are always dominant and receive high honour over the Physical.  One needs to develop those traits to be recognized as a good and efficient manager.

          The following are few of such traits that are noticed in various characters in the Ramayana.

1.     Ceaseless efforts:

A manager is supposed to be not discouraged by his failures.  His experience teaches him to become the best manager in the course of time.  Visvamitra is the fine example for this trait.  Once after understanding the greatness of being a “Brahmarshi”, he decided to be a Brahmarshi only.  He was not satisfied by achieving the status of “Rajarshi” or “Rshi” or “Maharshi”. So that, continued his till he achieved the rank of “Brahmarshi”.  In the process, he committed some blunders but he gradually corrected all of them once after understanding them to be his mistakes.  Many people caused many disturbances to him in many ways; but he steadily withstood with all of them.  After his achievement, he was praised even by his opponents also.  His maturity brought him an eligibility to teach even a great hero like SriRama.

2.     Capability:

Mere knowledge of managerial duties does not make good managers.  Capability alone is the scale of success of a manager.  Nala is a good example for this trait.  Crossing the ocean without the help of boats and aircrafts was not so easy.  Yet, the problem was easily solved by Nala, under whose supervision a bridge across the ocean was built within five days.

3.     Commitment to the profession:

A manager with commitment is far better than a manager with experience and skills.  Hanuman is the best example for this trait.  He was always loyal to his masters.  He obeyed the instruction of his teacher to be the minister of Sugriva.  He obeyed the instruction of Sugriva and made him friends with SriRama.  He obeyed the instruction of SriRama and found out the whereabouts of Sita.  He obeyed the instruction of Jambavan and crossed the ocean and reached the city of Lanka.  He obeyed the instruction of Sushena and saved the life of Lakshmana.  Thus, he was never reluctant or exhausted in performing any kind of duty that was assigned to him.

4.     Care:

Care for his subordinates makes a person a natural leader.  Vibhishana is a fine example for this trait.  He was very kind and wanted to save his kinsmen and Lanka from the anger of SriRama.  While all other ministers supported the decision of Ravana to fight, Vibhishana alone fearlessly spoke against the opinion of the King.  When he understood that his advice was not going to be honoured, then he decided to save at least the city of Lanka and avoid the total destruction of the race of the Demons.  So, he joined the side of SriRama.  He was criticized by many as a traitor for such act.  However, finally he remained as the saviour of his own race.

5.     Determination

A good leader should be define and justify his duties and determined to achieve them besides many pressures.  The sages in the forest requested SriRama to save them from the Demons.  SriRama assured them that he would do so.  Later, Sita questioned him about the justice in such promise.  She said that SriRama should not kill the Demons for he had no enmity against them.  Yet, SriRama explained her that it was his duty as a Kshatriya to protect his subjects.  She was convinced.  Eventually, SriRama too fulfilled his promise.

6.     Free from Greed/Honesty

It is one of the foremost qualities of the managers.  Kaikeyi cleared out every way of Bharata free from all the hazards to become the king of Ayodhya.  Yet, Bharata was honest enough and free from greed.  He never wanted to become the King as the tradition of his family supported SriRama to be the King.  So, on the instruction of SriRama, he accepted to take care of the Kingdom till SriRama’s return.  Finally, he handed over the Kingdom to SriRama after 14 years.

7.     Foresight:

It is the quality of the Manager who \always wants to be ahead of others.  Sumantara was a minister of Dasaratha.  Dasaratha was in depression as he had no children.  Then, Sumantra advised him to bring the sage “Rshyasrnga” and to perform “putreshti” for children.  Dasaratha followed his advice and received the right fruit.

8.     Gratefulness:

A manager’s success is not always an individual achievement.  So, he must be thankful to his subordinates/co-workers etc.  This quality is always helpful for his organization as well as his personal advancement.  Sugriva had a threat to his life from Vali.  It restricted his movements to a limited area.  At that time, SriRama helped him and made him the King of Kishkindha by killing Vali.  Therefore, Sugriva was grateful to SriRama till the end.  He was little fickle by the fault of his birth as a monkey, but, he proved himself a best friend to Rama.

These, and many other traits such as “Pratijnapalanam” of SriRama, “Respect for elders” exposed by the brothers of SriRama, “Humility besides Capability” displayed by Hanuman, “Self-control” of Lakshmana that dominated his anger, Planning and Successful implementation of Sugriva, Patience of Vasishtha, Knowledge of sages such as Agastya, Humbleness of the kings like Janaka, Timely reaction of Hanuman, guide us towards the path of success by developing our Personality.