1) Popularity :- To lay
claim to the title of " Idol / Hero ", one should be popular with the people.
Kings and politicians soon loose their popular appeal with loss of power. Popular idol/
hero rules in the hearts and minds of the ordinary people. Rama achieved this by his
innate characteristics of charm, kindness, openness, generosity and a real willingness to
listen to other's problem. Everyone in Ayodhya felt they could approach Rama with their
problems. Rama was known to find swift, realistic and just answers for every one. His
aura, charm and charisma made every one relax and feel happy in his presence. 2) Bravery :- It is
essential for a " Idol / Hero " to be brave. It is not enough to be popular if
you can not achieve anything concrete. Rama fought for his people in the battle field as
well as the Royal Court of Ayodhya. He stood his ground in all adversities and fought for
the cause of righteousness. Being adventurous, Rama took his exile as a great challenge to
explore new frontiers. Even in the jungles He fought for the rights of the oppressed. To
be brave means to face danger with open eyes. Knowing his enemies strong points aswell as
the weaknesses, Rama sought to rid the society of those who threatened to undermine it. 3) Kindness :- This is one
of Rama's major attribute. He taught mankind how to be kind aswell as brave. Ravan was
brave but had a cruel heart. This eventually corrupted him and made him a villain. Bravery
should be tempered by a kind and gentle heart, so that the God given powers of strength
are not misused. Power, success, wealth and popularity can easily go to one's head and
soon corrupt the good intentions one begins with. Rama never let this happen as his
prowess was always tempered by a kind and gentle soul. 4) Justice :- Kindness and
generosity of heart should not border on to being gullible. Rama's kindness was tempered
by his love for justice. He was always just and fair. Seeing where kindness or punishment
is due, Rama delivered it accordingly. In his kingdom, every one had the constitutional
right to approach the King with their grievance. Always in keeping with the spirit of
justice, Rama installed Vali's son on the throne of Kishkindh and Ravan's brother on the
throne of Lanka. He never coveted anything that belonged to others and inspired love for
justice in his people with his own actions. 5) Obedience :- Most
famous attribute of Rama was his obedience and loyalty to his parents, guru and the
subjects. Rama sought to keep his father's promise and willingly accepted fourteen years
of exile. If Rama himself disregarded his King and father's wish, what sort of example
would that set for the future generations? To teach obedience, one should practice
obedience. 6) Intelligence :-
Obedience should always be tempered by intellect. Obedience should not be slavish.
Dasharath ordered Rama to take the kingdom by force, imprison him and if necessary call on
the army to support him. But Rama refused such suggestions. To break an oath / promise is
a sin but to suggest covert ways of escaping the oath would be a greater sin. He always
obeyed by considering what would be right, proper and good for his people. Rama asked his
father, " If a drunk parent or guru should order the child or disciple to cremate
them, should such an order be carried out? Of course not. Orders given by a clouded mind
can not and should not be obeyed. Sometimes it is far better to obey the spirit of the
order than the order it self. " 7) Patience :- Intelligent
people should be patient in order to earn people's love. Often the intellectuals become
impatient with the dull witted. Rama had a great virtue of being gentle and understanding
even with the uneducated jungle dwellers. Often the intelligent become angry with people
who can't see as far ahead as they can. Rama endured his exile with legendary patience.
When he came to the Southern tip of India, He was patient with the Ocean. Rama knew that a
single arrow from his bow could achieve his purpose, but He decided to show respect for
the Heavenly Gods and waited for their answer. Though capable of building a bridge of
arrows, He let the monkeys build a bridge so they too could be satisfied with their war
efforts. 8) Universal Love :-
Rama's love for all creatures great and small helped him win over the hearts of rich and
poor, strong and weak, scholars and villagers alike. Rama's love was universal and
boundless. Even Ravan, his mortal enemy, received Rama's grace. Vali was also convinced of
Rama's love and was liberated from the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth. Rama's
gentleness was legendary and so even the uncivilised jungle dwellers came to him with out
any apprehensions. Rama's love and compassion make him an ideal for all time. 9) Being Dutiful :- Rama
was forever aware of his duty - " Dharma ", and followed it un-nerveingly. All
his above characteristics were tempered by desire to follow that which is right. Rama was
never blind in his love. Considering duty to be above all else, even life, Rama followed
dharma - duty, to the very last. Though he had boundless loved for his wife, He abandoned
her for the common moral good of his subjects. Rama followed his duty as a son, brother,
husband, prince, king, friend, and father at all times. Regardless of personal cost /
grief, Rama sacrificed everything in the pursuit of Dharma, duty.
