Im hindu and proud of being one. However, I agree with ASI in that there is no evidence to prove that Ram was indeed a living soul. Ramayana is a fantastic tale with brilliant characters composed by Valmiki, much like Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. The compelling story brought the characters to life to the extent that thousands of years later we have started to rever a storybook character as God.
Infact if you read read Ramayana carefully there is a character 'Javali' who constantly reminds Rama that he is only mortal and there is no life after death, so he should do what he thinks is right and not be swayed by what people say to him. That is a way of Valmiki reminding the readers to look at Rama only as a very noble man but not God!
Im not saying we disrespect Ramayana, as it is a part of our proud heritage, a great story written over 3000 years ago when the so called Western Civilisation was full of barbarians. However let us get a story book stand in the way of our progress
RE:Ramayana, only a story
by Mukesh on Sep 12, 2007 08:12 PM Permalink
Super User, I agree with you. Its true that there is no proof. But that can't be held the basis for destroying the ancient relegious places. Going by that logic, there is no proof that Jesus is God, their is no proof that Mohd was right about allah. So, should we start saying that all relegious places attached to them can be destroyed?
RE:Ramayana, only a story
by Super User on Sep 12, 2007 08:18 PM Permalink
You seem to sway from one extreme to another. Nobody for a moment mentioned destroying all places of religious worship. What is the harm in building a bridge that will destroy Ram-Sethu which is proven not be man-made.
RE:Ramayana, only a story
by r patil on Sep 12, 2007 08:30 PM Permalink
Dear Super User Going to catholic school Even I beleived Lord Ram is a myth and not history.But now after studying so much I can say Lord Ram was realy he may not be God.Their are many reason why Lord Ram is a historic fact the along list of his ancesters the same ancesters are mentioned in puran(puran means ancient history while itihas means recent history)of the purus and yadhavs.Well even Lord Krishna is a historic figure and scientist have found the submerged dwarka also.Infact Yadav surname is a testamony of the existance of YAdu yayatis son hence yadu vanshi. Myths dont come from thin air ,many time they are a dramatised version of history.All together neglecting the mythology as myth is foolishness.
RE:RE:Ramayana, only a story
by Super User on Sep 12, 2007 08:35 PM Permalink
If you had a chance to write a story, wouldnt you use real names, cities, locations etc. That way the story seems more real and is better accepted by people.
Do you see movies made today with fictional places?? - No! because real locations add more authenticity to a story even if it is all make-believe.
RE:Ramayana, only a story
by imran patel on Sep 12, 2007 08:09 PM Permalink
Existence of ALLAH is a belief. But based on that belief a MUSLIM should NOT and CANNOT claim rights on a property. He/she should own that property LEGALLY.
You may dis-agree with the existence of ALLAH. That is ur faith.
But Muslims are not claiming any Land/Property/Right based on their belief in ALLAH.
See the difference. Sonia gandhi is not claiming anyone elses property based on her Belief !!!
RE:Ramayana, only a story
by Super User on Sep 12, 2007 08:32 PM Permalink
I dont care if abraham, jesus, moses etc. were real or fictional. What has it got to do with the argument anyway?
Please learn to debate properly using proper language.
RE:Ramayana, only a story
by ALOK CHAUHAN on Sep 12, 2007 08:11 PM Permalink
No you are not HINDU....else you won't have agreed with just a 100-200 years old organization called ASI, who are not that smart as you think (Thanks to RESERVATion of the governments).....Forgetting and being with the Aurangzeb mentality people...is not good...Change yourself.....for good....History has been molested for hundreds of years...and you are helping those molesters.......
RE:RE:Ramayana, only a story
by Super User on Sep 12, 2007 08:20 PM Permalink
Jeffrey, What is the link between vedantic significance of Ramayana and Ram-Sethu. I do not disagree that Ramayana plays a significant role in understanding our past, but my argument still stands, it is just a story.
