Comments on: Question of the Week: Are Hindu Epics Literature, History, or Scripture?

By: Priya

Priya — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:45:23 +0000

When we were discussing this topic during our launch event, many said that the classification of epics would have some effect of whether or not we can draw ethical values from it. I feel, however, that the classification of the epic doesn’t really matter; ethical code can be drawn from it either way. Though we shouldn’t follow exactly what Rama or Krishna did, we can understand the motivation and meaning of their actions. While no one would ever throw a pregnant woman out of the house, from Rama’s actions we can understand that we must do our duty, no matter how painful it is. It seems like these epics are much more a presentation of the types of situations that arise in life rather than being a message from God.

By: aneesh

aneesh — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:20:17 +0000

I don’t think you can separate those three classifications. The Ramayana is definitely touches on important spiritual issues, so I would consider it part scripture. But for young children growing up, it can be just a story about Rama. And as you mentioned, there is a historic aspect as well.

For me, different aspects come to the fore in different situations. When I was a young child, the Ramayana was merely a story to me, and I think that is how I primarily think of it. Sometimes I try to gather lessons from Rama’s actions, and at those times the epic takes on a more spiritual role for me.

By: Sharmila

Sharmila — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:39:06 +0000

First off, I really like this post. It’s very organized and easy to read. I wish I was less scatter-brained (is that one word?!)

Okay, so responses:
1. I think it’s a little difficult to say whether you agree or disagree with the values presented by the epics absolutely. That said, it’s also a little harder to dispute the Ramayana’s values than those of the Mahabharat, with the exception of the sending Sita back into the Earth thing, which I question. I also wonder if maybe he was too loyal; can you have blind loyalty like blind faith? On the subject of the Mahabharat, I have many problems with Krishna’s ethics. I don’t think the ends justify the means, nor do I agree that being God gives you the right to do whatever you want (though that sounds silly). But given all this, I think everyone can find at least some values in each epic that they really treasure.

2. I personally find it hard to believe that these things really happened, but there’s nothing wrong with the view, I think. In any case, I don’t know that considering them as historical, mythological, or spiritual works directly impacts our understanding of them or their application into our daily lives.

3. I think the most tangible effect of the epics on my life is in what I think shouldn’t be done, namely Krishna’s actions. As I said, the things he did that I don’t agree with generally fall into the category of “ends justifying the means.” I don’t agree with this, and so when I make decisions, I try to act based on what I feel is right in general as opposed to what will be made acceptable based on the outcome. I suppose this works, in sort of a neti-neti approach in which I decide the final moral goal? Maybe?