015 FAQ-Rama’s Commitment to Truth – The Upholding of His Father’s Promise

015 FAQ-Rama’s Commitment to Truth – The Upholding of His Father’s Promise

Text: Ramayana
Lead Character: Rama
Topic: Rama’s Commitment to Truth – The Upholding of His Father’s Promise
Lessons: Loyalty, Honoring Promises, Commitment to Righteousness, and Selflessness

Questions from curious Kids.

1. Why did Rama have to leave the kingdom just because of a promise?

   • Rama’s father, King Dasharatha, had promised Kaikeyi two boons. When she asked for Rama’s exile, Rama honored his father’s word, believing it was his duty to uphold promises.

2. What does "dharma" mean, and why was it so important to Rama?

   • Dharma means doing what is right according to moral values. For Rama, following dharma was essential because it reflected his commitment to righteousness and set an example for others.

3. Why did Kaikeyi ask for Rama to be exiled?

   • Kaikeyi wanted her son Bharata to be king and believed that if Rama became king, Bharata would never get the throne. She made this demand out of fear and jealousy.

4. How did Rama feel about being exiled from his home?

   • Rama likely felt sadness and disappointment, but he accepted his fate without anger. His ability to stay calm showed his inner strength and commitment to dharma.

5. Why didn’t Rama get angry at his stepmother for her unfair demands?

   • Rama believed in forgiveness and respecting his elders. He chose to rise above personal emotions and focus on fulfilling his duty.

6. Why did Rama choose to go into exile instead of fighting for his throne?

   • Rama could have resisted but didn’t want to create conflict in his family. By going into exile, he respected his father’s promise and maintained peace.

7. Why didn’t Rama return to Ayodhya when Bharata begged him to come back?

   • Rama believed in completing the 14-year exile as promised. Despite Bharata’s pleas, he stayed true to his commitment to dharma.

8. How did Sita and Lakshmana choose to go with Rama into exile?

   • Sita and Lakshmana chose to accompany Rama because they loved him and believed in sharing his hardships, valuing loyalty over comfort.

9. Why is it so important to keep promises, even when they are difficult to uphold?

   • Keeping promises builds trust and reflects integrity. Rama’s story shows that honoring commitments, even when difficult, is a sign of strong character.

10. What lesson did King Dasharatha learn after Kaikeyi’s demands?

• King Dasharatha realized too late that his promises to Kaikeyi had caused immense harm. He regretted making those promises, especially when they led to Rama’s exile.

11. What does it mean to make a personal sacrifice for the greater good?

• Personal sacrifice means giving up something important to help others or to uphold values like truth and justice, as Rama did by going into exile.

12. Why didn’t Rama change his mind when offered the throne by Bharata?

• Rama didn’t change his mind because he was committed to fulfilling the 14 years of exile, believing in keeping his word above all.

13. How did Bharata rule Ayodhya while Rama was in exile?

• Bharata ruled as a caretaker, placing Rama’s sandals on the throne to symbolize that Rama was the true king. He governed with fairness but longed for Rama’s return.

14. What can we learn from Rama’s actions about selflessness and leadership?

• Rama’s actions teach us that true leadership involves putting others before oneself and always acting with integrity, even in the face of personal loss.

15. Why did Rama’s exile last exactly 14 years?

• The 14-year exile was part of the specific promise King Dasharatha made to Kaikeyi, symbolizing a complete period of testing and patience for Rama before his return as king.

These questions and answers help explore the values of dharma, sacrifice, leadership, and the importance of promises, which are central themes in Rama’s story.