Rama Rajya and the Child

Ram Rajya, often hailed as the ideal state, is one governed by dharma - righteousness. It is impartial, fair, and stands as a symbol of justice. The essence of Ram Rajya lies in a ruler like Lord Rama, who embodies self-discipline and is deeply rooted in dharma. Only under such leadership can a righteous and cultured populace flourish, creating a society marked by spiritual, divine, and material prosperity.

The Foundation of Ram Rajya

In a true Ram Rajya, the need for external governance is minimal. A society guided by dharma naturally regulates itself. Historical records suggest that there were times when there were no kings, no punishments, and no enforcers. The principles of dharma alone provided security and order among people:

However, the rise of negative qualities such as passion and ignorance gave way to a ‘Matsya Nyaya’ mindset, where the strong dominated the weak. In response to the people's distress, Bhagawan manifested rulers endowed with wisdom and power to maintain order, punish the wicked, protect the virtuous, and ensure the welfare of the people.

The Role of Dharma in Governance

A state governed by dharma is free from social vices such as theft, greed, drunkenness, and the neglect of sacred rituals. It fosters a society where noble parents and teachers are prevalent, paving the way for offspring who respect their elders and adhere to righteous paths. In such a society, there is no need for external law enforcement because people self-regulate based on dharma.

The ruler, like the Indian kings of old, could declare confidently that their domain had no thieves, misers, or drunkards. When men themselves are not adulterous, how can there be adulterous women? This is the hallmark of a society where dharma governs.

Building a Foundation for Future Generations

The foundation of a strong nation lies in its children. They are the pillars upon which a nation's future is built. Therefore, their upbringing and protection require the utmost attention. Noble parents and teachers are crucial in shaping their character, ensuring that they follow the righteous path and ascend to the highest levels of progress. This is not just about worldly success; it is about achieving supreme liberation by attaining knowledge of Brahman.

The Vedic saying, 'Matriman Pitraman Acharyavan Purusho Veda,' emphasizes that good sons and disciples emerge only from excellent, virtuous, and righteous parents and teachers. This is why realizing Brahman is considered the ultimate goal of life. Various religious practices and good deeds aim to purify the mind and prepare it for this realization.

Influences on Child Development

A child’s development is profoundly influenced by their parents, society, and culture. From the moment they are conceived, a child is shaped by the thoughts, behaviors, and values of their parents. This influence extends to the wet nurse, relatives, community members, and peers. Negative influences, such as exposure to prohibited substances and improper conduct, can have lasting impacts.

The environment plays a crucial role as well. When children go to school, they are influenced by the atmosphere there. Negative influences from unsuitable literature, movies, games, and advertisements can significantly affect their character. Thus, it is essential to maintain a positive and supportive environment that fosters righteous values.

The Necessity of Reform in Society

To nurture a generation capable of sustaining Ram Rajya, we must first reform our current society. This requires a revolutionary change in literature, drama, cinema, and advertisements. Education and the role of teachers need immediate attention. Only through good education can we cultivate good intellect, which in turn fosters good desires and actions.

Following the Indian scriptural method, it is crucial to study and teach the Vedas and related religious texts. Even practical knowledge can be gained by observing nature and animals, as they often teach valuable lessons in survival and resource management.

The Path Forward for Ram Rajya

Achieving Ram Rajya involves more than just political reform; it requires a fundamental shift in values and priorities. It is not about harsh measures or extreme policies, as seen in other systems like communism or socialism. Instead, Ram Rajya promotes decentralization of wealth and power to resolve economic imbalances.

For a nation to truly thrive, there must be balance - extreme equality and inequality are both harmful. Practical distribution of resources, according to ability and need, is essential. Ram Rajya is not just about governance but about the collective welfare, which builds the individual and, in turn, strengthens the nation.

Some Practical Tips

1. Set a Daily Family Routine Involving Prayer or Meditation:

Establish a daily routine where the family comes together for a short prayer, meditation, or mindfulness practice. This could be in the morning or before bedtime. It helps instill a sense of discipline and spirituality in children from a young age.

2. Limit Screen Time and Choose Educational Content:

Actively manage and limit the time children spend on digital devices. Encourage educational and morally uplifting content such as documentaries, historical shows, or animated stories from scriptures and cultural legends. Set aside time for reading books that teach values and ethics.

3. Involve Children in Household Chores and Responsibilities:

Assign age-appropriate chores to children to teach them responsibility, teamwork, and the value of contributing to the family. For example, younger children can help set the table, while older ones can assist in meal preparation or taking care of pets. This practice instills a sense of duty and cooperation.

4. Encourage Participation in Community Service or Charity Work:

Plan regular family activities that involve community service, such as volunteering at a local shelter, participating in cleanliness drives, or helping out at community events. This teaches children empathy, compassion, and the importance of giving back to society.

5. Organize Family Discussions on Ethics and Values:

Once a week, hold a family discussion on topics related to ethics, values, or moral dilemmas. Use stories from scriptures or real-life situations to prompt these discussions. Encourage children to express their thoughts and learn to reason through complex moral questions. This practice helps in developing critical thinking and a strong moral compass.

By integrating these practical activities into daily life, parents can foster a nurturing and disciplined environment that supports their children's holistic growth in line with the ideals of Ram Rajya.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi