Sivananda says Rama was deep like the ocean, firm and steadfast like the Himalayan mountains, valiant like Lord Vishnu, calm like the cool breeze of the Mandara Hills, patient like Mother Earth, bounteous like the god of wealth and righteous like the lord of justice himself.

The question is not whether we can fit into the mould of the ideal or not, but the fact that we love and adore an ideal person. Is being dispassionate in thought and deed still important in a war-striven world? Yes, because unnecessary passion destroy oneself as well as others.

C Raja Gopalachari, in his English translation of Ramayana, gives an example of Rama’s level-headedness in any situation. He writes: In exile, Rama was as serene as ever. A hut at Chitrakoot and the grandeur of the mountain scenery were enough to please him. One day, as he was sitting with Sita and Lakshmana on the slope of the hill, they suddenly saw a cloud of dust rise in the sky. It seemed to be moving towards them. It looked as if an army had entered the forest. Filled with anger, Lakshmana said, ‘‘O my brother, it is Bharata. Not satisfied with getting the kingdom, he is pursuing us here, I can see the tree on our flag flying in the breeze. He has come to slay us; but the son of Kaikeyi shall not escape with life from me today. What sin is there in killing this destroyer of dharma?’’

Rama tried to calm him. ‘‘Listen, you can easily kill Bharata and his army, but there one thing you should consider before that. What good shall we get by fighting for and winning the kingdom? What will we gain by killing our kinsfolk? Why and for whom do we seek wealth and kingdom? Is it not for the sake of others, whose joy is our own?

Who would want to acquire a kingdom by wrong means? I know why Bharata is coming here now and I will tell you. He knows the way of dharma. He is coming here to give the kingdom to me,’’ said Rama laughing. Lakshmana shrank into himself with shame.