Ego-Learning from Epics

In the year 1989, we had our first television, it was an Onida television. Year 1988 was significant since during this year the mega television series Ramayana was on-air. The series had a viewership of 82%, a record high for any Indian television series. Each episode of the series reportedly earned Doordarshan ?40 lakh. The series was initially conceptualized to run for 52 episodes of 45 minutes each. But, owing to popular demand it had to be extended thrice, eventually ending after 78 episodes.

Ramayan notably broke viewership for any Indian television series during the time. It was telecast in 55 countries and at a total viewership of 650 million, it became the highest watched Indian television series by a distance. It entered the Limca Book of Records as the most-watched mythological series.

During the Sundays of 1988, I remember going to an affluent neighbor's house to watch this mega-series. More than Ramayana the attraction was the yummy snacks they gave me during the 45-minute show. My Mother never had the opportunity to witness the mega television series then, Recently my Mom was delighted to hear the news that the same Ramanand Sagar produced Ramayana is being telecast from 26th March 2020.

Her regret of not able to view the epic was going to be fulfilled.

These days the 09:00 am and 09:00 pm is the prime time for her and the television is seized by her for the entire one hour. Interestingly she was able to convince her grandchildren about the epic and the trio now are in full control over our living room. Her grandchildren are claiming after 3 days of trial that Ramayana is now in the favorite list. Cartoons' demand has slightly dipped.

While I was enjoying the entire episode of grandmother and grandchildren discussions at home in my thoughts I stumbled upon an interesting aspect about the ancient Hindu epics i.e. Mahabharat and Ramayana.

I pondered that Veda Vyasa could have just described his story or experience (truth) through directly in verses or as a story, however, he made Sanjaya tell the story in a vivid way which he telepathically witnessed. Sanjaya narrated the entire story to the blind king, Dhritarashtra.

Similarly, I learned that Ramayana was written from the point of view of a crying bird telling sage Valmiki the story of Rama and Sita.

In my opinion, the ancient sages did that to avoid "ego".

I also opine they wanted to make sure that the world understood that the things that they were the laws of the universe rather than merely their personal opinion. Sage Veda Vyasa or Rishi Valmiki never wanted anyone to think that the epics were their own personal theories about truth rather than universal laws, which is why they wrote the epics in someone else’s viewpoint and gave importance to the other’s reference.

You can either be a host to God, or a hostage to your ego. It's your call.