From both an introductory understanding of the Ramayana, Fisher’s Hinduism text, and previous course work, dharma is that which ought to be done based on one’s position within society. It is the pursuit and commitment to the right action to maintain social order ( 95). As historical India is based on a rigid caste system, there are certain duties attributed to residence within each tier (Fisher 93). It goes beyond what is perceived as right and wrong, and delves into law, occupation, religious obligation, and relational expectation (95).
In terms of my own life, there are certain, correct actions for a person who is--21, student, southern, unmarried, and female. Coming from a Christian perspective, there are expectations to remain chaste, obey the laws of the land, honor my parent’s wishes, and be a dutiful student. Because India was built upon this caste system, and presumably they worked effectively for generations, it made sense to continue to follow them and ensure social harmony. There would always be enough individuals in each tier to carry out jobs and services necessary if the rigid system was maintained, theoretically.
Dharma is so important, because the success of the society depends on pursuit of filling one’s role perfectly. It is such a large focus in the Ramayana because it demonstrates the ideal dharmic characters. The characters are larger than life, literally as Rama and Sita are avatars, and so are literary depictions of godly dharma. This narrative brings the social and the divine together, infusing it with even greater religious worship significance--entwining devotion to those beings who can perfectly exemplify dharma. If the gods follow and are bound to dharma, and you worship the gods, so too are you bound by a similar code of ethics/ duty.