My understanding of dharma is the responsibilities that one has which are dictated by their position in society. Dharma is one of the four major goals that define the good life in Hinduism all for the sake of social and cosmic order (95). The caste system of India regulated what position people held in society. They were to not step out of their place so to speak. As long as everyone obeyed and did what they were supposed to do the caste system and dharma could work together seamlessly. Dharma seems to structure the entire Indian society and culture. It allows a social balance. When I think of dharma in relation to the caste system it can be hard to relate to as someone who has always lived in America. A place where people can pursue "the American dream" and pursue their highest ambitions. They are supposedly not boxed into any fixed station in life as they would be in the caste system. In my life, dharma includes being a good daughter and a good person towards others, a good student, and a good Christian.
The characters in the Ramayana are represented as ideal beings. They are ideal because they do as dharma dictates while they are also divine beings. The Ramayana shows examples of living a virtuous life and upholding one's responsibilities to others as defined by one's social roles (79). Dharma dictates that people are first responsible for their relationships with others and then they can secondarily be an individual (79). Rama and Sita both exemplify being responsible first to others and their relationship with them. I think that dharma's significance in the Ramayana can be seen in Rama's fulfilling of his duties. Additionally, Sita remains faithful to Rama and values her relationship with him.
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