I understand the Dharma as one’s duties to their social roles to ensure a good life (p 93-95). I think this is so important to Hindu’s because of the cycle of Karma. Karma, whether good or bad, seems to tie all of these lives together (p 78). Therefore, if one person doesn’t follow the duties of their social castes then everyone else will also suffer the consequences alongside them. I also think this is an important concept in a lot religions; they are all just called different things or look slightly different. In my own life, this seems like I need to be very aware of how my decisions affect the people in my life and that I don’t need waste any opportunities that I have.
The Ramayana is thought to show how one is supposed to live her life based on their social role (p 79). I remember reading in the introduction that this story embodies all of the ideals. Therefore, in a perfect world, this would be how someone would their life and these are the best characteristics a person can have. I think this relates to Bhakti because devotion and duty can be very similar in the way they are lived out.