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Cosette Bolt

Laksmana

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KN MJ Collin Cortinas SM GR
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Laksmana is fascinating to me. His unconditional loyalty and devotion to Rama is incredible. The first shocking instance of extreme loyalty is when Rama is called away to fight the raksasas, Laksmana without question, joins Rama on the quest. Following Rama into the quest gains him great rewards such as mantras and a wife, Urmila, but he consistently places  Rama ahead of himself. When Rama is exiled, Laksmana follows despite having no requirement to do so. Instead he sacrifices his duties in the city, his wife, and creature comforts associated with his position. In defense of Rama and Sita, Laksmana kills Ravana’s sons, which is no small feat. Laksmana is a compelling character due to his sacrificial nature and deep devotion to his brother, Rama. 


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6 replies
  1. Post by Gale Riggs
    Re: Laksmana
    Yes! The dynamic between Rama and Laksmana is so fascinating and endearing to me; one might think that there would be more rivalry between the two siblings, as Rama is always outshining Laksmana, but Laksmana's adoration and devotion for his brother far outweighs any contempt that he may have. I don't believe I have ever met anyone with as much unconditional love and devotion towards their sibling, but their relationship is incredibly sweet! Even if the rest of the world turns against Rama, Laksmana will not be far behind.
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  2. Post by Sam Misischia
    Response to Cosette
    I agree that Laksmana is very loyal to his brother, Rama, but why then did Sita question his behaviors and motives when in the wilderness? She says, " You pretend to be your brother's friend, Laksmana...'but you are really his enemy....You rejoice in his misfortune" (231-2). Sita's words were quite harsh. Why did Sita question Laksmana with such detestation? Hadn't Laksmana stayed by Rama's side the entire time? Was Sita just truly desperate for Laksmana to help Rama? This scene baffled me. 
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  3. Parent of this post↑ Reply to SMSam Misischia from Cosette Bolt
    Re: Response to Cosette
    Sam, if I am remembering correctly, Sita rebukes Laksmana to spur him to action. I think her intention is to rial  him up so that he is sure to remain loyal to Rama. This bit of reverse psychology is intriguing but serves very useful as Laksmana continues to fight for Rama and eventually to aid in Sita’s rescue. 
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  4. Post by Collin Cortinas
    Re: Laksmana
    Cosette, 

    Some good stuff here! One instance in the text that I think really personifies Laksmana's character in serving his brother is when he is describing the lengths he is willing to go to in order to keep his brother safe as they live in the forest together. He says that he will walk ahead and stomp on any needles or rocks in the path so that Rama does not stumble, and I think that is a great example of how far Laksmana is willing to go. 

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  5. Post by Maggie Jones
    Re: Laksmana
    Hey, I think that Laksmana's character exemplifies dharma through his relationship with Rama. Laksmana's willingness to put himself in danger to help Rama is very interesting. The absence of competition between Laksmana and Rama is even more so. One can have competition and still be wholeheartedly devoted to someone else, but Laksmana goes beyond that and is not concerned with his own ambitions or successes which is very humble.
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  6. Post by Kathryn Nash
    Re: Laksmana
    I agree! I feel as though usually in religious texts and stories for example, The Bible you have brothers who are head-to-head like Cain and Abel or Jacob and all of his brothers. They are constantly warring and trying to out-do one another. To see Laksmana's unwavering and unhesitant devotion to Rama is a complete 180. Laksmana's loyalty to Rama is rarely seen in texts such as these. Laksmana is a different kind of character who relentlessly and unquestionably follows Rama when he has no requirement to do so. 
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