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Lesson 2 of 6

The Ramayana: deeper meanings

I can explain the deeper meanings of the Ramayana.

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Lesson 2 of 6
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The Ramayana: deeper meanings

I can explain the deeper meanings of the Ramayana.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The Ramayana embodies the concept of dharma.
  2. Different characters in the story embody their different dharmas. For example, Sita embodies love and strength.
  3. A deeper meaning of the story of Ravana is that intelligence alone not always lead you on right path.
  4. A deeper meaning of the Ramayana is finding balance in life.

Keywords

  • Ramayana - an ancient Indian epic that tells the story of Rama and Sita

  • Rama - a prince known for his bravery, kindness and devotion to duty

  • Sita - the wife of Rama, a princess known for her beauty and devotion

  • Ravana - the king of Lanka, who has ten heads and twenty arms

  • Dharma - acting with compassion for the good of humans and all living things

Common misconception

The story of Rama and Sita is simply about light overcoming darkness.

The Ramayana has many deeper meanings. At its heart is the concept of dharma, and many Hindus look to the text and its characters as role models and for guidance in life.

You might like to take the summary of the Rama and Sita story from the slide deck and create freeze frame cards for your class in groups to freeze frame a certain part of the story.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
A long story like the Ramayana is known as an __________ story.

Correct answer: epic
amazing
incredible

Q2.
and Sita were sent into the forest, along with Lakshman, for 14 years.

Correct Answer: Rama, rama

Q3.
Put the story of the Ramayana in the correct order.

1 - Rama, Sita and Lakshman are sent into the forest.
2 - Ravana decides to try and kidnap Sita.
3 - Ravana appears as an old man and Sita tries to help him.
4 - Ravana carries Sita to his palace on the island of Lanka.
5 - Rama and Hanuman build a bridge to Lanka.
6 - Ravana is defeated and Rama and Sita return home.

Q4.
What did the people do when Rama and Sita returned home to Ayodyha?

they made a big cake
they decorated the palace
Correct answer: they lit candles

Assessment exit quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Many Hindus say that the deeper meaning of the Ramayana story is ...

Correct answer: following your dharma.
lighting lamps.
escaping into the forest.

Q2.
Which character in the story chose to go into the forest with Rama and was kidnapped by Ravana?

Correct Answer: Sita, sita, seeta, Seeta

Q3.
What do many Hindus say Rama's dharma was in the story?

Correct answer: to always do what is right
to always do what is easy
to always do what will help him most

Q4.
Which character in the Ramayana was intelligent, but used this for selfish purposes?

Rama
Hanuman
Correct answer: Ravana

Q5.
Many Hindus say that the Ramayana teaches that we should live with __________ in our lives.

happiness
Correct answer: balance
friendship

Lesson appears in

UnitReligious education / Festivals: How do ancient stories influence modern celebrations?

Religious education

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