Ravana was a figure of immense power and intellect. He is symbolised with ten heads (though Valmiki Ramayana doesn’t mention anything on this), representing his vast knowledge and ambition. In contemporary times, this imagery is used to represent ten qualities. However, his unmatched strength and accomplishments were overshadowed by his arrogance.
He believed he was invincible, having received a boon from the creator god Brahma after years of intense penance. This boon rendered him immune to harm from gods, demons, and celestial beings—those he regarded as the most powerful. Yet, in his pride, Ravana dismissed humans as weak and insignificant, excluding them from consideration when seeking protection.
Ravana’s reign of terror grew unchecked until the gods, alarmed by his tyranny, turned to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of balance in the universe. They sought his intervention to restore harmony. Vishnu listened as the gods recounted Ravana’s conquests and cruelty. They explained the boon Ravana had received and the critical oversight resulting from his arrogance.
The gods declared, “It is only in a human form that Ravana can be defeated.” Understanding that even the mightiest fall due to their hubris, Vishnu resolved to descend to earth in human form as Rama, setting the stage for this tale of justice. This story, central to the Ramayana, conveys lessons that resonate across cultures and ages. Ravana’s disregard for humans led to his ultimate defeat, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of underestimating the seemingly insignificant.
In modern terms, as a leader or professional, this translates to disregarding individuals you perceive as too insignificant to challenge you or pose a threat.
For a business, these could be small, emerging competitors within the market. Undervaluing the quiet team member with untapped potential or neglecting minor yet critical vulnerabilities in a strategy can be perilous.
For a student, this could mean placing less importance on a subject that seems easy but may ultimately affect the final results. The unthinkable can often arise from what is overlooked, and those who are unprepared become vulnerable.
Ravana’s downfall also underscores the perils of unchecked pride. Despite his brilliance and accomplishments, his arrogance blinded him to his limitations. He failed to respect the interconnectedness of life, where all beings and elements are deeply linked and influence one another as part of a larger, interdependent system; even the most minor player can alter the course of events. In today’s world, this serves as a cautionary tale for anyone in a position of influence or power.
Success is not a shield against failure; humility and hard work are as essential as competence in navigating life’s complexities.
Vikram was the best sprinter in our college, winning every race for two years. His confidence grew so much that he stopped training regularly, believing no one else from college could beat him. He often dismissed younger athletes, thinking they weren’t a real challenge. However, my friend Arjun challenged him at our inter-college championship in our third year. Arjun had quietly trained hard every day for a year without showing off. Vikram, relying on his past victories, underestimated him. On race day, Arjun outran him with sheer determination and preparation. Vikram was shocked—his past success had made him complacent, while Arjun’s humility and effort helped him win. Arjun then went on to win many other championships before taking up coaching.
In a different context, I used to love phones of some early innovators but none of them could maintain their dominance, and ultimately, they lost to those that developed themselves and continued to innovate.
Ravana’s story serves as a lesson in preparedness and vigilance for individuals and organisations. Just as Ravana’s overconfidence in his boon made him vulnerable, depending too much on a single strength—be it a specific skill, market, or resource—can lead to blind spots.
• Diversification, adaptability, and openness to unexpected challenges are vital for resilience.
• In personal life, this may involve developing a broad skill set or maintaining a strong support network.
• In business, it could mean anticipating market shifts or embracing innovation to remain competitive in our chosen field.
The story also illustrates the value of respect—respect for others and the world around us. Ravana’s failure to recognise the power of humans cost him his kingdom and his life.
In the global context, it serves as a call to appreciate diversity, honour all contributions, and recognise the potential in every person and situation. Turning a blind eye to the seemingly insignificant can lead to missed opportunities or unforeseen threats.
Excerpted with permission from Unlocking The Wisdom of The Ramayana: Modern Perspectives on Dharma, Destiny and other themes from the timeless epic by Talari Anand Mahesh, published by Becomeshakespeare.com