Nurturing Resilience and Wisdom: Exploring Modern Coping Strategies through the Timeless Lens of the Ramayana Epic

Pankhuri Bhatnagar, Neelanshi Bhatnagar

Abstract: This research paper examines the enduring relevance of the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic, in today's society. It explores how the themes, characters, and teachings of the Ramayana continue to resonate with modern individuals and communities, guiding us towards effective coping strategies. The notion of coping has been extensively investigated and elucidated through various perspectives, spanning diverse contexts of study, studied across a broad spectrum of situations. Throughout history, coping has helped to alleviate the detrimental effects of stress. Yet, well before this perspective emerged, an ancient Hindu text, the Ramayana, serves as a compelling illustration of humanity's timeless ability to employ effective coping strategies when confronted with challenges. Woven within its intricate tapestry of characters, conflicts, and triumphs of Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Mandodari, etc are profound insights into how individuals can navigate challenges with resilience, wisdom, and emotional fortitude. It excellently demonstrates the major styles of coping like problem focused coping and emotion focused coping. The paper will attempt to briefly describe how through the experiences of its characters, the Ramayana imparts valuable lessons on various coping strategies like problem - solving, emotional regulation, and spiritual wisdom.

Keywords: coping strategies, Ramayana, problem focused coping and emotion focused coping