Lessons of the Rama Story

"The Ramayana, the Rama story, teaches two lessons: the value of detachment and the need to become aware of the Divine in every being. Faith in God and detachment from objective pursuits are the keys to human liberation. Give up sense objects, and you gain Rama. 

Sita gave up the luxuries of Ayodhya so that she could be with Rama in the period of ‘exile’. When she cast longing eyes on the golden deer and craved it, she lost the presence of Rama. 

Renunciation leads to joy; attachment brings about grief. Be in the world, but not of it."

(Ramakatha Rasavahini, Ch 2)