Did Rama really incarnate in this world?

Answer 1

I would say yes in my opinion.

Rama, history and mythology:

There is precisely 50% historical evidence for the existence of Rama.

The places mentioned in Ramayana really exist. Many of the kings and kingdoms mentioned in it too did exist.

However, one half of Ramayana appears to be purely mythological. Hanuman flying in the air carrying a mountain in one hand, for example, appears to be purely mythological.

This makes non Hindus to wonder whether Rama is mythological or historical.

Hindu beliefs about Rama:

Hindus have three kinds of belief about Rama.

1. When religious they firmly believe that Rama did incarnate on earth.

2. When atheistic they suppose that Rama is just mythological.

3. Normally they suppose that there is just 50% historical evidence for the existence of Rama.

The reason for multiple beliefs among Hindus:

Human beings are created to dwell at the junction of their real and imaginary worlds. Hinduism too makes Hindus to dwell at this same place.

Thus, depending on their difficulties, Hindus can be religious, natural or atheistic at different times and there would be a smooth transition among the three states.

When they have no difficulties Hindus would automatically be atheistic. However, they would ignore Rama, never look at him from an atheistic angle and thus never lose faith in him.

Rama's nature to the non Hindus:

People of other religions, and even scientists, can live either in real or imaginary worlds. This, makes it impossible for them to conclude whether Rama is historical or mythological because there is precisely 50% evidence for each.