Wednesday, February 22, 2017

968. Rama & Dharma.....!


“Ramo Vigrahavan Dharma” (Rama is Righteousness personified) says Maricha while briefing about Shri Rama's character to King Ravana. In His entire life Shri Rama followed Dharma.

My words are too very small to portray the character of a person whom many like me have regarded as “Maryada Purushottama” (Dignified Ideal Man). Nevertheless I have made an attempt here to look into the Dharma aspects considered by Shri Rama at every stage of His life.    

Rama is hesitant to kill the Tataka since she is a woman. Guru Vishwamitra justifies the necessity of killing, in the larger interest. This is the start for Rama to look at things from Dharma perspective.

Rama is not at all bothered to renounce the coronation and go to the forest. The Dharma to keep up the promise of His father prevails. This is Pitridharma (duties towards father).

When Sitadevi’s wish to accompany Him to forest, He respects the Stri-Dhrama of sharing the pain and pleasure of her husband.

When Bharata request Rama to come back and ascend the throne, Rama advises Bharata “this Universe firmly rests in Satya (Truth), and Dharma is the manifestation of that Truth, and it is by Dharma, the universe is sustained. All events in one’s life are well determined, and one has no freedom on his part to change that course.” Rama also advises Bharata not to have any ill-feelings towards his mother Kaikeyi. This is Vyakti Dharma, the righteousness of an individual.  

Surpanaka tried to grasp Sitadevi to eliminate her so that Rama would marry her. Rama orders Lakshmana to disfigure Surpanaka and chase her away. Pati Dharma is to protect the spouse.  

Rama feels very sad on Jadayu's death and says “fate cannot be conquered”. He cremates the huge bird, this is Manava Dharma, the duty of a human.   

Rama justifies the killing of Vali from behind the bush. He clarifies that Vali was not a human as he had abducted Sugreeva’s wife just like how animals do.  As one belonging to Ikshavaku dynasty His duty was to the moral law. This is Dushtha Shikshana Dharma (punishing the wicked).

When Vibheeshana joined Rama Camp, he was offered protection Rama offered him with an assurance says “He who seeks refuge in me just once, telling me that ‘I am yours’, I shall give him assurance of safety against all types of beings. This is my solemn pledge” This is considered Shishta Rakshana Dharma (protecting the cultured).

At war Rama sends back Ravana when he loses his bow as well as his chariot, and completely exhausted. Ravana was thus given an opportunity to repent for the bad deeds. This is Kshama Dharma (grace of mercy).  

On the death of Ravana, Vibeeshana is crowned the king of Lanka though Raja Dharma gave the proprietary of Lanka to Rama. Rama stood by His word that wanted his wife back. This is Satya Vakya Paripalana Dharma (vow to keep up promise).

Looking at the beauty of Sri Lanka which looked like Gold, Lakshman wanted to know if Rama would stay back. Rama is supposed to have said “Janani Janma bhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi” (mother and motherland are greater than heaven). This is Desha Prema Dharma (patriotic love)

Finally the much debated of Rama sending Sitamatha to forest. Many feel that just because of some loose talk by an ordinary washer man Rama should not have sent Sitamatha to forest. Rama was following the Rajya Dharma which says no to nepotism. Agreed that Sitamatha was innocent but would the words of Rama satisfy that washer man. Also Rama knew that the ideal place for the birth of His sons was the hermit of Valmiki.Hence he directs Lakshmana to leave her in the vicinity of the ashrama.  

No comments:

Post a Comment