The Hindu : Embodiment of virtues

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 08, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Embodiment of virtues

CHENNAI NOV.8 . The Supreme Being is described as the abode of infinite auspicious qualities and they were manifest during His incarnations in the world, especially in human form. It was possible for mankind to understand His divine nature and benevolent traits only because of His advents as otherwise it is possible only for a few to realise His transcendental form. One of the various names by which the Almighty is known is Bhagavan and it occurs in many mantras. The name Bhagavan literally means one who has six inimitable qualities that distinguish Him as the Supreme Lord.

In his discourse, Sri S.V.Radhakrishna Sastrigal said Hanuman while describing Rama used the epithet "Bhagavan" with the certain knowledge that He was no ordinary human being. Hanuman's intellectual acumen enabled him to understand Rama's divine nature when the brothers were living in a cave of the mountain, Prasravana, after vanquishing Vali and restoring the throne to Sugriva, who had promised to initiate the search for Sita after the monsoon season was over. Rama hardly took notice of anything around Him as He was despondent over His separation from Sita.

Unknown to Him, Hanuman observed Rama closely during this period with an astuteness that singled him out later for the Lord's service and also transformed him into His foremost devotee forever.

When Sugriva did not keep his word, it was Hanuman who counselled him like a friend would though he was his ruler, "Submitting to your will, the wise Sri Rama would not tell you that the time for action had passed. He is responsible for your race being prosperous and will be your friend for a long time. Immeasurable is His power and He is peerless in personal virtues. Though actually able to subdue by means of His arrows gods as well as demons, He is affording you an opportunity to implement your word. Therefore, you ought to oblige with your whole soul Sri Rama, who is so powerful and has rendered good offices to you in the past."

Hanuman was witness to Rama's exemplary conduct from then on. The Lord lived the way others expected Him to as they looked up to Him as an ideal and did not give room to personal preferences. In the Lord's case all virtuous qualities were His very nature and so much ingrained that He never had to make any effort to be righteous. It is for this reason that Valmiki portrays Rama as the very personification of Dharma.

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