The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Overcome hard feelings

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Thursday, Apr 08, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Overcome hard feelings

CHENNAI, APRIL 8 . It is human tendency to constantly recall with anger those who have been responsible for one's travails whenever undergoing hardships without realising that whatever one faces is the result of past actions done in previous lives. So it is more important to accept the vicissitudes of life with equanimity of mind and refrain from speaking ill of others who might have been instrumental in precipitating such situations. Moreover, harbouring hard feelings will be counterproductive to one's peace of mind. The Ramayana offers insight into this aspect of human nature, which will be educative for those who peruse it with this outlook.

In his discourse, Paranur Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal said the sight of Rama and Sita proceeding for ablutions to River Godavari at the crack of dawn in winter during their stay in Panchavati was enough to make Lakshmana bemoan the hardships of forest life for one used to the luxuries of the royalty. As he was aware that Rama would not pay heed to his outbursts of anger about His lot, he instead described how Bharata would be facing the same plight in Nandigrama where he chose to reside till Rama's exile was over.

Lakshmana lamented, "Giving up the sovereignty and honour as well as the diverse enjoyments and living on a restricted diet, Bharata reposes on the cold surface of the earth. Ready for a dip in the river and followed by his ministers, he too without doubt walks to River Sarayu daily at this hour. Tormented by cold, though brought up in the highest luxury and tender as he is, how indeed does he take a dip in the river during the last watch of the night? Bharata has belied the well-known popular saying that men follow the nature of their mother and not of their father. How is it that mother Kaikeyi, whose husband was Dasaratha and whose son is the virtuous Bharata, wears such a cruel aspect?"

Though He knew that Lakshmana spoke like that out of affection for Him, Rama could not endure such outright censure of Kaikeyi and His advice to His brother in this context is a lesson for all, "Dear brother, Kaikeyi should not be condemned by you. Speak exclusively about that Bharata, the king of the Ikshvakus." Rama admitted to His emotions saying that though His mind was intent on His vow to reside in the forest yet when He remembered Bharata's affection for Him, He became disturbed that he was undergoing such hardships by living an austere life.

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