The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Awareness of Dharma

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Awareness of Dharma

CHENNAI, MAY 19 . Human beings differ from other living beings in that they are endowed with a superior intellect with which they can discriminate between right and wrong. This enables them to live according to the tenets of Dharma, which is incumbent on every individual to follow. If instead of abiding by the ethical code outlined in the scriptures an individual leads a licentious life he will not be any different from an animal. Vali's exchange with Rama before his death shows that even a person who circumvents Dharma will be aware of it thereby proving that Dharma is intrinsic to human nature though one has to understand its nuances from elders and scriptures.

In her discourse on the Kamba Ramayanam, Srimathi Sudha Seshayyan said when Vali was felled by Rama's arrow while he was wrestling with his brother Sugriva, he became greatly angered that Rama should have stooped to an act like shooting an arrow at him from behind a tree. When he saw Rama's name, which is sacred and capable of putting an end to rebirth, on the arrow he pulled out of his chest, his agony became all the more acute.

He taunted Rama who appeared before him, "The Solar dynasty which had all along been following Vedic Dharma, has forsaken the good old path. If a leader is to forsake Dharma, what will happen to ordinary mortals? Only after I have fallen do You stand before me like a brave lion. You have failed to uphold the rules laid down in the books or follow the footsteps of your noble forefathers. You have not killed Vali. You have, by your action destroyed the fence that protected Dharma."

Rama explained to Vali that He had only punished him for his misdeeds towards Sugriva and his wife, which was a great offence. Vali immediately countered that the Vedic dictates regarding marriage did not apply to his race like it did to humans and hence He should not judge him by their norms.

Rama then pointed out to Vali that though animals normally did not have the capacity to discriminate between right and wrong the very fact he was able to reason and articulate on Dharma was proof enough that he was aware of it and hence bound by it. The Lord also explained that He did not reveal Himself as He had promised to help Sugriva. If Vali had seen Him he would have also surrendered to Rama making it impossible to punish him. Vali then praised the Lord convinced that He would do no wrong as He was the Almighty and he attained an exalted status in the transcendental abode.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Miscellaneous

News Update

Stories in this Section

Cartoon

The Hindu Crossword No. 7987

Solution to puzzle 7986

Awareness of Dharma

dated May 19, 1954: Nehru on Congress

dated May 19, 1954: U.S. ruling on schools

dated May 19, 1954: Scheme dropped

dated May 19, 1954: Tribute to Sankaracharya

Weather