The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Inspiring role model

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Friday, Sep 24, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Inspiring role model

CHENNAI, SEPT.24 . It is human nature to look up to role models and also emulate peers. Hence it becomes incumbent on everyone to foster values and there is no point in shifting the blame on others for deterioration of morality in society. Instead whatever is possible must be done at the individual level to arrest decadence. In this matter the Ramayana offers insight into right human conduct in the person of Rama. Even though times have changed since the epic was composed, human nature, emotions, problems and aspirations remain the same. So reading or listening to the exposition of the epic will be rewarding to develop good character.

In his Harikatha, Kalyanapuram Sri R. Aravamudan said Valmiki had portrayed Rama's sterling qualities of the head and heart at every available opportunity in the epic. Dasaratha's decision to crown Rama as his heir is one such instance. As the emperor he could have just announced his intention to his subjects but he did not do so; in the best democratic tradition he convened an assembly of elders, rulers and his subjects and expressed his wish to elicit their opinion in the matter. This is a lesson in leadership relevant even today.

Among Rama's inimitable qualities, which Dasaratha fondly recalled on this occasion, was His amiability towards one and all without any reservation about His status. He shared in the joy and grief of the people of Ayodhya as though He was one of them. A commentator raises a pertinent question. The Almighty being beyond joy and sorrow, should Rama have behaved the way He did? He clarifies that He empathised with His devotees and so this was not a blemish but a benevolent trait shown by Him for the sake of His devotees.

The overwhelming response to his proposal from all quarters made Dasaratha wonder whether there had been something wrong with his rule. The citizens then dilated at length on Rama's good qualities that made Him eminently suitable to rule them. In this context the commentator notes that the only disadvantage that Dasaratha had was to have sired such a son like Rama. As He was the embodiment of countless virtuous traits He had won the hearts of one and all by His impeccable conduct that He surpassed him. What more could a father ask for? Greatly overjoyed the king without any delay asked his preceptor Vasishta to make the necessary arrangements for the installation of Rama as the crown prince.

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