The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Universal values

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Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Universal values

CHENNAI, FEB.2 . The index of a civilised society is the adherence of the people to law. But, manmade laws will not stand the test of time, as people will find loopholes to evade them and therefore have to be reframed from time to time. The law manuals are generally prescriptive in nature and in a predominantly religious culture the works and hymns of saints often reflect the social practices of the day and universal values that are always relevant. Andal's Tiruppavai lists the dos and don'ts that the devotees adopted during the observance of a religious observance, which was performed for obtaining both worldly and spiritual benefits.

In her discourse, Srimathi Sudha Seshayyan said the epics highlighted fundamental values that were necessary for a peaceful life in the world. While the Ramayana ends on a peaceful note with all the brothers living together after Rama's coronation, the Mahabharata ends with a virtual holocaust and a saddened Yudishthira ascending the throne of Hastinapura as the Pandavas had won it after so much bloodshed. How could he the very embodiment of Dharma enjoy a kingdom with his brothers, but without his kinsmen and elders?

The Kamba Ramayanam provides insight into the minds of noble people through the words of Kausalya to Guhan when Bharata and his entourage were proceeding to persuade Rama to return to Ayodhya. The moment Guhan learnt that she was Rama's mother he prostrated at her feet and Kausalya spontaneously told them, "My dear sons, you need no longer suffer from great sorrow. The departure of Rama and Lakshmana to the forest has also brought forth something good. It has enabled you to secure the friendship of mountain-like Guhan. Along with him who can fight like a mighty elephant, all five of you should, like one person, protect this vast land for a very long time."

Villiputturar composing the Bharatam in Tamil has an interesting aside highlighting that strength lies in unity. He had a quarrel with his brother about sharing their family property and the elderly village counsellor who settled such issues amicably in those days told him to first write the Mahabharatam. After he completed it he forgot his enmity with his brother and also lost interest in laying claim to his legacy. He had indeed learnt his lesson from the epic!

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