The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Lessons for life

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Thursday, Apr 14, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Lessons for life

CHENNAI: Human emotions, family relationships, the core values of life relating to Truth, Dharma and the code of morality, form the foundation for the epic Ramayana, and Sage Valmiki, while recording the entire sequence of events, has represented in great detail, the reactions and attitudes of the people who were part of the events in which Lord Rama played the key role, said Sri Kalyanapuram Aravamuadachariar in a lecture.

For instance, the episode that deals with King Dasaratha's coronation offer to Sri Rama, that was only to be speedily denied and countered with the banishment order, is one charged with high drama and emotions. Amidst all this uproar that had happened overnight, Sri Rama displays a remarkable equanimity of mind. Neither had he shown any sense of elation at the news of the coronation, nor did he display any disappointment at the turn of fortune that was to strip him of not only the kingship, but also the princely way of life that he had been accustomed to, and of the company of his parents, kith and kin.

There is much to be learnt from this. Extreme swings of fortune in one's life can have a traumatic effect and leave one's life shattered. Though one is aware of the unpredictability of life's course, it becomes difficult when one has to come to grips with the challenges.

Reminding oneself of the way Sri Rama had dealt with the situation can help cope with the challenges of life.

Human relationships that need to be cherished for a life of peaceful coexistence are shown in an idealised form. Sri Rama honours his father as emperor, friend and preceptor, and is willing to honour the word Dasaratha had given to Kaikeyi.

At no point of time would he question the command of his father. If this is the ideal filial love, there is love and respect between brothers, between husband and wife, servant and master, or king and subjects that are delineated with a subtle finesse.

When Kausalya bids farewell to her son Sri Rama, she expresses her implicit faith that the Dharma her son upholds will always protect him. The emphasis on upholding Dharma clearly emerges as the main message to posterity. The divine couple teach by their own example the ideal way of life.

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