The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Timeless tenets

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Monday, Apr 18, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Timeless tenets

CHENNAI: Exploitation in any form is abhorrent, a maxim that holds good in the context of governance. In an ideal state, the ruler does not exploit the ruled but forges a relationship that is founded on mutual trust and benefit. The attributes of an ideal ruler are alluded to in the volley of questions that Rama shoots at Bharata when the latter meets him at Chitrakoota.

Are all the needs of the people adequately budgeted for? Is the traditional Dharma of the Ikshvaku clan being upheld? Has care been taken to ensure that wealth is not acquired at the cost of Dharma? Is wealth distributed in a fair manner to all? Are the poor and needy, children and women, taken care of? Is care taken to uphold equity and justice, and that no man is falsely convicted? Are the secular and religious pursuits well balanced?

Inherent in these questions are tips for good governance, said Sri Krishnamurthy Sastrigal in his lecture. The rules of governance are timeless, and apply beyond rulers even in the Thretha Yuga, to all those who govern nations at any time and to rulers of all ages.

The conversation between the brothers failed to persuade Rama to return from exile. He points out that their father's word has to be kept, and implicitly obeyed by both of them. Even as Rama has to follow the exile order, Bharata has to accept the kingdom. He then pacifies Bharata and others with practical advice and words of wisdom.

It is important that life is lived well and for the sake of others. A life lived selfishly is worthless. Any high status acquired at the expense of the well being of one's kith and kin cannot make one happy. Freedom of action does not belong to the embodied soul, since this soul is powerless. What a human being can achieve is limited. All elevations end in degradation. All unions end in separation. All life ends in death. Just as a ripe fruit has no option but to fall, so too death awaits every one born into this world. All relationships are as temporary as the momentary meeting of the logs drifting in the ocean. No living being in this world can escape its destiny in the shape of life and death. Hence a wise person will not grieve for anything, and will view joy and sorrow with the same detachment.

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