Miscellaneous - Religion   

Code of Dharma

CHENNAI : There are times when individuals are caught in situations where decision-making becomes difficult as moral issues clash with worldly/family ties. When such sensitive predicaments blur one's perception it is wise to fall back on the instruction of the learned to overcome ignorance and restore balance of mind. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are replete with such instances that unfold the nuances of righteous living, where the Supreme Being Himself upholds the code with an uncompromising tenacity, making the instruction meaningful and inspirational, said Sri K. Srinivasan in a lecture.

A king/ruler shares the commonality with other individuals, and yet remains different/distinct because of the responsibilities he is expected to shoulder when he accepts the kingship. When he vows to treat his subjects as his own children with all sincerity and seriousness, it is also implied that he learns to rise above normal social commitments or the binding effects of family ties.

The Uttara Kanda illustrates the hallmark of righteous rule where Lord Rama reveals the extent to which He can remain impartial. He becomes a role model, a person whom people look up to for advice. Since a lawmaker cannot be a lawbreaker, Lord Rama took the painful decision to send His most dear and pregnant wife Sita to the forest. He understood His role as a king that demanded providing righteous rule at any cost, where the claims of friendship, compassion, personal comforts and even His wife, if need be, would have to be renounced.

Lord Krishna's advice to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita and later in the Uttara Gita elucidates the philosophical and practical aspects of living. The teaching imparted in the battlefield is further clarified at a later point of time to Arjuna the ruler. Arjuna personifies the Jivatma yearning for the highest knowledge that can liberate it from bondage.

The teaching contains the essentials of the moral code that are applicable for all times and to all individuals, not necessarily rulers, since all have the onus of having to rule over their own selves according to the path of Dharma. The prime requirement is to establish control over one's thought, speech and actions while engaged in the particular duties ordained to each individual.

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