Miscellaneous - Religion   

Righteousness protects

CHENNAI: The code of dharma is very complex and subtle and is to be caught from the epics, puranas and the Itihasas where the subtleties get represented in lifelike situations. It is not easy to comprehend scriptural injunctions that are pithy and suggestive rather than explicit. More difficult is the task of adhering to them. The Ramayana illustrates the value of dharma with great clarity when the Lord Himself upholds its tenets in the most convincing manner to enable mankind to understand its multifaceted nature. The commitment to dharma that Lord Rama displays is so strong that even His enemies acknowledge His greatness as is seen in the reactions of Maricha, Tara and Mandodari, said Mannargudi Sri S. Gopalakrishna Sastrigal in a lecture.

While Dasaratha's adherence to truth and good governance is highly extolled Lord Rama's pledge to follow his father's wish gains significance and there is no question of any compromise under any situation. When Kousalya, Lakshmana and the people of Ayodhya were unable to accept the turn of events brought about by Kaikeyi's role in securing the kingdom to Bharata and getting Rama banished to the forest for fourteen years, Lord Rama's stance on righteousness is exemplary. He insisted that He could not transgress or violate His father's will and quoted the examples of illustrious forbears who had stood by righteousness and gained in moral stature. Dharma is the best of qualities to be upheld by mankind.

Lord Rama pacified the angry Lakshmana who began to doubt his father's sanity and cautioned him against anger that makes one blind to truths.

At a later point in the story, Hanuman regretted his impulsive anger that had made him overlook the harm it could have caused to Sita when he caused havoc in Lanka after his tail was set afire by the demons.

When Kousalya bade farewell to Lord Rama she hoped that the dharma so scrupulously fostered by Him with courage and discipline would be able to protect Him. His service to His parents would protect Him. Scriptures affirm that dharma protects those who protect it.

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