Miscellaneous - Religion   

Power of fate religion

CHENNAI: While human birth affords a valuable opportunity for individuals to strive for liberation, it is also a demanding and difficult sail. This is because the fluctuations of fortune intercede in human lives as a result of each individual’s past karma. Scriptures, the Puranas and the Itihasas emphasise this truth and also show how people in the previous eras had countered the harsh impact of misfortunes.

The Divine Mother’s incarnation as Sita is one of incomparable greatness and compassion for She teaches by Her own example the value of patience, chastity and courage, qualities necessary for every individual in the face of the challenges of life, said Srimati Jaya Srinivasan in a lecture.

Though not bound by any karma, Sita underwent untold sufferings when in Ravana’s custody, and this is a valuable lesson for mankind to accept suffering as part of life. Valmiki’s graphic description of the heartless treatment meted out to Sita is nothing short of hell for Her. Ravana’s repeated wooing during the ten months was a constant threat with the demons taking up his cause in his absence. As if to show that the power of fate is invincible and in no way can be short-circuited, Sita remained helpless in spite of Her reputed lineage and status, comprising her exceptional husband, relatives, etc. The psychological trauma wrought by such a tight situation resulted in grief pushing her into brief spells of breakdowns when she would have willingly given up her life; yet she knew it was not the answer.

But sympathetic support in some form or kind to tone down the severity of distress and despair is shown to be at hand as well. The celestials in the enforced service of Ravana who were witness to Sita’s plight, though unable to render any tangible help, provided moral support and silent sympathy through their body language and facial expressions.

The sane views of Trijata and Vibhishana or the dissent raised by Vidhura and Vikarna when Draupadi was humiliated show that dharma is latent even in Adharmic situations.

As the pressure to yield to Ravana was mounting, Sita matched it with remarkable resistance.

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