Miscellaneous - Religion   

Law of destiny

CHENNAI: The Bhagavad Gita speaks of the Stithaprajna or the man of wisdom who is neither elated with joy nor is desolate in adverse situations. He maintains an equanimity at all times. To attain such a state of mind is very difficult but every individual subject to the vicissitudes of life should strive to accept them in the right spirit. The Ramayana inspires us to develop this frame of mind and the Supreme Being and His consort teach by example the value of a well led life even when confronted by the most trying upheavals of fortune, pointed out Srimati Jaya Srinivasan in a lecture.

The misery of Sita imprisoned in Asoka Vana and surrounded by the ogresses with the constant threat of Ravana’s overtures reflects the utter hopelessness of her vulnerable situation. She was driven to the brink and she decided to take away her life. It is at this juncture that Hanuman brings glad tidings from Lord Rama and the hope of an early release from this imprisonment. To win Sita’s confidence, Hanuman relates the story of the Ramayana, and describes in detail to Sita the appearance and qualities of Rama and Lakshmana. He also gives an account of how the friendship with Sugriva came about, besides narrating his own background. He concludes with his present situation of facing Sita under the tree. Hanuman gives Sita the signet ring sent by Rama through him in order to strengthen her confidence. Sita felt very happy to see the ring and praised Hanuman for his arrival to Lanka after having crossed the sea single-handedly. She expressed her hope to Hanuman, saying that Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Sugreeva will come to Lanka with their armies so as to destroy Ravana, for her sake. When Sita took the ring, she was so overwhelmed with a medley of emotions. She kept it on her head, pressed it against her eyes and held it close to her chest. She felt that Hanuman had given her life and extolled him as her mother and father.

Destiny is the most overpowering force and can lead one to great heights or to the lowest of adversities. None can hope to evade its effects. Sita spoke of the power of destiny and pointed out to the misfortunes that had befallen Lakshmana, herself and Rama.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 9288
Solution to Puzzle 9287
Law of destiny
dated July 29, 1958: Nehru’s views on W. Asia
dated July 29, 1958: Anglo-American policy
dated July 29, 1958: Freedom from domination
dated July 29, 1958: Launch of space apparatus
Weather

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu