Saturday, January 8, 2011

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 16

Wrong Path is Easier

It is often understood that the wrong path is easier, to attain a short-term goal. Students cheating in exams can pass easily, while those who rely on their own have to give in months of hard labour. One can get his work done by bribing the authorities, but the one who doesn’t give in, has to make lots of efforts in order to get what he wants. Still, there is a greater good in following the path of dharma. This message comes out from the following episode in Ramayana.

Hanuman ji went to Lanka to find the whereabouts of Sita ji. They met and Hanuman ji was to return. Then an idea came to his mind – what if he carries away Sita ji from the sky route, on his back? That would save all the efforts of Ram and Lakshaman and would even prevent a war! But Sita ji didn’t agree. This is what she said, apart from mentioning that it would be dangerous thing to do:

“Apart from that Hanumaan, if you snatch me away stealthily from the Raakshasas it would be no credit to the valour of my lord. The honour of the Kshatriya race demands that he should come and fight and vanquish Raavana and redeem me as the prize of the victory. Would Raama have me stolen back even as Raavana stole me from him? No, my son, return and quickly bring Raama here with Lakshamana and the Vaanara army. Let my lord’s arrows destroy Lanka and send Raavana to Yama’s abode. His victory is certain. Like the fierce sun at the hour of doom, Raama’s arrows will burn the Raakshasa people to ashes.”

(C. Rajagopalachari; Ramayana; Chap LIII, Seeta and Hanumaan; P353)

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