Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

Adventure must be a choice, not imposition

Good human relationship cannot thrive on one–sided demands or extractions. It should always leave obligations to remain optional. Rama’s right to agree readily to leave for forest exile was unquestionable. But could he expect or persuade Sita or Lakshmana to follow the same course? One’s conduct or option can at best be revealed in time. Finding its worth and distinction, whether to regard it as an example and follow, is an option resting with the others. It is so even in the case of one’s wife, husband and other relations.

Sita had the freedom to regard her husband’s decision as wrong or detrimental to the Ikshvaaku throne or the interests of all concerned. Did not Kaikeyi, the elderly queen, obstruct the King’s considered choice? An individual is sovereign to react to any event or course of action in his own manner. Men and woman always stand equal in this. If Sita agrees with her husband, Rama’s problem would be one of immense concern and burden in ensuring her welfare in forest. If she did not, it was one of great pathos and disharmony, resulting in separation and a host of moral and other considerations. Will not any royal husband be put to agony and mental upheaval at such a critical juncture?

Wisdom decides, emotion empowers

In understanding either an adventure or a well-thought-out plan involving risks and hazards, will a mere decision, made generally as a matter of course, be adequate to ensure success? Any decision, as such, is an outcome brought about by exercising the brain, for which no external effort or interaction is normally necessary. But when such a decision is to be pursued with all its complexities, continued efforts become imperative, in which interactions of several kinds with many unpredictable and adverse factors may be called for. The transition is undoubtedly a great contrast. How can this be successfully faced and what provides the required determination and vigour to sustain the pursuit?

Qualities like commitment, dedication, loyalty and zeal are needed in large measure. All these, being emotional in character, have to be generated and preserved by the mind. What is the process by which this is accomplished? Rama’s dialogues with Sita and Lakshmana have valuable lessons to offer eternally.

Announcing his departure for Dandakaranya, Rama gives a series of instructions to Sita as to how she should develop a new outlook towards Bharata and modify her responses and behaviour. How even a brother when made a King, will tend to think and conduct himself, and in that light how should Sita, in spite of her position as an elder’s wife, reorient herself is pointed out very clearly. The messages are in fact significant for many other similar situations. Sita, however, resents and rejects Rama’s advice, holding that it is irrelevant for her, as she will not think of remaining in the palace without him. If this wifely privilege of hers was not honoured, she declares she would end her life.

[This is an extract from the article 'Glances of Ramayana' that appeared in the December 1986 issue of the 
monthly journal ‘Vicharasetu – The Path of Introspection’]

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Gains and Losses

The economics of the earth, mankind included, is based upon losses and gains, taken together. You cannot have one of them alone. Give loss the same importance  you would to gain. Resent not. In meeting losses with a painful outlook and harmony, the external loss turns into an internal gain. Cherish this gain well and advance your ideas further.

 - Swamiji