Dharma & Adharma (Was: More on Prapatti)

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"Mohan Sagar <Mohan.Sagar" writes:

>

[ ... ]

>It is interesting to note that although many of these actions would

>conform to the expectations of the Dharma, some would seem to

>challenge it, or as in the Azhwar's case, even go against it. Another

>example of this involve the controversial actions of Vibhishana, who,

>after his Prapatti, sides with his own brother's enemy in battle.

>From the perspective of our ordinary understanding of Dharma, this

>would be a sin, but as he was a Prapanna, his actions were undoubtedly

>Bhagavad Kainkarya.

>

 

 

It is not my intent to nit pick, but I am a little troubled by

the term "ordinary understanding of Dharma". Sri Mohan may

not have intended anything in particular by it, but I venture

to express my views any way. It seems to me that to

be on the side of the Lord is dharma, and to be against

the Lord is adharma, whatever may be the understanding.

 

The circumstance of Vibeeshna's abandonment of Ravana may be

important here. He did not simply pack his bags and leave.

Vibeeshnaazhvaar tried his best to persuade his evil brother

to return Thayar to PerumaaL. Even then, Vibeeshna did not

abandon Ravana. It is only after Ravana invited him to leave

did he do so. Therefore, I submit that Vibeeshana's actions

were perfectly within the realm of dharma, ordinary or esoteric.

 

In the case of Prahaladhaazhvaar he had to oppose his own father

which ultimately caused his death. Yet it was well within dharma.

This is hinted in 4th Paripaadal in one of the most beautiful passages.

As Prahaladhan is subjected to all kinds of hardships, he continued

to praise the Lord, in direct opposition to his father's commands.

Prahaladhan stood silent against all the abuse as the perpetrator

was his father.

 

"thaadhai yaagalin igazhvOn, igazhaa nencinanaaga"

(as the abuser was his father, he stood without

malice in his heart)

 

Opposition to his own father did not make Prahaladan's

actions non-dharmic.

 

All the dharmic acts of Bheeshma, et. al. came to naught

when they stood shoulder to shoulder with adharma.

 

Therefore, it seems to me, to be on the side of the Lord

is dharma, and to be against the Lord is adharma. Since

the saasthraas are Lord's own thiru uLLam, dharma will

always be on the side of the Lord. If it does not seem

so, then it is our limited understanding that is to be

faulted. The only sure way to know whether we are on the

side of the Lord or not is to approach our Acharya and

follow their guidance.

 

Thanks,

 

-- Dileepan