Vali Vadham 49

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Vali, the father and husband

 

 

Whatever be the position, the power, the strength that a person enjoys, only

prudence, wisdom and his good deeds stand him in good stead and leave him in a

relatively better state of mind - if not complete peace, for that needs devotion

and realisation too - at the time of his death. Realisation of where the line

of power ends, realisation of the fact that Time flows on and on mercilessly,

without waiting for anyone.

 

Sri Rama puts this beautifully when comforting Sugriva, Tara and others on the

death of Vali. He says, "The Time-Spirit has no kinship, friendship or affinity

with anyone nor is there any means of bringing It under control nor (again) can

one's prowess prevail against It. Nor is God, who is the Cause (of all),

subject to the control of an individual soul. By a discerning man everything

should be looked upon as an evolute of the Time-Spirit." (Valmiki Ramayana,

Kishkindha Kanda, Canto 25, Sloka 7-8)

 

Vali, who is guilty of over-indulgence and frittering away his power during his

lifetime, is now worried about Tara and more particularly Angada. Will Sugriva

take kindly to them? Will they be safe? Will they suffer disrespect and

humility because of his misdeeds? Will Sugriva nurture his hatred and subject

his survivors to ill will and malice? That is the reason why he sought the

protection of Rama. That is why he wanted Rama to be the protector of Sugriva

and mentor of Angada. Now we see the same fears once again raising their heads

in his solicitation to Sugriva.

 

"See fallen on the ground this Angada, who is not only deserving of (all)

comfort but has (actually) been brought up in comfort (nay) whose countenance is

bathed in tears and who though a (mere) boy, is not at all childish." (Ibid,

Canto 22, Sloka 8) Remember what Vali told Rama about Angada? "Angada (son of

Tara) who is still young, though exceptionally mighty, and whose judgment has

not yet matured…" (Ibid, Canto 18, Sloka 50) But when talking about the same

Angada to Sugriva, Vali says he "is not at all childish". One who can

understand a father's heart will not have any difficulty in sympathising with

Vali for this difference when speaking to different people.

 

"Protect in every way on all sides like a son sprung from your own loins my son

- (Angada) who is dearer than life (to me), and is (now) going to be bereft of

me, so that nothing may remain lacking to him. Be you his father, donor and

protector too in everyway as also his refuge in dangers, as I have been, O ruler

of monkeys." (Ibid, Canto 22, Sloka 9-10)

 

Let Angada not feel the difference. Be his father. And, listen to Tara. She

is so wise. "Nay, this Tara (daughter of Susena) is extremely clever in

discerning the most profound matters as well as in deciphering the meaning of

portents of various kinds as also in all other ways. That which she recommends

as right should be unhesitatingly done (by you). No opinion of Tara turns out

to be wrong." (Ibid, Canto 22, Sloka 13-14)

 

May you be guided by her wisdom. That is, do not take lightly of her because I

was guilty of depriving your wife. Once again compare this with Vali's request

to Rama. "(Nay), you should handle the situation in such a way that Sugriva may

not treat with disrespect poor Tara, mentioned above, who is guilty only because

I have been guilty (of persecuting him)." (Ibid, Canto 18, Sloka 55)

 

The Slokas occurring in different Cantos - when juxtaposed and read - give an

insight into the innermost recesses of that wounded soul, Vali.