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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Ever relevant guidelines

 

CHENNAI, JAN. 30. Some who are not tired of repeating that the

statements in the sacred texts are not valid in modern days when

values have changed, will never fail to note that these ethical

codes do serve as guidelines at all times for a man to lead a

life of virtue and also as specific steps to get over any

problem. Of particular relevance is the advice tendered when a

qualified person takes a new assignment at a top level. The

appointing authority may like him for some time till he finds the

person useful but neglect or even discard him later due to

reasons which cannot be found out.

 

More than 500 years ago, in the Mahabharata, a sage gave counsel

to a very wise and scholarly man who desired to enter a king's

coterie of advisers that in his new job, he should treat the

latter like fire. If keen on keeping himself warm during winter,

he should not sit very close to it. If however he goes far away,

there will be no effect. Surprisingly, the same sentiments have

been echoed after 3000 years by Saint Thiruvalluvar in his

Thirukkural that ``a courtier should not absent himself too often

nor indulge in too great proximity to a king.'' Neither too far,

nor too near, like one who warms himself near a fire, is the rule

of conduct for those who have to be close to princes whose minds

are undependable.

 

At the time when the Pandavas were planning to spend the one-year

period of incognito, even the strong-willed Yudhishtira broke

down with sorrow, giving room for emotion. The five brothers and

Draupadi decided to serve in the palace of Virata king. There

cannot be a greater tragedy than to witness these royal brothers

and their spouse, who at one time enjoyed power and comforts,

being reduced to a situation of being employees of another and

remaining subordinate. Having given commands, it was pitiable to

see them taking orders. The most unfortunate was Draupadi whose

charm attracted the commander in chief, making him to force her

to obey him and when she resisted, he dragged her to the king's

assembly and even trampled her. The patient Yudhishtira too could

not face this scene but he gave hints as to how to overpower the

devilish and lustful warrior.

 

In his lecture, Sri K.P.Arivanandam said Sage Daumya gave the

eldest, certain tips as to how he should be extremely judicious

when attending on the Virata King. ``Tender advice only when

sought. Never disclose any secret that transpired in his

presence. Never display joy nor sorrow before the king. The king

may choose to employ some undeserving men even for big jobs but

this should not cause any resentment. Move with him as you do

with fire.''

 

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