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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/04/17/stories/2002041700380800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Two rules of life devised by God

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

APRIL 17.

 

Two forces which operate in the universe, governing all aspects of human

conduct, are virtue and vice and both clash with each other. When the former

triumphs, the latter will recede. One is constructive, contributing to the

progress of the individual and the society. The other, "Adharma", is destructive

in nature harming human civilisation. The former's (Dharma) presence is easily

recognisable by the presence of people devoted to God, adhering to the

prescribed code of conduct, performing duties laid down in scriptures and always

thinking and doing good only. The Lord had devised only these two rules of life

for gods and demons.

 

"When you were engaged in world conquest, you brought havoc on factors which go

to make for Righteousness and fostered wickedness. The `Adharma', which you had

strengthened by your heedlessness, now devours you as it now works in God's

favour. The severe and intense austerities practised by sages wedded to virtue

in various sacred regions have now resulted in the suffering of you and your

men. The destruction of your huge army in an earlier encounter with just an

individual is unprecedented in the history of warfare." These and similar

sentiments voiced by Malyavan, advising Ravana to give up his confrontation with

Rama were full of religious, political and cultural ideas, providing a picture

of the world and its civilisation at that time.

 

The Ramayana, a depiction in poem about the ultimate triumph of Dharma, reveals

how when a person loses his mental balance and his thinking faculty, fails due

to infatuation, conceit and inflated ego, he will discard sane advice tendered

with all good intentions. When informed about Rama's invasion, Ravana called for

an assembly but he was determined to reject their suggestions. Malyavan was one

who spoke clearly but his words too fell on deaf ears, said Sri Agnihotram

Ramanuja Thathachariar in a discourse. "A ruler whose statecraft is based on

ethics learns from experience. He is free from arrogance and rigidity. Your

power and glory, hitherto unchallenged, are now sinking to the bottom of the sea

with the weight of your iniquities. The forces of truth and virtue, on the other

hand, are enduring in their vitality. Fate grins at the irony of your strength

depleted by the craving of the flesh. It is not too late to retrace steps even

at this hour." But Ravana was adamant and !

did not to these views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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