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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/02/stories/2002050200290800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

-

Religion

 

 

Rama's compassion towards His enemy

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

MAY 2

 

.. When a person who zealously upholds the rules of Moral Law and never deviates

from the path of virtue, even birds and animals, not to mention about others

equally keen on doing good only, will offer him any help necessary when he

experiences distress. On the other hand, for an evil-minded person, who is

steeped in wickedness so as to achieve his goal, even in times of dire

expediency, no assistance will be available from his kith and kin too, who will

desist from approaching him.

 

An example is provided in the Ramayana where Rama, the symbol of virtue and

nobility, was immersed in grief when His wife was not found at their hermitage

and guidance and assistance came from a giant bird, a sage and chief of a monkey

legion. Ravana, the culprit, who took Her away when She was alone, in the end

stood all alone, deprived of his weapons and ultimately perished.

 

The epic reveals the extraordinary compassion shown by the Lord who came to this

world to re-establish Moral Order. Rama, the hero, befriended an ape, showed His

affection towards a hunter-chieftain, performed the funeral rites of Jatayu, the

bird that had earlier fought on His behalf, and crowned a person who came to His

fold from the enemy's camp.

 

But of all His magnanimous gestures, the way in which He treated Ravana, whose

bows and chariot were destroyed and who stood unarmed, all alone, is something

astonishing. He abstained from attacking this defenceless enemy and asked him to

go back and return later fully equipped.

 

Sri Madhivannan, in his discourse, said an important message from the Divine

Poem is about the privileges given to a human being amongst the innumerable

creations of God. Several opportunities have been provided to him to lead a

regulated life without misusing the gifts of God. Lord Siva presented Ravana

with a unique weapon, but with this he clipped the wings of a bird, which

prevented him from abducting Sita.

 

With the comforts that God has granted, a man should adopt steps to approach

Him. While the Ramayana is a book on Divine Love, the other epic, the

Mahabharata, is a treatise on virtue, the Thirukkural deals with justice and

behaviour, the Periyapuranam on Divine Grace and the Kanda Puranam sings Lord

Muruga's glory. The great epic ends sweetly with the coronation of Rama.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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