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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/07/16/stories/2002071601040800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

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Religion

  

 

Anger drives man to commit misdeeds

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

JULY 16

 

.. The enormous amount of scriptural works bequeathed by the combined ancient

wisdom (sages, seers and saints) to humanity is intended to benefit everyone to

resort to the path of virtue and be rid of the cycle of rebirths. This wonderful

literature comprises both guidelines and directives. In spite of such a

privilege extended to them, men shied away from these rules and regulations,

thereby getting caught in the quagmire of worldly activities and experiencing

grief. Yet as another direct help, God came, assuming the role of a common man,

subjecting Himself to various problems and reacting to vicissitudes. He

demonstrated how strict adherence to the Divine Law would fetch peace and Bliss.

Not only did He refuse to stray away from the path of Righteousness but also He

enabled others to adopt it.

 

The Ramayana, the story of an ideal man is packed with morals and instructions

on a variety of topics like the art of diplomacy, character building, polity and

personal conduct. After laying waste the Asoka pleasance, following his

successful mission, Anjaneya, who was brought before Ravana, was impressed by

his (latter's) personality; thoughts passed through his mind that but for his

unrighteous act of (of abducting Sita), he might have been a protector of the

world. In his exhortation to Ravana, Anjaneya said, "Give heed to the solemn

affirmation of truth by this servant and messenger of Rama, who can destroy

completely the universe. Having offended Him, there is little hope of your

escaping with your life." These unpleasant words of the undaunted envoy made

Ravana order his death.

 

The epic here refers to the dangerous consequences of man yielding to the evil

of anger. A person in the firm grip of fury might not realise what he did and

would not hesitate to carry out any heinous deed, said Sri R.Aravamudan in his

discourse. Seeing that his brother (Ravana) was in a temper, Vibhishana gently

reminded him that if such a learned man like him should succumb to anger, then

the acquisition of knowledge of the scriptures would mean so much labour lost.

"There is no good whatever in killing this messenger. Envoys should not be

slain. He has obeyed his master's orders and delivered His message. Whether what

he conveyed was proper or otherwise, he should not be killed. There are several

other types of punishment prescribed for such men." This advice temporarily

appealed to him as sound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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