The Hindu Article - Law of Virtue is inviolable

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Date:16/11/2002 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2002/11/16/stories/2002111600740900.htm

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Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Law of Virtue is inviolable

 

CHENNAI NOV.16 . Hinduism has assigned the most cherished role for

the Law of Virtue (familiarly termed Dharma). It will be applicable

to everyone at all times and is inviolable under all circumstances.

Even for compelling reasons this eternal moral law, the foundation of

Hindu culture, should not be circumvented or disobeyed. Every

individual has to observe certain discipline and carry out the

ordained spiritual duties and these should never be given up,

pleading some lay excuse or personal inconvenience.

 

If a person fails to carry them out, how can he be treated as

different from an animal or a tree or any inanimate object? Righteous

conduct will enable a person to enjoy peace and will help him for a

better re-birth. In a man's life, happiness and grief may have their

impact but the code of conduct should never be trespassed. For

instance, on the first occasion, a man may utter a lie, which is a

sin but he may be emboldened to reject it again and ultimately he may

not hesitate to stick to it, but this will entail him punishment.

Likewise, he may choose to do a bit of a good act and that too will

have a snow-balling effect and he may continue to repeat one after

another when he will surely get due reward. Hence when a challenge is

thrown before a person whether to uphold an act of Dharma that may

result in problems or to overlook it for the sake of obtaining some

gains, he should abide by the first option.

 

The Ramayana presents a brilliant contrast in two of its characters,

said Sri B. Sundarkumar in a discourse. Both of them were quite aware

of the absolute necessity to adhere to the moral law. While one stood

firmly to respect it, the other yielded to the wrong cause. The

mighty Ravana, who had committed the heinous crime of abducting

another man's wife, was rattled by the dire havoc witnessed after

Anjaneya's visit. He called for an assembly to discuss the future

plans when his brother, Vibhishana, strongly pleaded with him to

return Her and thus save himself and his country. But his another

brother, Kumbakarna, who initially explained how Ravana had yielded

to passion, an unpardonable act, and censured him for the same, later

agreed to fight on his side should a battle take place. Vibhishana's

advice in the council and reiterated in private, enraged Ravana, who

goaded by destiny, reprimanded him as an enemy in his camp. Left with

no other choice the latter left the land forsaking everything and

sought Rama's refuge.

 

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