Hindu Article-Morals and discipline

[Guest guest]

Morals and discipline

 

CHENNAI: : Many inspirational episodes related in the epics and the

puranas hold contemporary relevance. This is because the central code

of ethics remains the same. The practice of Dharma variously

described as adherence to one's duty, respecting elders, adopting a

right way of living, or observance of the prescribed code of conduct,

is recommended in them. The importance of upholding family values and

traditions, the relationship between teacher and student, parents and

children, husband and wife, are all elaborately dealt with. These are

valuable lessons for individuals caught in internal conflicts and

human relationships. The ultimate truth that emerges from this is

that the power of the evil is strong and it is with God's grace and

assistance alone that one can hope to overcome it.

 

Countless are the instances in the Mahabharata where the direct

confrontation of Dharma and Adharma comes into focus. One such

instance is when Sahadeva's adherence to the moral code made him

genuinely notify to Duryodhana the most auspicious time for the army

to assemble, that would spell victory for the Kauravas, said Sri. N.

Rama Dikshitar in a discourse. Duryodhana did not hesitate to exploit

Sahadeva's talent and his integrity. It did not matter to him that

Sahadeva belonged to the opposite camp.

 

He had so much faith in Sahadeva's reliability. Sahadeva selected the

New Moon day as the most auspicious time for Duryodhana to marshal

his army, with the assurance that it was to bring sure victory to the

Kauravas.

 

Committed as Lord Krishna was to ensuring the victory of the

Pandavas, the upholders of Dharma, He took upon Himself the

responsibility of seeing to it that Duryodhana did not start the war

at the appointed hour. This He did by creating the illusion of New

Moon day, a full day ahead of the event. Duryodhana was misled into

launching the war prematurely.

 

The Kauravas turned to their advantage the uprightness of the

Pandavas in many overtly unjust instances. They resorted to fraud to

gain the upper hand and cornered the Pandavas in predicaments that

only Lord Krishna could tackle. The embodiment of resourcefulness, He

alone could muster counter moves against the Adharmic approach of

Duryodhana.

 

Copy Right: The Hindu-daily