Latest news with #Sastras
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Rama and dharma
The Vedas are the root of dharma, and the Sastras have been written based on them. Rama is the embodiment of dharma, and praising Rama amounts to fostering dharma. How did Rama follow dharma? Rama was born to King Dasaratha, who followed dharma and lived according to righteous principles. Additionally, Rama learned from sage Vashista, who taught him all the dharmas and sastras. On one occasion, when Lakshmana, going out of control in a fit of rage, said he would conquer fate (vidhi). Rama replied to Lakshmana that he had not thoroughly learned the Vedas, as no one could win the same. Lanka Sri Jeyaraj said in a discourse that learning is of two types. The first is learning knowledge at the book level, and the second is gaining knowledge through experience. Sage Viswamitra asked Rama to slay the demoness Tataka. Rama hesitated as she was a woman, recalling the teachings of Vasishta that women and emissaries should not be killed. Rama also considered whether Viswamitra harboured any personal animosity towards Tataka. Viswamitra told Rama, 'I am not without knowing dharma. You hesitate by applying your book knowledge learned from Vasishta, but there is something more beyond that.. Tataka, though in the garb of a woman, does not possess the essential qualities of womanhood and nothing wrong with killing her.' Viswamitra imparted practical knowledge to Rama. Then Rama changed his mind. Mahodhara, one of the counsels, suggested to Ravana to take the form of Rama and approach Sita to change her mind. Ravana replied that he had already tried those tactics, but they had not worked because whenever he took the form of Rama, his mind refused to think of any other woman except his wife Mandodari. Poet Kambar says dharma is endless (Eeril Nallaram), and it grows more and more with the good and positive attitudes of people.
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
May 15, 2025
If people load their minds with unwanted thoughts, their minds will become confused and agitated. Thanneerpalli Krishnan Swamy said there are three reasons for confusion to arise in our minds. Firstly, expecting results for those activities performed that are against the Sastras. Dhritarashtra became restive and sleepless on the Pandavas' completion of their stay in the forest, and they asked for their portion of the kingdom. Out of blind affection towards his son Duryodhana, the King was reluctant to part with them the kingdom. He asked Vidhura why he could not remain in peace and tranquillity. Vidhura replied that the King drifted away from the virtuous path. Secondly, people sometimes get confused when understanding and identifying what is righteous and what is not. Arjuna became confused at the beginning of the war and requested, 'With my heart stricken by the fault, with my mind perplexed about my duty, I ask you, Lord Krishna, to advise what is good for me' — Chapter 2, Verse 7. If more worries crop up, they lead to mental depression, which is the root cause of anxiety, sorrow, fear, and debility. Lord Krishna says serenity of mind, benevolence, silence, self-control, and purity of mind are the austerities of the mind — Chapter 17- verse 16. Thirdly, even when we undertake activities as prescribed by the Sastras, we should not anticipate the fruits of the efforts. We should develop the thought that the actions are performed for God's sake and to please Him. The poor Kuchela, who desperately needed help, went to see Lord Krishna without any anticipation. Pleased with his true love and sincerity, the Lord showered him with all blessings and prosperity. The child devotee Dhruva says people can derive all benefits if God is pleased.
