The Hindu : Anger drives man to commit misdeeds

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 16, 2002

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - 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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Anger drives man to commit misdeeds

This day that age: dated 16th July, 1952

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