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Beyond prejudice

April 22, 2014 09:15 pm | Updated May 21, 2016 12:52 pm IST - CHENNAI:

Rama’s qualities stand out as exceptional since He lives by His own example the code of conduct for mankind. His Paratva is kept behind the façade of His role as a human being in this incarnation. Valmiki records that even those who do not give much thought to righteous living such as the demons are impressed by Rama’s prowess that is aligned to dharma, pointed out Sri C. L. Ramakrishnan in a discourse.

Maricha and Sukan, both from the enemy camp openly acknowledge Rama’s commitment to dharma. Maricha is able to perceive the truth of Rama very clearly and advises Ravana to leave Rama alone who is the very embodiment of dharma. This anyway falls on deaf ears. Maricha is still under the impact of Rama’s prowess that he experienced during Vishwamitra’s sacrifice. Maricha had then escaped Rama’s arrow while Subhahu was killed. He had been pushed deep in the waters and when he came out he lived in the forest as a deer. He once again had a brush with Rama and escaped His arrow. Then he decided to live a hermit’s life always dreading Rama. Every tree in the forest reminds him of Rama so much so that he sees Rama even in His absence.

In the Yuddha Kanda, it is shown that two of Ravana’s ministers, Sukan and Charana, are highly impressed by Rama’s righteousness when they assume the form of monkeys and move among the monkey army to assess their strength. They are caught by Vibhishana who brings them before Rama. He tells Rama that both are spies sent by Ravana. Both of them now become nervous and are sure of their impending fate. With folded hands they tell Rama that they were sent by Ravana to know the strength of the army. Rama asks them if they have accomplished their mission. If there is anything else to be known, they are free to learn about it. Rama then sends the following message to Ravana: ‘I shall destroy Lanka with this army. My anger will be unleashed soon.’ Sukan and Charana return to Ravana’s court and say thus: ‘Rama’s prowess competes with His righteousness for He is the very embodiment of Dharma.’ Even enemies transcend prejudice when they certify Rama’s qualities.

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