Role models

People who are looked up to by others must never fail in their duty. If they do, then those who see them as role models will also shirk their duties, said Valayapet Ramachariar, in a discourse.

Doing one’s duty is stressed by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita and He points out to Arjuna that karma yoga is superior even to gnana yoga. Arjuna is fighting a just war. He is a warrior, and from a king’s family. It is therefore his duty to fight the Kauravas without becoming emotional at the sight of Drona or Bhishma in the opposite camp.

Sometimes doing one’s duty may not appeal to one, but one must do it, especially if one is admired by many. If Arjuna turns away from the battle, then ordinary soldiers in the army will not be motivated to fight. Arjuna must set an example by fighting. Sometimes doing one’s duty may just involve simple things, but we fail to do even that.

For example, it is our tradition to escort guests and even members of our family up to the gate when they leave. It is a mark of respect to them. When Rama leaves to meet Dasaratha, Sita comes up to the entrance to see Him off. These are common courtesies which we should show others, and here Sita demonstrates the importance of this.

Krishna talks of duty to Arjuna, and He Himself never failed to set an example. After killing Kamsa, Lord Krishna sends Uddhava to Gokula, and asks him to tell Yasoda and Nandagopa that He is safe and that He has great affection for them. A son may be far away geographically from his parents, but he must show that he cares for his family, even if distance separates them, and Krishna demonstrates this.