In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Yudishtra’s explanation of the four “Varnaashrama Dharmas”, and how it is important not to create any unwanted differences between all of them. To emphasise this more, Yudishtra explains how the supreme knowledge of Brahman can be rest with people from any of the four Varnaashrama Dharmas equally. In simple words, it is not that only the Brahmins are eligible to receive the ultimate knowledge of Brahman. Even a so-called “Shurdra” is equally entitled to receive it. Yudishtra also goes on to explain that if this knowledge is with the “Shudra”, a Brahmin should bow down to him / her and receive it with Bhakti and humility. Thus, such is the unity and the equality that has been existing amongst the four “Varnaashrama Dharmas” for ages. It is only in the later Vedic period, all these unwanted differentiations, equality / inequality, etc. started to come, which is currently being fuelled by these useless “Dravidian jokers” of Tamil Nadu. Hence, it is important to once again re-emphasize that all the four Varnaashrama Dharmas are equal and there should be no differences between people based on these lines. There are innumerable examples of how the so-called “Shudras” became excellent Bhaktas of Bhagawan, and we witnessed a few of them yesterday.
Moving on from this discussion thus, Snake Nahusha asks the next question – “Oh Yudishtra! Now tell me! Is “Dhaanam” higher in significance than “Sathyam”? Or is it vice-versa? Which is more significant than the other?” Now Yudishtra answers back thus, “Oh Nahusha! It depends on the place and situation. For instance, at some places “Dhaanam” is more significant than the “Sathyam”. I learnt this from the episode of King Mahabali. At certain places, “Sathyam” is more significant than “Dhaanam”, and I learnt this from the episode of King Dasharata!” We’ve to reflect upon this answer a bit deeper here – At points wherein “Dhaanam” is greater than “Sathyam” in significance – In the case of King Mahabali, he was steadfast in donating whatever Bhagawan Vamana (Bhagawan Vishnu) was asking! Even if Sage Shukraachaarya comes and tries stopping King Mahabali from giving things to Bhagawan Vamana, King Mahabali is steadfast in his approach, isn’t it? Thus, in this context, the “Dhaanam” gains more prominence than the “Sathyam”. Whereas, in the case of King Dasharata, it was the other way round. Since he had granted the three boons to Kaikeyi, King Dasharata had no other option but to send his son, Bhagawan Rama to the forest. Even though he collapsed upon granting Kaikeyi’s boons, King Dasharata stood by “Sathyam” and made sure that he granted it without going back on his words. Similarly, Bhagawan Rama too, accepted to go on exile for fourteen years, and He protected King Dasharata’s “Sathya-Vaakyam” meticulously. Hence, we should understand here that it is the context and the situation that decides whether “Sathyam” or “Dhaanam” are more significant than the other.
Moving on further thus, the next question is a beautiful one – “Oh Yudishtra! Is “Ahimsa” more significant than talking sweetly, or vice versa?” Yudishtra answers thus, “Oh Nahusha! Again – It’s a situational decision. Of course, both are important. When it comes to talking sweetly, my role model example is none other than Bhagawan Rama Himself! He doesn’t talk anything bad or harsh to anyone. He ensures that the other person feels extremely happy while listening to Him! This is the real speciality of Bhagawan Rama! However, on the other hand, “Ahimsa” is also important. Here, “Ahimsa” means not to harm any living being unnecessarily! Is it enough if we only do the sweet talking, but end up causing harm to others? Not at all! “Ahimsa” is also very important. I learnt this from none other than Mother Sita herself! When all the “Raakshasis” had to be killed by Hanuman after Bhagawan Rama won the war against Ravana, Mother Sita stopped him from doing so. Mother Sita had earlier assured of protection to the Raakshasis, after Trijada (Vibhishana’s daughter) explained who Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita really are. Hence, Mother Sita was steadfast that none of the Raakshasis have to be killed, because they realized their mistake and did not harm her any further. Thus, “Ahimsa” is a very important attribute and it is also subjective of the situation in which we are in!”
So for today, let us understand these two important points with the relevant examples as narrated by Yudishtra, and we shall continue this interesting discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 