In the previous episode, we had been witnessing a very interesting story narrated by Bhishmachaarya to Yudishtra, in a bid to answer the latter’s question on “trust”. Yudishtra had earlier asked a question to Bhishmachaarya that how do we trust people? Many times, people might talk something, but their thoughts might be something else. It is very rare to see people perfectly aligning their words to their thoughts. So how do we find out whether people are aligned or whether they are faking? For this, Bhishmachaarya doesn’t give a direct answer, but instead narrates a beautiful story to drive home the point. There was once a righteous king by name Pourika. This King Pourika takes the subsequent birth as a fox in the forest. As the fox carried forward the legacy of King Pourika, it wanted to be a great “Dharmatma”. This “Dharmatma fox” decided that it would not kill any animal for its prey. It also decided that it will not do any vicious planning (fox is known for this) to cheat or trap anyone. It will follow only the path of “Dharma” and will live its life by eating fruits, vegetables and leaves from trees. Upon seeing this “Dharmatma fox”, other foxes did not approve of this behavior. The other foxes suggested that this “Dharmatma fox” shouldn’t completely abandon eating animal flesh, and they proposed a deal that they will kill the animals and bring the flesh to this fox for consumption. Even for this, the “Dharmatma fox” refused.
Upon overhearing this conversation, a tiger which was passing by was extremely surprised! Being the king of the forest, the tiger thought that this “Dharmatma fox” would be the right candidate for being his minister. Thinking thus, the tiger decides to approach the “Dharmatma fox” to check if he’s ready for this job role. The tiger says thus, “Oh fox! You seem to be a great “Dharmatma” with your “Chintanam” (Thoughts) and action. I’m looking for a good and an able minister for myself, being the king of this entire forest. Upon looking at you, I feel that you will be the right candidate for this job. Oh fox! Normally I’ve heard that foxes are extremely smart and vicious in nature. I’m sure you are also smart by thinking, because you are also part of the fox community, however, you are different from other foxes because of your “Dharma-Chintanam”. This kind of a combination is very rare (Those who are smart and with “Dharma Chintanam”). Hence, I wish that you should be my able minister in advising me periodically as to what is “Dharma” and what is not!”
As the tiger says thus, the fox looks surprised! How can he become a minister / advisor to a tiger? Thinking thus, the “Dharmatma fox” replies – “Oh my dear tiger! I’m happy that you found me to be a “Dharmatma”. However, I have a point to make – You are a tiger and your habits and practices are grossly different from mine. Your approach towards things and my approach towards the same things are extremely different. Moreover, I’m trying to live this life in deep penance in a pursuit towards “Dharma”. I’ve decided not to cause harm to anyone, both physically and mentally. If such is the case, how can I be your minister? Hence, this proposition will not work, and I would request you to search for someone else who might be more suitable for your requirement!”
Saying thus, the “Dharmatma fox” politely rejects the tiger’s offer. However, the tiger is not willing to leave the fox alone. He is somehow having a close liking towards the “Dharmatma fox”. Unable to digest the answer from the “Dharmatma fox”, the tiger gives a reply thus, “Oh Dharmatma fox! I really appreciate your answer! However, you are mistaking me to be a normal tiger. Just like how you have decided to follow the path of “Dharma” by not harming anyone in any way, I’ve also decided to follow the same path as yours. This is why I’m looking for an able advisor like you. Had I been in the normal mode, I wouldn’t have even come to you by now! However, my approach towards life is different. I’m pursuing the path of “Dharma”. I’m wanting someone to give me proper advice in the “Dharma-Maargam”, for which, I don’t think any other person is more suited than you! Hence, please do not reject my offer to you!”
Upon hearing this, the “Dharmatma fox” is now in a Catch-22 situation. On one hand, it is absurd for a fox to be an advisor for a tiger, whereas on the other hand, this tiger seems to be a “Dharmatma” like him. If a “Dharmatma” requests for something, per “Dharma”, one should not reject his / her request. Now the fox is clearly caught in between both these options and is struggling to choose what to do. So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode we shall witness what is going to be the “Dharmatma fox”’s decision. Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 