By P Mohan Chandran
When you think of loyalty and family, who comes to mind? Is it those who stick by their kin, no matter the circumstances, or those who forsake their familial bonds in pursuit of righteousness? Today, we traverse the mystical realm of Indian mythology to talk about two intriguing figures who did the latter – Vibhishana from the Ramayana and Yuyutsu from the Mahabharata.
Vibhishana, the younger brother of the mighty Ravana, and Yuyutsu, the sole Kaurava who chose the Pandava camp in the Kurukshetra war, are remarkable for the same reason. They prioritized Dharma over family loyalty, even when that choice was fraught with consequences. But how could they have been so sure of their path?
To understand this, we delve into the timeless concept of Dharma, a guiding principle that remains unaltered through the changing cycles of Yugas. Dharma, in its essence, calls us to uphold truth and justice over everything else, even when it means going against those closest to us.
Vibhishana, the noble Rakshasa, found himself torn between fraternal love and his commitment to Dharma. Recognizing that his brother Ravana had strayed from the path of righteousness by abducting Sita, Vibhishana made the hard choice. He joined Lord Rama's army, effectively renouncing his kin and kingdom.
On the other hand, we have Yuyutsu, the dharmic Kaurava. Born to Dhritarashtra and a Vaishya woman, Yuyutsu was the only one among his brothers to grasp the immorality of their actions. On the eve of the war, in a decision that mirrored Vibhishana's, Yuyutsu chose to stand with the Pandavas, believing their cause to be just.
Both these characters were faced with the same dilemma, torn between family ties and the ethical path of Dharma. Yet, they both made the choice that aligned with Dharma, even if it meant standing against their own kin.
These two figures from our epics prompt us to introspect and pose a tough question. Would we have the courage to walk the path they chose? Would we prioritize Dharma over everything else, even when it leads us against our own blood?
Contrasting Vibhishana and Yuyutsu further, we see that while Vibhishana was initially met with suspicion by Lord Rama's allies, he earned their trust and respect through his wisdom and unwavering commitment to Dharma. Similarly, Yuyutsu, despite being born a Kaurava, is remembered for his integrity and allegiance to Dharma, rather than his familial lineage.
Through their lives, these two mythological figures demonstrate that Dharma is the ultimate truth, the eternal order that transcends the boundaries of family, caste, and Yugas. Their choices teach us that when faced with moral dilemmas, Dharma should guide our decisions.
So, as we traverse the journey of life, let's ask ourselves: When faced with a choice between what's right and what's convenient, will we have the courage to stand by Dharma, as Vibhishana and Yuyutsu did? And, can we prioritize Dharma above all, even if it means standing against those we hold dear? As we ponder these questions, we realize that the essence of Dharma is not only timeless but also timely, holding profound relevance even in our current age.
Which of the following do you believe should guide our actions?
A. Dharma - the supreme and ultimate guide of life.
B. Familial Bonds - Integrity and allegiance to family.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
18062023
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