T Ram Sewak

UDAR SAHISHNU

Shri Ram commences his discourse in Shri Ramcharitmanas 7.43 with a clear message:

sunahu sakal ur aani. nahin aneeti sohayee.

soi sevaka manai joyee. jaun aneeti bisarayee.

"Citizens of Ayodhya, I speak neither with any sentiment or attachment nor with any unjust use of my authority or for self-glorification. Therefore, after listening, act as you deem fit. While he is dear, who follows My regulations, yet brethren, be unafraid to correct Me if I say anything which is not in order".

Shri Ram puts all at ease at the outset, exhorting them to listen to Him without fear or bias. He gives them complete freedom to accept or reject his advice. In today's times, this is as close as it could get to 'Democratic Kingship'. This episode sheds light on two very distinct aspects of Ram Rajya. First, as part of His leela, Shri Ram demonstrated that He was an enlightened, benevolent, liberal (udar) and tolerant (sahishnu) monarch concerned about the welfare of his citizens in this world and the other. Second, even in this patronising action, He is selfless and addresses his subjects as one among equals.

Shri Ram emphasises that though He loves them all, He would not disempower them and take away the most cherished human valuesthe freedom to think and act. This mirrors Shri Krishna's words in Gita 18.63 that He has given Arjun the most profound wisdom on which he should reflect fully and act as he likes. That's the hallmark of a great Guru. He doesn't dictate what should be done. There is no compulsion or force to follow a code of conduct. He guides you to the right path and allows you to tread it according to your inclination.

A speech could be authoritative, friendly, or humble (full of humility and grace). Here, as a King, Shri Ram speaks humbly even to his subjects, exhibiting complete udarta and sahishnuta! / DAILY WORLD /

Namami Ramam Musings-68

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com