Detachment!

Rām further appreciated contributions & said-the exertion of Vibhishana, who after deserting his brother (void of good qualities) sought my presence, is fruitful today. Hearing the words spoken thus by Rām, Sitā with her eyes wide open like that of a female deer, was bathed in tears

Rām’s brows were then knit & he looked at Sitā out of the corner of his eyes. He then spoke words in the presence of all Vānaras & demons, which was not well received by Sitā. He said-I’ve done everything that one should do to clear himself of the blot laid upon him by another. In far past demon Ilavala made south inaccessible for all creatures & Sage Agastya, with his divine wisdom slew him & rescued the region from his tyranny

I’ve rescued you from the enemy that took you away, thanks to the valor of my friends who built the bridge to cross the ocean. But do not delude yourself with fond thought that I did all this for you. I’ve come in the spotless lineage of Ikshavāku clan, and hence due to its fame, it behooves me to discharge my duty as a Kshatriya. I have washed off the black ill-fame cast upon me

You dwelt in the house of wicked Rāvan, hence your time spent there is open to suspicion. A man with a sore eye cannot stand bright light, similarly I can’t withstand you standing before me. Do not stand in my presence, I’ve no use for you. The wide world is open to you & you’ve my permission to go your way

Which noble man, born in illustrious race, will take back a woman, who lived in another’s abode? How can I accept you, who harassed by Rāvan & was seen by his evil looks? You’re rescued by me only to retrieve my lost honor & as that has been restored, you may go wherever you may like from here. I have no attachment for you

I’ve spoken all this with a resolved mind, said Rām

A leader always foresees that he establishes principles over and above his personal conveniences. Here Rām faced ethical dilemma about his duties as a King & as a husband. As a husband he was duty bound to protect his wife, but as a King he was duty bound to exemplify & teach detachment to his subjects. If the subjects felt that Rām was so attached to Sitā as to accept her in all circumstances, then they would consciously and subconsciously use this example to rationalize their own attachments

Detachment is a big virtue of elevated souls. Rām himself had no doubts about Sita’s purity, but anticipating people’s objections, he is preparing to address them. As Maryada Purushottam, the Supreme Lord is exemplifying adherence to principles more than anything else, and here his foremost responsibility is that of a king

yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ

sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute lokas tad anuvartate

Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.

Thoughts? #gameoflife