Sita convinces Ram

In the recent days, I have been engrossed in reading Ramayana, very deeply in fact. In it I have found simple conversations worth remembering. At many instances we don’t pay much attention to simple dialogues. But when you ponder about what few people say, they convey a deeper meaning.

The great epics are full of such values. One must learn to delve deep in order to understand the inner meaning. It may initially be very difficult to apply in life, but once you start, no sooner will life become less complicated.

A short enjoyable read….

The assembly hall waited with bated breath for their new King’s coronation. Dasharatha had decided to retire. The family had unanimously decided to make Ram the new King of Ayodhya. While the coronation was proceeding swiftly with hundreds of men at work, the crowd that had gathered outside had thronged from far and wide to get a glimpse of their new King.

However, the close family members of Dasharatha had sunk into sorrow. The news of Kaikeyi’s ambition had reached the private quarters of Kausalya. She lamented aloud. She said, “Ram, how do you think I can live in this palace anymore? Please allow me to accompany you wherever you go. As a mother, I would like to be close to my son in the far end of my life.”

Ram, the knower of all Dharma was quick to respond. “Mother, the anxiety of your son’s departure to the forest has definitely clouded your judgement. It is your very duty to serve your husband, my father Dasharatha at this ripened age. That becomes your primary responsibility over the grief of my departure. Please remember that I will be back after fourteen years. But you must not fail in your primary duty.”

Realizing that her son’s counsel was in the path of good Dharma, she yielded to his advice. She tenderly embraced her son into an affectionate hug and said, “Dear son, you are following the orderly path of Dharma. So be it. Follow the orders of your dear father and return in glory.”

Just like how the crowd waited with bated breath, Sita waited in her apartment for Ram to come seated on a chariot. To her dismay, Ram walked into her apartment with bright effulgence. He had entered alone without a retinue to follow. She observed that her husband was in a terrible conflict with his mind.

Ram was thinking how he could break this news to his beloved?

Sita was quick to implore, “I was expecting you to be followed by a retinue of soldiers, but you have arrived alone and unattended. Is there a matter of concern? I sense that you are presently going through a crisis of conflict in your mind.”

Ram stated, “My dear love. It is by the order of the King that I will not be coronated, but will journey forest ward for fourteen years.”

He continued; “I know that you are sorrowful about my departure. You will have to stay without me for fourteen years. I do not have to remind you about your duties towards my father, the King and my mothers. My brother Bharatha will be crowned as the King of Ayodhya. Be loyal to my brother and do not offend his feelings. I will return after fourteen years and I know that your love for me will not reduce. Please do not forget your ceremonial duties in the palace.”

Sita was taken aback at the happening. Her love for Ram personified into anger. She importuned, “I am aghast listening to your ripened speech. You have spoken Dharma from your view point. It is not acceptable when you say that I bear no duty towards you. I am bewildered by your thought that I have no right to share your sorrow. I believe that your providence is mine too and when you walk forest-ward, I will follow you. I am stubborn about my decision. I will walk before you as a dutiful wife and clear the path of thorns and poisonous shrubs.

Your words aren’t sweet nectar to my ears. My father has commanded me that I must follow my husband’s will. But your argument is in a different context. My father’s command is my action. I will follow you to the forest as well. Don’t take me as a weakling that I may not be able to walk distances on barefoot. I will thrive on the fruits and shoots. I will consider this as a joyous holiday with my spouse. This is Dharma and I wish to not waiver from it.”

Even before Ram could say anything further, Sita said, “I have longed to travel into the woods with you by my side. I wanted to explore the forests and the rivers. I wished to meet the sages and now it is all coming true. Let me follow you. I will assure you that I will not be a burden to you, instead I will be of great help to you. Have mercy on me. I don’t wish to live without you.”

Ram watched her as she continued with tears in her eyes, “Great sages in Mithila had predicted that I would live for long years in the forest. I worried that I may become alone. But now I will have you to stay with you and that is heaven to me. Do not leave me behind. I will accompany you wherever you go. That is the prime duty of a wife and I don’t want to go against it.

Her words filled Ram’s heart with greater love for her. He consented not only because of her ripened thoughts but because he had the confidence to protect her.

It was decided that Sita would accompany Ram. She sent her aids to distribute her belongings to the poor. She bedecked herself in a simple saree and got herself ready for forest life.

As the couple accompanied by Lakshmana stood on the main corridor of the Palace, the crowd cheered and wept in intervals as no one was ready to send their beloved Ram away.

Short and simple, yet Sita convinces leaving Ram short of words….

What do you feel?

It is important for us to be like Sita impelling morality and righteousness rather than propelling disharmony.