Rama Katha Rasa Vahini - Post 51

A TEACHING TO THE WORLD ON CONDUCT

Dear All,

In and through this conversation between Hanuman and Sita, Swami teaches all of us how we have to conduct ourselves when it comes to dealing between a man and a woman in the society, no matter how pure we are, no matter how spotless our hearts are!!!

Swami writes,

"Hanuman jumped to the ground and whispered to Sita 'Mother! Do not be anxious and grief-stricken. Sit on my back, and I will transport you in a trice to where Rama and Lakshmana are awaiting news about you." Hanuman pleaded in many ways for acceptance of this plan. Sita replied, 

"Hanuman! I am indeed very glad to hear you speak thus. I am sunk and struggling in the sorrow of separation; your sweet words give me solace like a boat on a stormy sea. But, do you not know that I will never contact a person other than my Lord? How then can I sit on your back; consider that." These words of Sita were a sharp repartee which hit Hanuman in the heart and exposed his pettiness and pride for having suggested a dishonourable step. 

But, Hanuman recovered soon and said, "Mother! Am I not your son? What is wrong when the son carries the mother on his back? What evil consequence can follow from that?" He supported his idea with various pleadings and points. In reply, Sita declared, "Hanuman! Of course, for me and for you, the feelings of mother and son are real; but, imagine what the world will think of it. We have to consider that aspect, also, haven't we? We must so live that we are ideals for the lives of others. We should not draw upon ourselves by our acts the ridicule, contempt or condemnation of others; no one should point the finger of scorn at us. And, above all, we must derive self-satisfaction, as a result of our acts. When I know I cannot derive that satisfaction I will never attempt such acts. Even if my life departs, I don't need or crave for another's assistance. 

"Moreover, my Rama has to destroy this vile demon who tortures me; He is the person who has to discharge the responsibility, no one else can. He must come himself into this Lanka, kill this Ravana, and lead this Sita back holding her in His hand - that is the sign of the true hero that He is. That is the sign of genuine valor. Look at this Ravana; he came like a thief in a false form and stole me from my Lord. 

But, Rama is the embodiment of Righteousness; he observes the norms of right behavior. He honours the spoken word. When news spreads that this Rama sent a monkey and brought away Sita without the knowledge of Ravana, it would be dishonoring him. Getting out of here in the way you suggest will surely be treason. We should not resort to mean stratagems. We should guard the fair name of Rama as our very breath. His fame is the deity we adore in our hearts. We have to preserve it unimpaired by thought, word and deed. Your proposal has not given me satisfaction for this reason". Hanuman admired her untarnishable virtue and her steadfast adoration of her Lord, and the loftiness of the ideals she maintained. He extolled her in his mind and recollected her words, in order to draw inspiration therefrom. He said, 

"Mother! Pardon me. Since I saw with my own eyes the

tortures you are undergoing and the pangs of separation which Rama is suffering, I entertained this idea to take you as quickly as possible to the Lotus Feet of the Lord. Pardon me if it was wrong", and fell at her feet, again and again, in great remorse. 

...........When Hanuman was describing the pathetic condition of the brothers, Sita acted as if she was amazed at the love and affection that Rama had towards her. Again and again, she said, "Yes. You too describe only the misery of the men; what do you know, how can you gauge the sorrows of women?" She pretended not to believe all that Hanuman related to her! She watched Hanuman and appreciated his wisdom and powers; she recalled the story of how Rama and Hanuman had met and came to be bound in love and loyalty, and derived great joy and content therefrom. At last, she got firm faith in Hanuman and his mission. 

Again and again, Hanuman pleaded, "Mother! Why this feeling of separateness? Why spend days and months in agony and pain? Please sit on my back and I shall take you in a trice to the Presence of Rama." Sita noted the anxiety of Hanuman to win his point in spite of her arguments, moral and spiritual, legal and worldly; she decided therefore to stop further conversation on this score by a sharp repartee. 

She said, "Hanuman! Are you or are you not one who obeys strictly the commands of Rama?" Hanuman replied, "Yes. I would rather give up my life than go against the commands of Rama or disobey His orders." He banged his chest with his fist in order to lend emphasis to his declaration. "Well. Consider this. Did Rama command you to seek me out and bring him information about where I am after seeing me, or, did He ask you to bring me with you?" 

Hanuman was rendered dumb by this question. He could not continue his pleadings. He said, "Mother! I did not think so deep into the consequences of my proposal. I ask pardon again." From that moment, he never broached that matter.

Love.