Law of Karma - "Value Systems for Success"

The Law of Detachment..

That, however, does not mean that we have to retire, that is not the idea. If you want to master the desires, you need to stay away from the sensual environment. You need not retire fulltime. You may do it for a short while on a regular basis. You need to frequently resort to a spiritual environment to recharge yourself, to imbibe higher values. Being amidst worldly enjoyments it is rather difficult to gain the strength of detachment because the spiritual inputs are washed away by the torrents of sensual temptations.

In the great Indian epic Ramayanam, the episode of the battle between Vali and Sugrivan signifies this aspect. Vali and Sugrivan were two monkey kings. Vali, the elder brother of Sugirvan usurped the throne and imprisoned Sugrivan’s wife. Sugriva was in a very desperate situation to regain his wife and his kingdom. Lord Rama was also in an identical situation having his consort Sita kidnapped by Ravana, the monster. In the forest, Lord Rama happens to meet Sugrivan. They exchanged their grievances. Sugrivan patiently listened to Rama and said: “Oh Lord, I am also in the same situation. I have lost my wife and my brother Vali has usurped my kingdom. I want my wife and kingdom back.” Rama said “I will help you to fight Vali and regain your kingdom and wife.” But Sugrivan said: “My brother, Vali is not an easy challenge. He has extraordinary powers. Valid had a strange boon. That is whoever opposes, Vali half of the opponent’s strength would come to him. This unique capacity he received as a boon from the Lord.” Rama replied: “Don’t worry. Go and challenge him and I will do the rest”. I will hide behind the tree and shoot him. Surgrivan then went out and challenged Vali. A fierce fight broke out and Sugrivan was no match for Vali. He was badly wounded and barely managed to escape and came to the place where Rama was. Sugrivan was furious with Rama, as he did not shoot Vali as he had promised. “Why did you not come to my help?” Surgrivan lamented to Rama. Rama apologized profusely and said “The problem is that both of you look alike and I was so confused. I would have shot the wrong person” Weeks later Rama urged Sugrivan to challenge Vali again. This time Rama gave a garland to Sugrivan for identification. As the fight began, Rama hide behind a tree and shot down and killed Vali.

..to be continued…

“Value Systems for Success” by M K Angajan