SHRIRAMA’S COMPASSION TO HIS

CHALLENGERS
NAME: VISAKA SRIRAM

CATEGORY: IIIB (16-18)

Out of Lord Rama’s sixteen divine qualities, his nature of ‘veeryavan’ is most
acclaimed. Possessing the kodanda bow that he gracefully grips in his muscular
arms, and a mind brimming with knowledge of the divine Astras, this scion of
Raghuvamsha radiates courage and valor (veeram) like none other. This quality is
evident from a tender age, when he managed to defeat the thwarters of Rishi-
Vishwamitra’s Yagna with unprecedented ease and confidence.
As I examined these glorious and courageous anecdotes from ShriRama’s life, I
discovered an obscured quality in each of them, one he repeatedly exhibited in
nearly all of his encounters. The quality of providing second chances – even to his
enemies. Personally, the latter appealed to me much more than any brave feat of
Rama, the Maryada-Purushotthama. Here is a human, who strived to understand the
nature of his enemies - offering them second chances, which gained him my lifelong
admiration. Let us delve deeper into these episodes.
At the tender age of 12, the beloved son of Kaushalya agreed to protect the Yagna of
forest-dwelling Rishis from evil minded Rakshasas. After slaying Tataka, a forest
demoness, her sons MaareEcha and Subahu charged after Rama and Lakshmana,
bent on destroying the Yagna and avenging the death of their mother. In this battle,
Rama could have finished MaareEcha once and for all. Yet, he sensed the possibility
of a potential change in MaareEcha’s character and decided to offer him a second
chance, an opportunity to turn a new leaf. Such a thought wouldn’t have crossed the
head of a grown human – our natural instinct is to put an end to our rivals without
considering their situation and personalities. Yet, it crossed the mind of a mere boy,
who extended his compassion even to a fearful Rakshasa.
Several years later, during Rama, Lakshmana and Seetha’s stay in the
Dandakaaranya forest, Jayanta, the son of Indra went ballistic when Seetha refused
to marry him. Unable to repress his emotions, he took the form of a demonic crow
and started pecking her repeatedly. Rama, pained by the harassment of his beloved
wife, aimed the Brahmastra at Jayanta. In the last minute however, Jayanta pleaded
mercy and Rama, despite being livid, decided to give him a second chance.
During the Yuddha Kanda of the Ramayana, Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana
approached Rama as a refugee. Albeit Rama was aware that Vibhishana was the
brother of his sworn enemy Ravana, he did not turn him down and welcomed him
with open arms, granting him the opportunity to alter his lifestyle.
In fact, Rama portrayed this quality of mercy to Ravana himself! This is beautifully
delineated in the Kamba Ramayana by the verse, ‘Indru Poi Naalai Vaa.’ Towards the
end of another rigorous day of battle, Ravana stuttered, completely disarmed. While
Rama could have successfully terminated his rescue operation then and there by
killing Ravana, he chose to grant him a second chance and allowed him to return the
next day, recouped.
Similarly, Rama did not slay Parashurama, even after the latter tried to humiliate
him. Upon realizing that Bhargava’s pride had been humbled, Rama spared his life
and we discern the same pattern– Rama gave Jamadagni’s son an opportunity to
modify his ways.
Clearly, Shree Rama displays significant ‘veeram’ even in forgiveness. When enemies
are on the brink of being subdued, curbing one’s rage and offering them a second
chance is no small deed. Even though there is a risk factor of the enemy relaunching
an attack, Rama chose to trust fellow beings, thus demonstrating immense mental
strength and valor. Jai Shriram!
(596 words)