Situation Creates an Unforced Error?
The manner in which the foremost warrior of the day, Vali was killed is sad even by today's yardstick. Rama blindly accepted Sugriva's version of events. Rama's defence could be that he was already battling his own sad situation, his wife missing. Thus, more vulnerable to being influenced on similar issues. But an unforced error surely.
Rama's Anger Understandable, but...
It may be easy to understand Rama's anger when Sugriva told him Vali had married Sugriva's wife, Ruma, after banishing him. But Rama was no common man, a highly qualified Prince, trained by two of the foremost sages of the time, Vasishtha & Vishwamitra in all the necessary arts & sciences.
Verifying Facts before Vilifying Vali
Rama ought to have checked Vali's version & also explored options for mediation. There seems no record in the Ramayana of Rama attempting that. Rama tried engaging with even Ravana before waging war. Even if Sugriva's version had proved accurate, Vali may still have welcomed his brother back, had the negotiations been well-crafted.
Vanara Customs... maybe not Vali's Cupidity
Sugriva had once assumed Vali had died in battle with demon Mayavi inside a cave. Did not Sugriva return to the kingdom, assume kingship, and marry his elder brother's wife, Tara?Also, after the deplorable death (by deceit) of Vali at the hands of Rama, did Sugriva not marry Tara again? It looks like it had been the acceptable and prevalent custom among the 'Vanars'. Tara has a son, Angad through her husband, Vali. But there seems no mention in the Ramayana of any child of Ruma (Sugriva's wife). Maybe Vali did not even consummate his marriage to Ruma. Just married her, as deemed by Vanara customs. Valmiki may not have had the benefit of modern-day paparazzi to really know some private details.
Walking the Walk, Talking the Talk
It is important that Leaders do not see through the blinkered lens of their own value systems/ practices. They also need to be open-minded & look for negotiation/ reconciliation. Violence or actions that precipitate matters & lead to irremediable outcomes are best avoided. The last resort, if at all.
Choosing Your Lens as Convenient - the Marital and the Martial
In matters of marital customs, Rama naively accepted Sugriva's narrative of Vali's behaviour because he was conditioned to look at issues with Kosala's (Kingdom of which Ayodhya was the capital) perspective. But Rama conveniently chose to commit 'Adharma' by Kosala standards to kill Vali, something no warrior, even today, may really be proud of. Vali's 'transgression' (as understood by Rama with the Kosala lens) provided enough justification.
Making An Assasin Of Ourselves
It is just as well that with some struggle, Rama managed to defeat Ravana's army & also kill him. Else Vali's killing besides being immoral & unethical could also have been a colossal blunder. Just befriending Vali while mediating between the brothers may have helped Rama get back Sita in a day. Remember even the mighty Ravana was scared of Vali!
Trying to be Discrete - Doing the Deceit Rather Than the Duel; but...
No one, including Rama could never challenge Vali to a direct duel, due to Vali's boon. But strange that Rama being who he was (calm & wise), never even tried to mediate between Vali & Sugriva. Maybe in the cosmic scheme of things, things just happen. The best of us go through the motions as pawns moved by the Karmic/ Kosmic Operating System.
(to be continued)
Concluding Part - 5 of 5 - Expectant Parents Timing C-Sec Deliveries
Comments