July 22 - Sargas 109 and 110 of Ayodhya Kanda.
Sri Rama rejects outright the materialistic and self-seeking approach recommended by sage Jabali. He explains the importance of adhering to truth and Dharma.
Jabali says, of course, the only reason he argued so was to somehow get Sri Rama to return to Ayodhya.
Now sage Vasishtha steps in and defends Jabali. He then explains at length the celebrated lineage of Ikshwakus. Finally he says that it is Sri Rama's duty to uphold the time-honoured tradition of Ikshwakus that the eldest son alone shall be the king.
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भवान् मे प्रियकामार्थं वचनं यदिहोक्तवान् ।
अकार्यं कार्यसंकाशमपथ्यं पथ्यसन्निभम्
॥
Sri Rama responds to sage Jabali:
"Respected Sir, you have spoken these words wishing for my wellbeing. But couched as desirable actions, what you recommend are undesirable acts. What is presented as a proper remedy is indeed to be known as contra-indicated."
Sri Rama elaborates how people of mean conduct can be hypocritical and paint themselves as Dharmic. It will be discovered for its falsity and invite scorn and retribution for sure. How can one who considers himself noble and full of discrimination cause confusion and harm to the world by such acts?
यद्वृत्ताः सन्ति राजानः तद्वृत्ताः सन्ति हि प्रजाः । सत्यमेवानृशंसं च राजवृत्तं सनातनम् ॥
"Whatever conduct the rulers display is emulated automatically by the people. That is why truth and nonviolence are the hallmarks of good conduct for rulers from time immemorial."
सत्यमेवेश्वरो लोके सत्ये धर्मः सदाश्रितः ।
सत्यमूलानि सर्वाणि सत्यान्नास्ति परं पदम् ॥
" Truth is God. What we term as Dharma, righteousness, in the world, is always based on truth. All things of value are rooted in truth and indeed there is no redemption greater than truth."
Sri Rama then says somewhat peevishly that if taking over the kingdom is the right course for a kshatriya, fie on kshatriyas. He doesn't care for such options and truth is the unassailable guiding principle in his life.
स्थिरा मया प्रतिज्ञाता प्रतिज्ञा गुरुसन्निधौ ।
प्रहृष्टमानसा देवी कैकेयी चाभवत् तदा ॥
"The promise I made to my father was firm and irrevocable. Devi Kaikeyi witnessed it and was gladdened by my vow."
Sri Rama dilates on why rishis and great souls pursue the path of truth and why that confers on them heaven and salvation. He makes it amply clear that he rejects with contempt the "Nastika" materialistic and opportunistic course so eloquently recommended by Jabali.
Somewhat sheepishly, the sage replies that he was taking that stance only to make Sri Rama change his mind and return to Ayodhya. Jabali says his stance on Astika and Nasika points of view are flexible and dictated by the situation.
Then sage Vasishtha steps in. He tells Sri Rama that instead of chastising Jabali for his advice he should understand the compelling reasons behind it.
He then gives a summary of the hoary lineage of kings called Ikshwakus. How they are descended from Brahma himself. How great kings like Sagara, Raghu, Trishanku, Mandhata, Dileepa, and Bhagiratha are Sri Rama's ancestors. As the first born son of Dasharatha Sri Rama has a duty to the dynasty.
स राघवाणां कुलधर्ममात्मनः
सनातनं नाद्य विहन्तुमर्हसि ।
प्रभूतरत्नामनुशाधि मेदिनीं
प्रभूतराष्ट्रां पितृवन्महायशः ॥
Sage Vasishtha tells Sri Rama, "Therefore, Rama, you should not abandon at this juncture the eternal tradition of your ancestors and the dynasty of Raghus. Rule this kingdom full of treasures and immense land well like your father and earn a great name for yourself."
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॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥
