Abhayam is discussed repeatedly. Why? Because such Fearless people are rarely seen .
We have politicians, celebrities,
ministers etc., who behave like lions in the midst of y, or or Z+ security
afforded to them. Ditto with many CEO, CMDs etc. They also roar like lions,
when they have some limited powers.
One should see them all after their
tenure in office. So where is Abhayam in them?
Then we have seen gang leaders, dacoits,
Naxalites, terrorists etc. showing great courage in their own den or in groups.
Like men hunting wild animals surreptitiously
with Guns, traps etc.,. All depict great courage, like children being very bold outside the cages of lion, crocodiles etc.
Real courage, Abhayam- where is seen?
One case comes to the mind. His name is Dasarath Manji. He was a poor farm labourer from Bihar, who took a decision to cut a road
across a mountain in a Bihar Village. He kept on with the mission, without any bulldozer or latest equipments or money power or men to
support/encourage him and singlehandedly succeeded in his chosen mission after 22 plus long years. Can
one even visualize his feat ?
His efforts were partially recognized by the state government and a movie was also mode on him a few years back- the Mountain Man.
I wonder whether there is any parallel in
human history to his deeds. (Will be glad if
some reader gives some reference). That is raw courage- Abhayam of the highest
order in my estimate.
Many people have much more achievements- but
not got alone. They had a team to support. Hence the unique achievement of Dasarath Manj ! This is worth a research.
Merely wielding a Gun or sword to kill a lion/tiger/innocent
people sleeping at home is not the sign of fearlessness or manliness.
Like as shown in Mother India movie,
struggling against odds and succeeding that is true Abhayam.
Though I don’t know Punjabi, I liked the
song Halla Sheri and its video, referred by a friend. Live like a lion is the
message, I was told. Highly inspiring even to see. For the sheer beauty of the presentation-
enjoy the song on internet. Highly motivating and energy lifting. Halla SHERI PUNJABI SONG • RUPINDER HANDa
We must imbibe such a spirit, more so in
times like this. That will be the path to true Abhayam.
Be happy. Be safe.
6.30 AM
यं हि न व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ |
ReplyDeleteसमदु:खसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते |
The disclaimer before putting my views. I am not subject expert. I share life experiences. Fearlessness, to my mind comes from practicing righteousness. Our conscience is our teacher. We know our ethical standards, integrity and honesty. The examples of armed power weilding are the weakest and mountain man is strong because his intention and deeds are selfless that transmits immense self confidence and power. If we stop amassing wealth we can practice righteousness and uphold ethical human values. The moment we cross that Lakshman rekha, we start asserting power due to latent weakness. Abhayam is Godliness that comes only when we practice divinity in our day today life. Induced by external attractions we build internal weaknesses and develop dual personality.
ReplyDeleteHappiness must possess the following three characteristics:
ReplyDeleteIt must be infinite in extent.
It must be permanent.
It must be ever-fresh.
Such is the happiness of God, which is described as sat-chit-ānand, or eternal-sentient-ocean of bliss. However, the happiness we experience from the contact of the senses with their objects is the reverse; it is temporary, finite, and insentient. Thus, the material happiness that we perceive through the body can never satisfy the divine soul.
With this discrimination, we must practice to tolerate the perception of material happiness. Similarly, we must tolerate the sensation of material distress. (This second aspect is discussed in detail in many future verses, such as 2.48, 5.20, etc.) Only then will we rise above these dualities and the material energy will no longer bind us.
This response is from a reader..
ReplyDelete"Fearlessness for a cause is always laudable. You have given the example of Dasarath Majhi who could not reach hospital on time and lost his wife. That was the trigger for him to build a road by cutting a mountain all by himself so that other people do not suffer in future.
Another example of fearlessness immediately comes to mind is that of Chaitanya Mohaprabhu who introduced bhakti movement in Bengal to resist the tyranny of orthodox Brahmins and invasion of Islamism in Bengal. He fearlessly faced all threats and obstacles and tirelessly worked to popularise a non violent mass movement to organise people and ultimately succeeded in his mission.
There may be many more such examples in history. Thanks for flagging a subject of immense value for everybody."
Very nice of you to have chosen Abhayam as a topic for discussion. In the present day especially when affected by Covid and the fear of getting affected makes one seek Abhayam at any cost.
ReplyDelete