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Continued
from yesterday's instalment
 Rama embraced Sugriva, relieved at the fact that he was alive and he came back. “Observing the marks of a conflict on the person of Sugriva, and closely embracing him, Sri Rama, the eldest (half-) brother of Lakshmana, forthwith spoke to Sugriva,” says Valmiki. (Yuddha Kanda, Canto XLI, Sloka 1)
That took sometime for Sri Rama to regain his senses. Though he was happy that Sugriva came back and was sorry for his condition, he was not happy with what the latter did. ‘You should have spoken to us before doing such a thing Sugriva!’ said Rama. “Without duly holding consultation with me, this aforesaid precipitate act has been done by you. Sovereigns do not undertake such daring acts. Exposing to risk me as well as this army as also Vibishana standing here, O hero fond of daring acts, this precipitate action causing agony has been done by you. Never repeat such an act any more, O tamer of foes!” (Ibid, Sloka 2,3 and 4 [part])
‘It does not befit kings to undertake such thoughtless acts of dare-devilry. You have responsibility. You cannot take such risks for nothing. There is a vast army; there are your deputies, ministers, counsellors and allies. You should have a sense of proportion, Sugriva. You cannot do such things.’
An example of rash behaviour, which a chief should not indulge in, whatever be the reward. And the reward in this instance is not anything, excepting a few precious stones from the diadems of Ravana and of course, inflicting insult on him and causing untold agony to
Rama.
Rama says further. ‘perumayum vaNmaidhaanum pErizhil aaNmaidhanum orumayin uNara nOkkin porayinadhu ootram andrE!’ If you think deeper, O Sugriva! One’s fame, strength of character, prowess and chivalry are strengthened by, nay, are the results of the great quality of patience, self-restraint and prudence. Whatever your physical strength and whatever the power you wield be, you will not be worth your name, if you do not cultivate patience and prudence and observe self-restraint, knowing when to act and when to stop. Knowing what should be done and what indeed should not be.
That’s why Valluvar says -
‘sei thakka alla seyak kedum seythakka
seyyaamayaanum kedum.’ (Kural 466)
“He will perish who does what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to do.” It is the right or the wrong of a deed, whether it befits the person concerned or not, and whether it is in consonance with the times that bring a person the reputation that he deserves. A person is judged by his deeds and the basis on which he acts.
 Sugriva was disillusioned but was surrounded by guilt feelings.
‘kaatilE kazhugin vEndhan seydhana kaata maatEn.’ I could not do what the king of Vultures, Jatayu, did in the forest.
‘naatilE guhanaar seydha nanmayai nayakka maaten.’ Nor could I match the good deeds done by Guha the hunter-chief and the head of boatmen.
‘kEtilEn indru.’ Not that I have not heard of what they did.
‘kaNdum kiLi mozhi maadhraaLai meetilEn.’ Even after I set my eyes (on Ravana) I did not bring Sita back.
‘thalaigaL pathum koNarndhu ilEn.’ Nor did I bring the heads ten of Ravana.
‘verum kai vandhEn.’ I returned empty handed.
That is the difficulty with the likes of Sugriva. They are either overjoyed, overenthusiastic or too ready to be submerged in a fathomless ocean of melancholy!
More follows...
Hari Krishnan
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