Hi,
We make commitments at home and workplace. We give words of promise to children when they demand and even when they don't ask for. We undertake projects at office and agree to meet their time lines. We sign MOUs with clients and accept to meet their terms and conditions. The question is how serious are we about fulfilling the words given, commitments made, or the terms accepted? Let us look at this incidence from The Ramayana and see if we have something to learn in this regard.
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We make commitments at home and workplace. We give words of promise to children when they demand and even when they don't ask for. We undertake projects at office and agree to meet their time lines. We sign MOUs with clients and accept to meet their terms and conditions. The question is how serious are we about fulfilling the words given, commitments made, or the terms accepted? Let us look at this incidence from The Ramayana and see if we have something to learn in this regard.
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Fulfilling a word of promise is indeed the truthfulness .
When Rama was going through his life in exile in the forest, the sages (maharishi's) came to him, explained the various difficulties they were facing from the raakshasas (the asuras), and requested him for his protection. Rama accepted their request and promised that he would protect them from the raakshasas.
Once the sages left, Sita Devi wanted to test Rama how determined he was to do what he told the sages. She warned him saying, "Is it necessary to develop enmity with the raakshasas and invite trouble for us for the sake of these sages?" Rama replied to her, "Yes, it is. I will sacrifice my life and, if need be, leave you and Lakshmana. But I will go to protect them."
Life is dear to everyone. Rama was ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of meeting his words of promise. Sita Devi was dearer to him than his own life. He was ready to leave her. Even dearer than Sita Devi was Lakshmana to him. Rama could live without Sita Devi when she was sent to the forest at the end. It was in the company of Lakshmana that Rama could survive and live after Sita's separation. But the moment Lakshmana gave up his life and left the world, Rama ended his avatar. That meant Lakshmana was the dearest of all to Rama. And, when Rama said he was even ready to leave that dear Lakshmana but not his word of promise, that showed his ultimate truthfulness.
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Once the sages left, Sita Devi wanted to test Rama how determined he was to do what he told the sages. She warned him saying, "Is it necessary to develop enmity with the raakshasas and invite trouble for us for the sake of these sages?" Rama replied to her, "Yes, it is. I will sacrifice my life and, if need be, leave you and Lakshmana. But I will go to protect them."
Life is dear to everyone. Rama was ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of meeting his words of promise. Sita Devi was dearer to him than his own life. He was ready to leave her. Even dearer than Sita Devi was Lakshmana to him. Rama could live without Sita Devi when she was sent to the forest at the end. It was in the company of Lakshmana that Rama could survive and live after Sita's separation. But the moment Lakshmana gave up his life and left the world, Rama ended his avatar. That meant Lakshmana was the dearest of all to Rama. And, when Rama said he was even ready to leave that dear Lakshmana but not his word of promise, that showed his ultimate truthfulness.
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Being truthful is easier said than done. But once said, it is important at least to be conscious of what was promised to and do what is necessary to fulfil it to the best of one's abilities. But despite having the ability, not fulfilling it because of lack of seriousness about it is something that one should watch out and make amends to. Truthfulness brings credibility and builds trustworthiness that are essential for leading a successful career and a happy life.
To your continued SUCCESS,
With love,
Siva
PS: For "Monday Motivations" published earlier on this blog, please find them at the link given below:
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