THE COURAGEOUS

Courage is a rare virtue found in mankind! Boldness is often mistaken for courage. While courage is innate and permanent,, boldness is temporary and varies according to situation.  “Dhairye sahasa Lakshmi” is a well known Sanskrit adage. Prosperity smiles on one who has courage. What are the qualities of these courageous people? How do they react to different  situations in life? When the ocean was churned by the Devas, they were not lured by the priceless precious stones that came out! They were not unnerved by the terrible poison that emerged from the mouth of Vasuki! They continued churning till they obtained the life saving elixir  ‘amirta’!  Bhartruhari points out that it is the nature of the courageous to toil till they achieve their goals.The worst are those who don't begin work fearing obstacles or impediments. The second type start their work but when faced by difficulties and disappointments give up their efforts. It is only the courageous that continue despite all troubles and turmoils!

The achiever is not ruffled or affected by difficulties and dangers or joy and happiness on his way! Sometimes he sleeps on the hard earth and at others on cosy, soft, luxurious beds. At times he has simple vegetarian food and at others dines rich delicious fare. His dress is just ordinary at times but very costly and fashionable according to  changing situations! The courageous are not deterred by the abuse of others. Whether in prosperity or poverty they will never stray from the path of law. Likewise they conduct themselves when they die soon or after a long-time! The man of courage is not at all perturbed by the beauty of young damsels. He will not be angry or miserly and greedy! It is impossible to downgrade or denigrate the courageous. Bhartruhari  declares that like the fire which rises upwards always, the courageous maintain their prestige despite other’s criticism.

Conduct and character are the life breath of people with courage! They may fall from the tall cliff of a mountain down to the face of a solid rock! They may even thrust their hand  Into the mouth of snake Adisesha! They may again fall into fire but they shall  never go astray and lose their character! What is the use of guarding conduct and character? How does it  help the man of courage? Bhartruhari explains that to such exceptional men flaming fire turns cool  like chill water; the ocean becomes a small stream to cross over; the lofty Meru mountain turns into a small hill; the fierce lion changes into the  gentle deer; the poisonous serpent becomes a garland and poison itself turns into nectar or “amrit!” In short, whatever is harmful and dangerous converts itself into happiness for those with spotless conduct and character!

Because of their courage and flawless conduct and character, these people are not unduly perturbed or lose heart! They are repositories of hope! They are optimistic! Like a tree that is cut down grows once again and the moon who wanes but again waxes in full glow, they hope to prosper and wait for the  future! Summing up the qualities of the courageous, Bhartruhari says that conduct and character is the best adornment for them! Goodness is the adornment for the master. Valour requires brevity of talk. Jnana is adorned by detachment from mundane things. Scholarship demands humility. Adornment for riches is to use it for the really deserving people. Tapas or penance with anger is useles! Merit and smartness require endurance. For Dharma there should be no cause.  Character​ and conduct is the root cause for prosperity. Therefore it is the greatest jewel that can adorn the courageous in the world!

When we trace the footprints on the sands of time, we come across many personalities that shine brilliantly for their outstanding achievements! In the field of spirituality we see the great Sri Ramakrishna  Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramana Maharshi and several others. Their lives were not bed of roses! They lived and died for the causes they loved the most! The trials and tribulations they accosted were many. It is their courage and conviction that saw them through to the final achievement! That was how saint Ramakrishna had the vision of his dear mother Goddess Kali! In the same way Swami Vivekananda mesmerized the people of America and plunged into social service! We are not unconscious of the intense suffering of Sri Ramana Maharshi who simply ignored it as not his! If these great persons are not courageous who else are? The ordeals they underwent are innumerable but they weathered all the storms by their courage, conduct and character! The priceless thoughts that the ancient poet Bhartruhari  has conveyed eminently fit these sages, saints and savants!! They are the guides whom we should try to follow assiduously in our lives!!!!