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Continued from yesterday’s instalment
 The noteworthy point about Lakshmana is that he would differ with Rama; he would not approve of Rama's patience, his penchant for Dharma and his ways of allowing a long rope to the enemy. He would argue with Rama. In fact he had done so several times, differing from his opinion. He would haughtily disapprove of Rama's adherence to Dharma and would even go to the extent of asking him to go back on his stand. We would see a whole lot of it when in our later instalments. But he would not move into action, take single step forward without a nod from his brother. Rama's final decision would be binding on him, even though he might not accept it as the best course of action.
Take for instance the scene when he wanted to fight against the exile of Rama. This Sloka particularly brings out what lies in the core of Lakshmana. "These arms of mine, which are worthy of (being daubed with) sandal-paste and putting on a pair of armlets, as well as of giving away riches and protecting friends and relations, O Rama, will exert themselves today to stop those who are interrupting your consecration. Speak out, which enemy of yours may be deprived this very day of his life, fame (of invincibility) and relations.
(Pray) instruct me how to proceed so that the globe may be brought under your control. I am at your beck and call." (Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda, Canto XXIII, Sloka 38-40)
 Though highly volatile and explosive in nature, he would not take any action on impulse, unless he has the approval of Rama. He would beg, beseech and implore for orders and instructions. He would not act on his own unless Rama instructs him on particular issues. Rt. Hon'ble Srinivasa Sastriyar remarks, "In spite of his uncontrollable fury, the frenzy of anger, in spite of that Lakshmana is not willing to take the field and apply violence - he is so ready to actually apply violence - unless he, Rama, gives the order. He waits for his consent. Impatient, angry, uncontrolled, nevertheless, he would not take a step without his brother's sanction. So final is his dependence on Rama, so ultimate is the authority that he gives to Rama that however much he differs, he will not take his own line unless it is previously sanctioned."
Well, this was one such occasion. He is fully armoured, armed and ready to venture on a battle with Bharata and his army. But would not move an inch without orders! Rama patiently listens to Lakshmana without interrupting him in anyway. Nor does his body language reveal what runs in his mind. The long and uninterrupted peroration of Lakshmana holds enough proof. Rama knows how to take charge of the situation. He knows that if this excitable creature has to be silenced, he should be listened to, first. He lets him pour out his feelings
And finally when Lakshmana finishes, Rama just smiles. The right beginning for the right situation. Rama reveals his art of situation handling once again. He knows how to calm this excitable creature now. Not only that. He has also noted that the arguments of Lakshmana border on bragging. He knows how to start his response to make this fellow listen.
But before going into that it should be remembered that Lakshmana is not given to bragging. He does so only on two occasions, this being the second one. The first one was in Ayodhya, before commencement of exile.
More follows...
Published on 8-03-02
Hari Krishnan
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