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Continued from yesterday’s instalment
 Lakshmana, whom we have seen as an angry young man, so ready to protest against injustice done to Rama or just simply whenever he perceived a danger to Rama, is now emerging as a wise counsellor, resource person and the very staff of life for Rama. Notice the words of Lakshmana once again. He is performing a difficult job. He is advising his senior, his elder brother whom he has been valuing as more than his parent, his teacher and his master. In such circumstances, it is extremely important to watch the tone of the language in which the counselling is tendered. Notice how carefully Lakshmana avoids direct references to Rama with pronouns like ‘you’. He uses the word
‘yaam’ (‘thee vinaip piravi vem sirayil patta
yaam,’) ‘we’ instead, modifying the effect of a direct personal reference to the senior that would sound as an advice given from a high pedestal.
This sense of caution is displayed in every verse that carries the comforting or counselling word of Lakshmana. Even if he has to say something to Rama, out of necessity, that requires a direct reference, he is ever so cautious to first refer to the greatness of the person whom he is speaking to and mentions that ‘this does not befit his personality, character, or core strength.’
We have seen this character trait in Angada as well, when he had to perform almost a similar task of drawing the mind of Jambavan to the difficult situation when all the Vanara leaders chose to desert the field at the call of duty, when the core army of Ravana arrived on the scene.
 Rama is rejuvenated and reinvigorated now.
‘mUvagai amararum,’ (even if) the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
‘ulagam mummayum,’ and all the three worlds
‘mEva arum pagai enakku aaga varin,’ come together at the same time, in battle against me,
‘EvarE kadappar’ who can overpower me?
‘embi nee uLai aavadhE vali’ my brother, that I have you by my side is my strength.
‘ini araNum vENdumO?’ Do I need a better fortification?
Let all the celestial forces and all others combine together and come in war against me. When you are there with me by my side, what better bulwark do I need?
The next moment we see Rama’s heart getting prepared to face the situation.
‘piribavar yaavarum piriga.’ Let all those (who are dear to me) be estranged.
‘pEr idar varuvana yaavayum varuga.’ Let many more (seemingly) insurmountable troubles be let loose against us.
‘vaar kazhal seru vali veera!’ Ye, the warrior of the resounding anklet, who is not blunted in battle,
‘nin theerum alladhu’ without being won over by (with) you
‘paruvaral envayin payilar paaladhO’ would any turmoil stay with me and continue to torment me?
Though Rama solidifies now, we soon see him going into despondency and desperation in the cantos. Let’s see how Lakshmana patiently persists and continues his efforts incessantly, bringing about change in the desirable, positive and productive direction, acting as a catalyst.
More follows...
Published on 27th March 2002
Hari Krishnan
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