TRUTH

TRUTH

Truth is of priceless value cherished in Indian tradition from time immemorial. Rama, as in Indian idol hero, stands as a symbol of truth throughout the epic. Even at the time of several hardships he remains unshaken and sticks to the ethical idea of truth. Revered sage Jabali advised him to accept his kingdom when Bharata offers him to take over as the king. But he put forth the argument, “I cannot follow adharma, putting an appearance of doing dharma. I want to be a model to my people by my conduct. If I conduct myself in a licentious way the world will follow me as a king.” He makes significant remark that truthfulness without wicked motive is the ever existing practice of princes. Therefore the kingdom rests on truth only. May, the world itself is founded on truth. People run away from liars as if they are scared of serpents. Truth is the root of all and dharma culminates in truth.

Truth is God and there is nothing superior to truth. The entire Vedic rituals are derived from truth, the austerities lies in truth, may the Vedas are founded on truth. Hence one should follow truth. These utterances of Rama reflect the highest value given to Indian tradition. Valmiki’s references to the Vedas as founded on truth shows the high ethical standards the Vedas stands for in the view of the poet. Rama rejects all appeals to restrain himself from going to the forest anchoring him to truth.